2012 Kia RIO

● Typical for this model

2012 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:12:28.850Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2012: 52 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2000	3
2001	223
2002	128
2003	74
2004	38
2005	36
2006	74
2007	46
2008	46
2009	39
2010	26
2011	24
2012	52
2013	153
2014	51
2015	52
2016	77
2017	31
2018	27
2019	21
2020	26
2021	15
2022	10
2023	12

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 44%

44% of complaints: engine — 23 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Waiting to get air in my tire. Car was turned off and the car started fire under the hood.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260205

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH, WHITE SMOKE APPEARED AND FLAMES STARTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200317

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 25 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200221

AIR BAGS 23%

23% of complaints: air bags — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

WE RAN INTO A TELEPHONE POLL AT ABOUT 25 MILES AN HOUR AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOOK, PASSENGER HIT THE WINDSHIELD WITH HEAD AND DRIVER HIT HIS CHEST INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND HURT CHEST. *TR

NHTSA ODI report, 20130117

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 7 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 12%

12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 12%

12% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT ENGINE STARTUP, ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FAILED TO WORK THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120828

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

R 20240329 — service brakes, hydraulic

Kia America, Inc.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023.

Campaign 23V652000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2012 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine issues (23 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for air bags issues (12 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 23V652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ● 2005 ● 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ■ 2013 ■ 2002

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2012 Kia RIO reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Kia RIO is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia RIO?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Kia RIO have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.