2017 Kia RIO
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
35% of complaints: engine — 11 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the front hood started emitting smoke. In addition, the brake pedal failed to function as intended.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231025
The contact owned a Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power. Various unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was veered to the side of the road and the vehicle was shut off.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231005
19% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 6 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: air bags — 3 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WAS ENVOLVED IN A WRECK TO WHERE I WENT OFF THE ROAD HIT A STOP SIGN,,A TELEPHONE BOX,,A OAK TREE THEN A PINE TREE AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED NOW MY WIFE HAS A BROKEN BACK AND CHEST BONE,,I GOT A BUSTED UP KNEE A SPRANG SHOLDER NECK AND BACK
NHTSA ODI report, 20180924
WAS RUN OFF THE ROAD AT 55 MPH HITTING A STOP SIGN A TELEPHONE BOX A OAK TREE THEN A PINE TREE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR DID THE SEAT BELTS LOCK UP WIFE HAS A BROKEN BACK AND CHEST BONE
NHTSA ODI report, 20180906
6% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
Campaign 23V594000 — check if this car was fixed
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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
2017 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 23V594000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2017 Kia RIO reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Kia RIO is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia RIO?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia RIO have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.