2018 Kia RIO
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2018
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2018: 28 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 223 |
| 2002 | 128 |
| 2003 | 74 |
| 2004 | 38 |
| 2005 | 37 |
| 2006 | 74 |
| 2007 | 46 |
| 2008 | 46 |
| 2009 | 39 |
| 2010 | 26 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2012 | 54 |
| 2013 | 153 |
| 2014 | 52 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 79 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 28 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine
15 of 28 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
My 2018 Kia Rio actually lit up on fire as I was driving down the highway on way to work. As I drove down the highway, I noticed that I had trouble using the brakes. It seemed as if they were working one second and then not working the next.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-06-09
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and service brakes
The Components that have malfunctioned are the airbags, exaust system, electrical systems, sensors, gaskets, and a few other things. We had 5 failed clockspring repairs.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-05
Also filed under Air bags and electrical system
Air bags
5 of 28 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
I hit a deer head on going 74 MPH on the Pennsylvania turnpike. Severe front end damage. Airbags did not deploy
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-12-27
Electrical system
5 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing key/sender.
Fuel/propulsion system
2 of 28 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
On 10/02/2021 - Was at a stop, put car in drive press the peddle car accelerated at high speed, miss another car and hit tree. Accident cause by acceleration issue with KIA Rio. Need advice on how to get KIA to replace total vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-10-14
Also filed under Power train
Exterior lighting
2 of 28 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2022-02-10Latches/locks/linkages21V622000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 15 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V622000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Kia RIO reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia RIO?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Kia RIO have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.