MYRModel Year Report

2019 Kia RIO

○ Not enough data
2019 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:12:38.821Z

Only 21 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 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia RIO Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2019 highlighted. 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2002: 128 complaints 2003: 74 complaints 2003 2004: 38 complaints 2005: 36 complaints 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 46 complaints 2008: 46 complaints 2009: 39 complaints 2009 2010: 26 complaints 2011: 24 complaints 2012: 52 complaints 2012 2013: 153 complaints 2014: 51 complaints 2015: 52 complaints 2015 2016: 77 complaints 2017: 31 complaints 2018: 27 complaints 2018 2019: 21 complaints 2019 2020: 26 complaints 2021: 15 complaints 2021 2022: 10 complaints 2023: 12 complaints 2023
2019: 21 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20003
2001223
2002128
200374
200438
200536
200674
200746
200846
200939
201026
201124
201252
2013153
201451
201552
201677
201731
201827
201921
202026
202115
202210
202312

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE

6 of 21 total reports mention: engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The oil light flashed in the car once after an oil change, so I took the car back the very next day to the mechanic and he said there was no oil in the car at the time.

NHTSA ODI report, 20241031

AIR BAGS

3 of 21 total reports mention: air bags.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN THE RIGHT LANE, ANOTHER VEHICLE TURNED FROM THE CENTER LANE AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190506

STEERING

2 of 21 total reports mention: steering.

POWER TRAIN

2 of 21 total reports mention: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

The oil light flashed in the car once after an oil change, so I took the car back the very next day to the mechanic and he said there was no oil in the car at the time.

NHTSA ODI report, 20241031

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 of 21 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20220210 — latches/locks/linkages

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.

Campaign 21V622000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2019 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 21V622000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ● 2005 ● 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ■ 2013 ■ 2002

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2019 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 2019 Kia RIO?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2019 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.