MYRModel Year Report

2021 Kia RIO

○ Not enough data
2021 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:33.318Z

Only 15 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 15 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
15

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2021

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2002: 128 complaints 2003: 74 complaints 2003 2004: 38 complaints 2005: 37 complaints 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 46 complaints 2008: 46 complaints 2009: 39 complaints 2009 2010: 26 complaints 2011: 24 complaints 2012: 54 complaints 2012 2013: 153 complaints 2014: 52 complaints 2015: 52 complaints 2015 2016: 79 complaints 2017: 31 complaints 2018: 28 complaints 2018 2019: 22 complaints 2020: 27 complaints 2021: 15 complaints 2021 15 2022: 12 complaints 2023: 12 complaints
2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2002: 128 complaints 2002 2003: 74 complaints 2004: 38 complaints 2004 2005: 37 complaints 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 46 complaints 2008: 46 complaints 2008 2009: 39 complaints 2010: 26 complaints 2010 2011: 24 complaints 2012: 54 complaints 2012 2013: 153 complaints 2014: 52 complaints 2014 2015: 52 complaints 2016: 79 complaints 2016 2017: 31 complaints 2018: 28 complaints 2018 2019: 22 complaints 2020: 27 complaints 2021: 15 complaints 2021 15 2022: 12 complaints 2023: 12 complaints
2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2001 2002: 128 complaints 2002 2003: 74 complaints 2003 2004: 38 complaints 2004 2005: 37 complaints 2005 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 46 complaints 2007 2008: 46 complaints 2008 2009: 39 complaints 2009 2010: 26 complaints 2010 2011: 24 complaints 2011 2012: 54 complaints 2012 2013: 153 complaints 2013 2014: 52 complaints 2014 2015: 52 complaints 2015 2016: 79 complaints 2016 2017: 31 complaints 2017 2018: 28 complaints 2018 2019: 22 complaints 2019 2020: 27 complaints 2020 2021: 15 complaints 2021 15 2022: 12 complaints 2022 2023: 12 complaints 2023

2021: 15 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20003
2001223
2002128
200374
200438
200537
200674
200746
200846
200939
201026
201124
201254
2013153
201452
201552
201679
201731
201828
201922
202027
202115
202212
202312

Known problem areas

Only 15 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Steering

4 of 15 total reports mention: steering.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Having been complaining about a noise from under the front right tire, I was initially told it was a little piece of plastic and that got cut off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-11-30

Also filed under Service brakes

Steering Gear Assembly completely broke at 81,000 miles. My daughter was backing up in a busy street at 5pm and lost 100 percent of steering control. Lucking cars dodged her and she didn’t get hurt or worse.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-05-14

Service brakes

3 of 15 total reports mention: service brakes.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle failed to reduce speed effectively while trying to avoid a collision with another vehicle during a left turn, which then caused the vehicle to turn widely and collide with the curb.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-01-19

Power train

2 of 15 total reports mention: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

Placed car in park got out to open a gate. Car took off forward even when shifter was in Park Position and almost ran a child over.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-14

Engine

2 of 15 total reports mention: engine.

Lane departure

2 of 15 total reports mention: lane departure, most commonly citing warning and assist.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2022-01-11Service brakes, hydraulic21V936000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC223.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2022-05-27Steering22V304000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.

    Remedy: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2021 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 21V936000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 22V304000 · Steering
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2021 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 2021 Kia RIO?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia RIO have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.