FaultScore

FaultScore report

2019 KIA RIO problems

Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 2019 KIA RIO with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026. The largest single group is the other & unspecified. Across this model's run it ranks 17 of 23 worst.

C

FaultScore 59/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the KIA RIO.

How this is worked out

The numbers

29

Complaints

5

Crashes reported

2

Fires reported

5

Injuries reported

8,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

90%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 18 vs 50 Severity 100 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 18
Against the median year of the KIA RIO. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
41.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
90% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2019 compares with every other KIA RIO

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2019 KIA RIO

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Other & Unspecified 9 31.0%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 8,000 mi

Engine & Cooling 6 20.7%

0 crashes, 1 fires

Airbags 3 10.3%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 18,051 mi

Steering 2 6.9%

Median failure at 460 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 2 6.9%

Median failure at 8,000 miles

Stability & Traction Control 1 3.4%

Median failure at 8,000 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 1 3.4%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 3.4%

Median failure at 8,000 miles

Suspension 1 3.4%

Median failure at 900 miles

Body & Structure 1 3.4%
Brakes 1 3.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 8,000 mi

Electrical System 1 3.4%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 4 40.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 5 50.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 1 10.0%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2019 Kia Rio 5 HB FWD
2019 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Jan 2019 peak 3 Jun 2026

Recalls on the 2019 KIA RIO

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2021504 32,274 units in Canada

Structure

Issue: On certain vehicles, a part in the trunk release latch could fail. If this happens, the emergency trunk release located inside the trunk compartment may not work properly. This could prevent a person that is trapped inside the trunk from opening it. Safety Risk: If a person is closed inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out. This could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the trunk latch assembly.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Clarksville, TN Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

Victim was hit head on by a truck. Victim was going 10-15mph truck faster. Victim was t-boned on the driver side at the front tire. The entire front fender and frame were damaged. Victim sub-stained a bad shoulder injury and ptsd. Air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA complaint #11533077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Patton, PA Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Unknown of specifics. I was driving up a hill. I heard a loud pop. I pulled off the side of the road. The battery light, oil light, and one other came on. I turned my car off. Tried to start it, again however it sounded like the starter wasn't working. Then smoke started to come out of the car. Within 10 minutes my entire car was consumed in flames. A bystander stated the same thing happened to someone she knows- same make & model of car... about two weeks prior. Police believe there was something faulty within the car.

NHTSA complaint #11462323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Patton, PA Fire

ENGINE

Unknown of specifics. I was driving up a hill. I heard a loud pop. I pulled off the side of the road. The battery light, oil light, and one other came on. I turned my car off. Tried to start it, again however it sounded like the starter wasn't working. Then smoke started to come out of the car. Within 10 minutes my entire car was consumed in flames. A bystander stated the same thing happened to someone she knows- same make & model of car... about two weeks prior. Police believe there was something faulty within the car.

NHTSA complaint #11462323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles North Fort Myers, FL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA RIO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 42 MPH, WHILE IN THE LEFT LANE TO GO STRAIGHT. ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS IN THE TURNING LANE TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE MADE A RIGHT TURN INSTEAD AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE LEFT FRONT TIRE CAUSING THE TIRE TO EXPLODE WITH IMPACT. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE OTHER VEHICLE PUSHED THE VEHICLE AT HIGH SPEED, THE VEHICLE LANDED INTO A DITCH AND CAME TO A STOP. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER HIT HER HEAD AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK, ARM HEAD, FOOT AND RIGHT WRIST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE OTHER DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAINED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000.

NHTSA complaint #11377300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,000 miles Lake City, FL Crash 1 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN I APPROACHED A GREEN LIGHT IT TURNED YELLOW I MASH DOWN ON MY BRAKE IT ENGAGED FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS AND IT GAVE ON ME AND I COULD NOT GET THE BRAKE TO ENGAGE AGAIN I COULD NOT STOP FOR THE LIGHT AND WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #11309662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,000 miles Lake City, FL Crash 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN I APPROACHED A GREEN LIGHT IT TURNED YELLOW I MASH DOWN ON MY BRAKE IT ENGAGED FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS AND IT GAVE ON ME AND I COULD NOT GET THE BRAKE TO ENGAGE AGAIN I COULD NOT STOP FOR THE LIGHT AND WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #11309662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Birdsboro, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

There was no accident the radio/backup camera shuts down completely on the inside of the car when the car is too hot inside

NHTSA complaint #11744013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Birdsboro, PA

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

There was no accident the radio/backup camera shuts down completely on the inside of the car when the car is too hot inside

NHTSA complaint #11744013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Pewee Valley, KY

STRUCTURE:BODY

2019 Kia Rio Hatchback trunk latch failure buzzing actuator but won't open emergency release does not work dealer says not covered under recall #21V622000 which covers the trunk for 4 door 2019 Kia Rio and this appears to be the same or similar issue with the trunk emergency release not opening creating a safety risk

NHTSA complaint #11732793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jacksonville, FL

ENGINE

On the morning of October 15th, the oil light of my 2019 Kia Rio came on, immediately followed by extreme engine noise, just before the engine locked. I had the vehicle towed to a nearby service center. They checked and reported that all oil had leaked out and motor had locked. I then had vehicle towed to Kia dealer and requested a motor replacement. They not only charged me for a diagnostic test that determined the motor had locked but also refused to replace the engine without me paying $12,000. The vehicle's motor has the same problems as the motors in 2011-2019 kia Engine Defect Settlement but for some reason was allowed to be excluded from the settlement.

NHTSA complaint #11710569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Diego, CA

ENGINE

The engine experienced a rod bearing failure resulting in internal engine damage and sudden loss of normal engine operation. The vehicle and failed engine components are currently available for inspection upon request. The engine failure occurred while the vehicle was traveling at high speed on the freeway, resulting in sudden loss of engine power. This created a significant safety risk, as loss of power at freeway speeds increases the likelihood of collision with surrounding vehicles and posed a danger to myself and other motorists. The failure was diagnosed and confirmed by a Kia dealership as rod bearing failure. The vehicle has been inspected by a Kia dealership. No inspection has been conducted by police or insurance representatives. There were no prior warning lamps, messages, or indications of engine malfunction before the failure. The only warning light present prior to the incident was the check engine light related to previous vandalism involving an attempted catalytic converter theft, which caused ongoing sensor issues unrelated to engine performance. That warning light had been present despite resets during routine maintenance and was not associated with any engine functionality issues. There were no pre existing engine performance problems, drivability issues, or warnings indicating impending failure. The engine failure was sudden and catastrophic. This failure is consistent with known Kia engine rod bearing defects that have resulted in recalls, safety campaigns, and settlements. Kia has denied assistance in this case, stating that my VIN is excluded due to manufacturing origin, despite the identical failure mode

NHTSA complaint #11705721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Walton Beach, FL

Other/I am not sure

360 car seat will not click lock will steady spin around

NHTSA complaint #11694519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Decatur, GA

POWER TRAIN

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. He filled the car back up with oil, and by the end of the week, the car needed oil again, but no light indicated the car was low on oil. Months went by with constant oil changes and the car needing oil, so the mechanic told me to take the car to the dealership because he couldn't find a leak. Took the car to the dealership, they couldn't find a leak either. Took the car back to the main mechanic who said the car was consuming too much oil and that a new engine was needed. Spoke to the corporate office for the car company and was told that I needed to get all these tests did before I could be eligible for a new engine. I scheduled the tests, but before I could even make it to the dealership for the tests, the car gave out because there was no oil again and this time the car started burning. I called corporate again and was told that since I'm not the original owner of the car I would be denied for a new engine and that I wouldn't be offered a loaner car. I was told it was best for me to get another car, which is what I did, and now I'm stuck paying for two cars because I couldn't trade this one in because of the engine problem, even though the car is drivable. This car has put me in a lot of safety risks because there have been times when I was on the side of the road in the early morning hours because the car had no oil and was burning. The car wouldn't go over a certain speed limit when the oil was low and/or empty, so I was put at risk as well due to other drivers going the speed limit.

NHTSA complaint #11622905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Decatur, GA

ENGINE

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. He filled the car back up with oil, and by the end of the week, the car needed oil again, but no light indicated the car was low on oil. Months went by with constant oil changes and the car needing oil, so the mechanic told me to take the car to the dealership because he couldn't find a leak. Took the car to the dealership, they couldn't find a leak either. Took the car back to the main mechanic who said the car was consuming too much oil and that a new engine was needed. Spoke to the corporate office for the car company and was told that I needed to get all these tests did before I could be eligible for a new engine. I scheduled the tests, but before I could even make it to the dealership for the tests, the car gave out because there was no oil again and this time the car started burning. I called corporate again and was told that since I'm not the original owner of the car I would be denied for a new engine and that I wouldn't be offered a loaner car. I was told it was best for me to get another car, which is what I did, and now I'm stuck paying for two cars because I couldn't trade this one in because of the engine problem, even though the car is drivable. This car has put me in a lot of safety risks because there have been times when I was on the side of the road in the early morning hours because the car had no oil and was burning. The car wouldn't go over a certain speed limit when the oil was low and/or empty, so I was put at risk as well due to other drivers going the speed limit.

NHTSA complaint #11622905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westminster, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My car had been broken into and was attempted to be stolen on December 22, 2022. A few months ago, a neighbor left a note on my car stating that someone was looking through the windows suspiciously. Today, December 12, 2023, my car was stolen from a paid for parking garage at my apartment complex with no cameras. The issue should have been resolved considering my boyfriend and co-owner of the vehicle went to the Kia dealership on November 28, 2023 to have the "anti-theft software update" installed. Apparently, this doesn't work as my car was stolen even with the "alert" sticker on the window.

NHTSA complaint #11559775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dallas, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car is only 3 years old 70k miles.. I have regularly serviced and never had any issues until all of a sudden I was driving I heard a sound and my hood started smoking. My car quickly came to a stop and wouldn’t turn back on. The engine block threw a rod and left a giant hole in my engine. Kia is refusing to repair and my insurance won’t cover saying this is an engine malfunction. Thank god I was able to get to safety, something like this is dangerous and not what I wanted when i bought a Kia.

NHTSA complaint #11538782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dallas, TX

ENGINE

My car is only 3 years old 70k miles.. I have regularly serviced and never had any issues until all of a sudden I was driving I heard a sound and my hood started smoking. My car quickly came to a stop and wouldn’t turn back on. The engine block threw a rod and left a giant hole in my engine. Kia is refusing to repair and my insurance won’t cover saying this is an engine malfunction. Thank god I was able to get to safety, something like this is dangerous and not what I wanted when i bought a Kia.

NHTSA complaint #11538782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dallas, TX

ENGINE

Unknown. I was driving and my car slowed to a stop and started smoking. The engine stopped and I couldn’t restart the car. Kia says the engine block threw a rod. But they won’t cover saying I don’t have sufficient service records.. I can’t get records from an out of business shop. Insurance won’t cover saying this is a warranty thing. I bought this car brand new cash purchase only a few years ago. Horrible experience and I feel robbed.

NHTSA complaint #11537326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clarksville, TN Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

Victim was hit head on by a truck. Victim was going 10-15mph truck faster. Victim was t-boned on the driver side at the front tire. The entire front fender and frame were damaged. Victim sub-stained a bad shoulder injury and ptsd. Air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA complaint #11533077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Baltimore, MD

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On 09/08/2022 my 2019 Kia Rio was stolen due to a flaw in the ignition that allows thieves to easily start the vehicle with a phone charger. See Baltimore City Police Report 5220902309. A national recall on the Kia models affected would help to end the widespread danger that the thieves are causing as they 'joy-ride' the stolen vehicles. For more information in this issue please see: https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/45853068/Zanmiller_v_Kia_America,_Inc_et_al

NHTSA complaint #11483569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Patton, PA Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Unknown of specifics. I was driving up a hill. I heard a loud pop. I pulled off the side of the road. The battery light, oil light, and one other came on. I turned my car off. Tried to start it, again however it sounded like the starter wasn't working. Then smoke started to come out of the car. Within 10 minutes my entire car was consumed in flames. A bystander stated the same thing happened to someone she knows- same make & model of car... about two weeks prior. Police believe there was something faulty within the car.

NHTSA complaint #11462323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Patton, PA Fire

ENGINE

Unknown of specifics. I was driving up a hill. I heard a loud pop. I pulled off the side of the road. The battery light, oil light, and one other came on. I turned my car off. Tried to start it, again however it sounded like the starter wasn't working. Then smoke started to come out of the car. Within 10 minutes my entire car was consumed in flames. A bystander stated the same thing happened to someone she knows- same make & model of car... about two weeks prior. Police believe there was something faulty within the car.

NHTSA complaint #11462323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tampa, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The driver interior door latch will not fully retract. As a result it is nearly in the open position. With the door latch nearly in the open position, the door could unexpectedly open creating a safety hazard. Kia is unable to determine if this is covered by the warranty without paying a hefty diagnostic fee. There were no prior symptoms before this issue occurred.

NHTSA complaint #11455764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fort Sill, OK

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

No incident's with my vehicle, just need my recall to be complete before i ship my vehicle from LA to Hawaii.

NHTSA complaint #11448375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles North Fort Myers, FL Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA RIO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING AT 42 MPH, WHILE IN THE LEFT LANE TO GO STRAIGHT. ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS IN THE TURNING LANE TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE MADE A RIGHT TURN INSTEAD AND CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE LEFT FRONT TIRE CAUSING THE TIRE TO EXPLODE WITH IMPACT. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE OTHER VEHICLE PUSHED THE VEHICLE AT HIGH SPEED, THE VEHICLE LANDED INTO A DITCH AND CAME TO A STOP. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER HIT HER HEAD AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK, ARM HEAD, FOOT AND RIGHT WRIST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE OTHER DRIVER DID NOT SUSTAINED INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000.

NHTSA complaint #11377300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,000 miles Stockton, CA

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE CHANGING GEARS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF STOCKTON LOCATED AT (6215 HOLMAN RD, STOCKTON, CA 95212) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

NHTSA complaint #11315702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,000 miles Stockton, CA

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE CHANGING GEARS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF STOCKTON LOCATED AT (6215 HOLMAN RD, STOCKTON, CA 95212) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

NHTSA complaint #11315702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,000 miles Stockton, CA

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE CHANGING GEARS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF STOCKTON LOCATED AT (6215 HOLMAN RD, STOCKTON, CA 95212) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000.

NHTSA complaint #11315702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,000 miles Lake City, FL Crash 1 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN I APPROACHED A GREEN LIGHT IT TURNED YELLOW I MASH DOWN ON MY BRAKE IT ENGAGED FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS AND IT GAVE ON ME AND I COULD NOT GET THE BRAKE TO ENGAGE AGAIN I COULD NOT STOP FOR THE LIGHT AND WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #11309662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 8,000 miles Lake City, FL Crash 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN I APPROACHED A GREEN LIGHT IT TURNED YELLOW I MASH DOWN ON MY BRAKE IT ENGAGED FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS AND IT GAVE ON ME AND I COULD NOT GET THE BRAKE TO ENGAGE AGAIN I COULD NOT STOP FOR THE LIGHT AND WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #11309662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 20 miles Stella, MO

STEERING

STEERING HAS AN INTERMITTENT PULL TO THE LEFT.

NHTSA complaint #11277536 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.