The Lemon Index2011 Kia Rio.
The 2011 Kia Rio is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 11 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 42, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 30 mpg combined. The best Kia Rio year is 2018.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 24 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Rio year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 30K to 74K miles on the car (20 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 51 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Installing an additional ground cable to the battery may cause sensor problems
- TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides…
- Technical service bulletin: customer satisfaction: theft deterrent ignition cylinder protector…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Rio SW FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia Rio 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2150 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Kia Rio reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 42; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Rio year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2011 Kia Rio problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (36%), electrical (27%) and steering (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Kia Rio have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Kia Rio get?
30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2011 Kia Rio problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 30,000 and 74,600 miles. The middle report was at 61,000 miles, from 20 complaints.
Does the 2011 Kia Rio have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2011 Kia Rio cost in fuel a year?
About $2150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Kia Rio have?
1.6L 4-cyl.
What Kia Rio year is better than the 2011?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2022 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works