The Lemon Index2018 Kia Rio.
The 2018 Kia Rio is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 6 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 26, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about doors, locks & latches, it has 1 recall, and it gets 32 mpg combined. It's the best Kia Rio year we track.
One of the most reliable. 3.8× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2001
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 28 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Rio year. 2018 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 0K to 104K miles on the car (6 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 1
- latches/locks/linkages 2021
The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
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 70 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Technical service bulletin: customer satisfaction: anti-theft s/w logic upgrade & decal…
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 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Kia Rio 5 HB FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Kia Rio reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 26; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2018 Kia Rio problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are doors, locks & latches (33%), electrical (17%) and lights (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Rio have?
1 safety recall (latest: latches/locks/linkages). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia Rio get?
32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2018 Kia Rio have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Kia Rio cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Kia Rio have?
1.6L 4-cyl.
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