The Lemon Index2021 Kia Rio.
The 2021 Kia Rio is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 13 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 43, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 36 mpg combined. The best Kia Rio year is 2018.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 15 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Rio year. 2021 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.
Recalls 2
- steering 2022
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.
- brakes 2021
The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
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 59 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake…
- Technical service bulletin: excessive oil consumption nu/gamma/theta/kappa engines - this…
- Technical service bulletin: partial repair of c-mdps motor, ecu, worm gear and/or steering…
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 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The steering wheel column does not have a lock therefore someone broke into my car and tried to steal it and destroyed it, also no alarm went off when this happened.
2021 Kia Rio owner · NHTSA complaint 11480234
More owner reports
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 complaint 11448123
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Kia Rio reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 43; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Rio year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2021 Kia Rio problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (23%), steering (23%) and engine (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Rio have?
2 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Rio get?
36 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2021 Kia Rio have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 15% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Kia Rio cost in fuel a year?
About $1800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Kia Rio have?
1.6L 4-cyl.
What Kia Rio year is better than the 2021?
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