The Lemon Index

All cars · Kia Rio · 2021

2021 Kia Rio. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index43100 = average car
Complaints13NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold31,362U.S. model year
Per 100K sold41complaints
Year rank#9 of 17#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 1

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
1.6L 4-cylAuto (AV-S1)FWD33 / 41 / 36Regular$1,750

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Brakes23%
Steering23%
Engine15%
Transmission & drivetrain15%
Lane assist15%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
1520001

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 2

  • 22V304000 May 2022 Steering / Column

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

    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.

  • 21V936000 Dec 2021 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Foundation Components / Master Cylinder

    Defect. 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.

    Risk. Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

Manufacturer communications 59

Kia filed 59 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • 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…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Kia Rio 4 DR FWDnot ratednot ratednot ratednot rated
Kia Rio 5 4 DR FWDnot ratednot ratednot ratednot rated

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
201826622,975Doors, locks & latches
2019431124,961Steering
2020892023,927Engine
2021431331,362Brakes
202227926,996Body structure
2023–1226,804Steering

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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