2021 Kia Rio
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Steering
Steering is the largest identified problem area: 4 of 15 complaints (27%) mention it. 6 complaints mention a component NHTSA leaves uncategorised. Complaints mentioning Brakes include more crash reports (2) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 27 in 2020 to 15 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 1,950 | 1,750 | 1,750 | 1,750 | 1,750 | |
| Combined MPG | 32 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 36 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 28–29 / 37 | 33 / 41 | 33 / 41 | 33 / 41 | 32 / 41 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 278–280 | 249 | 249 | 250 | 250 | |
| Complaints filed | 21 | 27 | 15 | 11 | 12 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Rio have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Rio get?
EPA rates it 36 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Kia Rio?
EPA estimates $1,750 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (1)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (AV-S1) | 4 | 1.6L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 33 mpg | 41 mpg | 36 mpg | $1,750 | 249 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
STEERING:COLUMN · Campaign 22V304000 · May 6, 2022
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.
Consequence: 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · Campaign 21V936000 · Dec 2, 2021
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.
Consequence: 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.