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2021 Kia Rio

Verified July 23, 2026Sources: NHTSA · EPA · vPIC

Compare
Safety
—
not rated
Recalls
2
on record
MPG
36
combined

Open recalls on record

2 safety recalls. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer — check the VIN before you buy.

Recalls2
Complaints15
Safety
Fuel

Vehicle Summary

2021 Kia Rio

2 recalls
15 complaints
36 MPG combined

Before You Buy

Check all recalls are completed
Review consumer complaints
Verify no crash-related complaints
Get a pre-purchase inspection
Check vehicle history report
Verify title is clean

Safety record at a glance

Recall campaigns
2
Owner complaints
15
Complaints citing a crash
2

These are raw counts from NHTSA records. They are not normalised by how many of these vehicles are on the road, so a model that sold in large numbers will tend to show more of everything. We do not publish a composite safety or reliability score.

2 Recalls on Record

These recalls have been issued by the manufacturer. Contact any authorized dealer to verify they have been completed — repairs are free.

Enter your VIN to check if specific recalls apply to your vehicle.

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns affecting this model year.

  • 21V936000high

    Brake system issue

    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

    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.

  • 22V304000high

    Steering issue

    STEERING:COLUMN

    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.

Consumer complaints

15 owner reports filed with NHTSA.

15
Total
2
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries

Most reported components

  • ENGINE4
  • OTHER3
  • STEERING3
  • BRAKES3
  • ELECTRICAL1

Normal Range

15 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA. 2 reports involve a crash.

Most reported problems

engine problems (stalling, power loss, warning lights)4
miscellaneous issues3
steering issues (play, noise, loss of assist)3

Specifications & ratings

Specifications

Body class
Compact Cars
Drive type
Front-Wheel Drive
Engine
1.6L 4-cyl
Fuel type
Unknown
Transmission
Automatic (AV-S1)
Seats
0

Fuel economy

33

City

41

Hwy

36

Comb

Annual cost
$1,650
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Data sources

Explore related

Adjacent model years

All Kia Rio years

Common problems

Kia Rio problems

271 owner complaints analysed

Systems recalled

Safety timeline

Full timeline
  1. Recall

    Recall 22V304000

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

  2. Recall

    Recall 21V936000

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