Model year
2012 Kia Rio
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 54 complaints for the 2012 Kia Rio (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). 1 recall marked park outside. The components listed on the most complaints are ENGINE (24), AIR BAGS (12), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (7). NHTSA lists 2 investigations, including 1 investigation with no close date in the file. NHTSA rated 2 variants 4 stars overall. EPA rates it 31–32 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,100–$2,150, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2001 223 complaints
- 2002 128 complaints
- 2003 74 complaints
- 2004 38 complaints
- 2005 37 complaints
- 2006 74 complaints
- 2007 46 complaints
- 2008 46 complaints
- 2009 39 complaints
- 2010 26 complaints
- 2011 24 complaints
- 2012 54 complaints
- 2013 153 complaints
- 2014 52 complaints
- 2015 52 complaints
- 2016 78 complaints
- 2017 31 complaints
- 2018 28 complaints
- 2019 22 complaints
- 2020 27 complaints
- 2021 15 complaints
- 2022 12 complaints
- 2023 12 complaints
Recalls
23V652000 · Sep 25, 2023
Park outsideSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic…
Complaints
54 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 3, fire flag on 9, injury field 4, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA21003 | Engine Fires · ENGINE | Dec 22, 2021 | Feb 5, 2024 |
| AQ23002 | Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE | Nov 17, 2023 | No close date in the file |
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR FWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.116 | NHTSA photo |
| 5 HB FWD | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.116 | — |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio · 1.6L · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 28 | 36 | 31 | — | — | $2,150 |
| Rio · 1.6L · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 29 | 37 | 32 | — | — | $2,100 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2012 Kia Rio at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.