Federal safety data shows 2 recalls and 15 complaints for the 2021 Kia Rio, a low safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

22V3040002022-05-05

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.

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

View at NHTSA

21V9360002021-01-12

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.

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

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 15 issues reported over 1 model years, unknown or other problems are the most common for the 2021 Kia Rio. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Unknown Or Other3

02Service Brakes2

03Steering1

04Power Train,unknown Or Other1

05Electrical System,back Over Prevention1

15 total across 1 model years (2021–2021)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Kia Rio Fuel Economy

36mpg combined

33city

41hwy

$1,200/yr

The 2021 Kia Rio is rated at 36 MPG combined. No surprises here regardless of which trim you pick.

Rio - Automatic (AV-S1)

36mpg

1.6L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

33 city41 hwy~$1,200/yr8/10 Clean

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2021 Kia Rio

30States

34%in top 3

Florida has the most inventory at 15%, with options spread across 30 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

FLFlorida

6415%

TXTexas

6114%

GAGeorgia

235%

CACalifornia

225%

ILIllinois

215%

NCNorth Carolina

174%

DCWashington DC

164%

DEDelaware

153%

OKOklahoma

153%

MDMaryland

143%

OHOhio

143%

PAPennsylvania

143%

MIMichigan

143%

INIndiana

133%

WAWashington

102%

AZArizona

92%

TNTennessee

92%

VAVirginia

82%

OR7

MO7

AR6

CO6

KY6

ID5

UT5

MA3

IA3

NH3

NV3

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2021.

Buying a 2021 Kia Rio?

Answers to common buyer questions

Is the 2021 Kia Rio a good car to buy?

The 2021 Kia Rio has 2 recalls on record. There are 2 recalls on record, so check that they've been completed before buying. The most commonly reported issue area is unknown or other, which is worth inspecting during a test drive. Review the safety data and pricing breakdown above.

Are there recalls on the 2021 Kia Rio?

There are 2 documented recalls for the 2021 Kia Rio. Don't let that scare you; most are routine. Just make sure they're all resolved before you sign. Details in the safety overview.

What's the gas mileage of the 2021 Kia Rio?

EPA rates the 2021 Kia Rio at 36 MPG combined across the board. Check the fuel economy section for the city/highway breakdown.

What are common problems with the 2021 Kia Rio?

UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the number-one complaint area for the 2021 Kia Rio, based on 15 NHTSA filings. During a test drive, pay extra attention to this system. See the known issues section for the full breakdown.