Model year record

2021 Kia RIO

2 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 25 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 22V304000

Steering: column

Component
Steering: column
Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
Vehicles affected
30
Reported to NHTSA
2022-05-05
Owners notified
2022-05-27

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

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

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 21V936000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder
Manufacturer
Kia Motors America
Vehicles affected
87
Reported to NHTSA
2021-12-01
Owners notified
2022-01-11

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Unknown or other7
Steering5
Service brakes3
Engine2
Power train2
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera1
Electrical system1
Fuel/propulsion system1
Lane departure: assist1
Lane departure: warning1
Seat belts1

The 2020 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 2022 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.