What Owners Report NHTSA ODI · 2,175,102 complaints · MY1998–2026

2012 KIA RIO

Typical pattern

9.3% of complaints about the 2012 KIA RIO came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 2012 vehicle — around the middle of the 201 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 6.8 yr in service. The most-reported system is engine (24 complaints), typically at 8.4 yr or about 97,066 miles.

Complaints
75
Median age at failure
6.8 yr
Median mileage
59,500 n=51
Crash / fire / tow
24% of reports
Safety recalls
1 1 do not drive

When each system is reported — middle 50% of complaints

System
0y2y4y6y8y10y12y14y
Engine
24 reports · 97,066 mi
8.4 yr
29.2%

Safety recalls — NHTSA campaigns

23V652000 2023-09-25 Do not drive
Service 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 Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

In owners’ own words

Engine 59,500 mi 2.8 yr in service
I FILLED UP WITH GAS AND WAS LEAVING THE GAS STATION. I HIT THE ACCELERATOR TO PULL OUT AND THE CAR DIDN'T GO. IT IDLED OUT INTO TRAFFIC, ON THE ROAD BUT IT WOULDN'T GO. IT TOOK ABOUT 3-4 SECONDS BEFORE IT WOULD TAKE OFF. SINCE THEN IT HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. IT MOSTLY HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE IS AT OPERATING TEMP AND YOU STOP FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES. *TR
Engine 39,240 mi 3.7 yr in service
GOT UP EARLY ONE MORNING TO GO TO WORK, STARTED MY CAR, LET IT RUN FOR 2 MINUTES AND PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT MOVED WITHOUT ME PRESSING ON THE GAS PETAL AND I WAS PARKED DOWN HILL.NOW MY CAR STARTS SOMETIMES AND SOMETIMES IT WON'T. IT DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME, BUT IT STILL NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED. I WANTED TO KNOW WERE THERE A RECALL ON MY CAR FOR THESE PROBLEMS.I HAVEN'T TOOK IT TO A SHOP TO BE CHECKED YET, SPEND ENOUGH MONEY ON CAR PAYMENTS TO HAVE TO FIX MY OWN CAR AND IT'S UNDER WARRANTY
Engine 60 mi 5.0 yr in service crash / fire / tow
DRIVING CAR AT ABOUT 60 MPH AND CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE. GOT OUT ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY LIFTED HOOD AND EVERYTHING WAS ON FIRE. PEOPLE ASSING BY ALONG WITH HERO AND FIRE DEPT MADE SURE FLAMES WERE PUT OUT . I NEVER MADE ANY MODIFICATION TO VEHICLE AND WE KEEP IT SERVICED. FEEL LIKE PROBLEMS ARE WITH MANUFACTURE WIRING. I HAVE DONE INSURANCE CLAIM AND CONTACTED MANUFACTURE. THE MILES ARE APROX 102K

Other RIO model years

2018201620152014201320122009200820072006200320022001

How to read this