2006 Kia Rio: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 74 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (66% of complaints); the 2004 and 2005 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2012
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 kia rio. The contact stated that while in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered the front cradle and lower control arm had sustained severe rusting and corrosion. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer taylor kia located at 7870 market st. Youngstown oh 44512, to be inspected. The contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were no longer available. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 174,000.*dt consumer stated dealer has agreed to purchase vehicle from the consumer since frame is rusted.*jb”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2020
“I was in an auto accident where I reneded two cars. My air bag sid not deploy. The vehicle was hydroplane on wet roads going about 55 when I hit the brakes.”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 kia rio. While driving 50 mph, the contact had a seizure and crashed head on into a tree. The contact was injured and hospitalized. A police report was filed. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 189,000. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“My airbag light had come on. Then when I go to gasbuddy, it states that there is a recall involving the airbag on a 2006 kia rio that was made from february 20th 2005 to 2007. However my VIN number shows that there is no recall on my car. I think it's more than a coincidence that there's a recall and my sensor is on. If someone is killed because of this sensor oh, I will be suing kia, and anyone else that blatantly disregarded my complaint”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2019
“The passenger air bag sensor went out at 170000 miles and they replaced it free. Now the same sensor went out at 70000 miles and the car is out of warranty and they won't replace it for free. The same sensor shouldn't go out twice in 10 years. There is a problem with the sensors. None of the air bags work if one sensor if broken. The repairs would be about $2000 and we don't feel we should have to pay if kia has a safety issue.”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2016
“I have a 2006 kia rio . The occupant airbag light is on again. This was fix long time ago. This needs to be repaired again . Does kia still honor there federal regulations and fix my car? [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 kia rio. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started, the passenger side air bag off warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12v244000 (air bags). The failure mileage was 140,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 kia rio. After the vehicle was started, the passenger side air bag warning light illuminated. The failure occurred after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 12v244000 (air bags). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2015
“Nothing has happened yet but my airbag light is on. Garage says it's a dealer issue, however I am unable to pay for it nor should I. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2014
“When I make a right turn the bell ring and it stay on I am not sure if it is in the door the right turn or steer wheel column. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 14 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 RIO VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 20, 2005, THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR MAT CAN EXPERIENCE FATIGUE CRACKING. IF SUFFICIENT CRACKING OCCURS, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) WILL CEASE TO FUNCTION SUCH THAT THE SYSTEM WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DETECT WHETHER A CHILD PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT AND THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY DURING A CRASH NECESSITATING DEPLOYMENT.
Remedy: KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OCS SEAT SENSOR MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2006 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Rio by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Kia Rio reliable?
NHTSA has 74 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2006 Kia Rio. The most complained-about area is air bags (66% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Kia Rio problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 64,000 miles or less.
Does the 2006 Kia Rio have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.