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2014 Kia Rio: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 52 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (35% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Sep 2023

1
recalls
52
owner complaints
8
fire reports
42,500
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★Front ★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★
4-star NHTSA overall safety ratingWeak spot: engine (35%)8 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Engine (engine mechanics)35% · 17 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)13% · 6 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)10% · 5 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)10% · 5 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)6% · 3 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)6% · 3 complaints
Webwas deiving down the road and flames started shooting from underneath the hood we stopped car jumped out and looked back an whole front of car was on fire it burnt most of carOwner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2026
I tried to get the parts fixed from the recall. However, when I tried to get it serviced I was adviced that the parts would take a few weeks to arrive. With an appending move to Helena, Mt from Lambertville, Mi they informed me that they would not be able to fix the recall issues. There is no KIA dealership within a reasonable distance from my current location. I am having issues with the dealership towing the rio without charging me the amount of $1300. The engine had completely stopped. I towed the car from Michigan to Montana with a Uhaul because of the recall issues.Owner report · Engine · May 2025
The engine started to lose power, and the check engine light illuminated. The power drop was most noticable when accelerating from a stop. At times, randomly, the engine RPMs would dip down to 200-300 at idle and would almost stall. Upon further investigation, the engine has been excessively consuming oil. I brought the vehicle to a local mechanic shop to get a detailed diagnosis, they informed me the catalytic converter was clogged and constricting exhaust flow. The engine has developed a ticking/knock. The catalytic converter, and an O2 sensor was replaced with that visit. The ticking/knock persists.Owner report · Engine · Feb 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected. The check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2023
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2023
hydraulic electronic control unit HECU fire risk Kia recall sent a letter they would repair, never called so I have called many times, keep repeating no repair part, an excuseOwner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2023
PRESENTO ILUMINACION DEL MAL FUNCIONAMIENTO INDICADOR LAMPARA (MIL),ABS PRECAUCION LIGHT,BURNING/MELTING SMALL,AND SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT,ENGINE WITH NOISE AND BROKEN ESTOOCURRIO EL 03/08/2023, NO TENIA LA INFORMACION DEL PROBLEMA Y MANDE A REPARAR EL MOTOR $ 3,890.00.nECESITOQUE USTEDES ME AYUDEN POR ESTE PAGO. I PRESENT LIGHTING OF THE MALFUNCTIONING LAMP INDICATOR (MIL), ABS CAUTION LIGHT, BURNING/MELTING SMALL, AND SMOKE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, ENGINE WITH NOISE AND BROKEN THIS HAPPENED ON 08/03/2023, I DID NOT HAVE THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND I SENT FOR REPAIR THE ENGINE $3,890.00.nI NEED YOU TO HELP ME WITH THIS PAYMENT.Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2023
Burning excessive oil, shooting oil out of the exhaust, car has less than 48,000 miles and it's shaky when driven feels like it will stall and turn off. Had an oil change done in October 2022 then in early December the oil warning light lit up almost out of oil, had to stop at the nearest shop car was checked and advised to have another oil change I did. but it did not help the problem persists I have to keep adding oil. I am scared to drive the car and currently taking the bus to work. I know that's a Kia problem with excessive oil consumption.Owner report · Engine · Dec 2022
the car has 93000 miles and it started making a knocking noise from the engine. I brought the car to a mechanic and told me the engine needs replace because the connecting rod was broken that there have been recalls for KIA's for this problem. I went to the KIA dealer for fix under warranty but they declined for lack of maintenance due to my first oil change was to long I did not retain my receipts. than i researched to find out the government/this sight is investigating Hyundai-KIA for this problem , the RIO was not on the original recall the case has been reopened in December to add the RIO so thats why I am here adding my car to the list.Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2022
While driving the car caught fire. A Cause & Origin inspection was performed and there is a hole in the engine block consistent with other known KIA recalls. Georgia Farm Bureau insurance claim number PA000000314316Owner report · Engine · May 2022

When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE23V652000 · Sep 2023

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.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 2014 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

TransmissionManual/Standard

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 decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2014 Kia Rio reliable?

NHTSA has 52 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2014 Kia Rio. The most complained-about area is engine (35% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2014 Kia Rio problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 42,500 miles or less.

Does the 2014 Kia Rio have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module. 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.