2019 Kia Rio: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 21 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Aug 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“There was no accident the radio/backup camera shuts down completely on the inside of the car when the car is too hot inside”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Jun 2026
“2019 Kia Rio Hatchback trunk latch failure buzzing actuator but won't open emergency release does not work dealer says not covered under recall #21V622000 which covers the trunk for 4 door 2019 Kia Rio and this appears to be the same or similar issue with the trunk emergency release not opening creating a safety risk”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2026
“On the morning of October 15th, the oil light of my 2019 Kia Rio came on, immediately followed by extreme engine noise, just before the engine locked. I had the vehicle towed to a nearby service center. They checked and reported that all oil had leaked out and motor had locked. I then had vehicle towed to Kia dealer and requested a motor replacement. They not only charged me for a diagnostic test that determined the motor had locked but also refused to replace the engine without me paying $12,000. The vehicle's motor has the same problems as the motors in 2011-2019 kia Engine Defect Settlement but for some reason was allowed to be excluded from the settlement.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“My car had been broken into and was attempted to be stolen on December 22, 2022. A few months ago, a neighbor left a note on my car stating that someone was looking through the windows suspiciously. Today, December 12, 2023, my car was stolen from a paid for parking garage at my apartment complex with no cameras. The issue should have been resolved considering my boyfriend and co-owner of the vehicle went to the Kia dealership on November 28, 2023 to have the "anti-theft software update" installed. Apparently, this doesn't work as my car was stolen even with the "alert" sticker on the window.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2023
“Unknown. I was driving and my car slowed to a stop and started smoking. The engine stopped and I couldn't restart the car. Kia says the engine block threw a rod. But they won't cover saying I don't have sufficient service records.. I can't get records from an out of business shop. Insurance won't cover saying this is a warranty thing. I bought this car brand new cash purchase only a few years ago. Horrible experience and I feel robbed.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2023
“My car is only 3 years old 70k miles.. I have regularly serviced and never had any issues until all of a sudden I was driving I heard a sound and my hood started smoking. My car quickly came to a stop and wouldn't turn back on. The engine block threw a rod and left a giant hole in my engine. Kia is refusing to repair and my insurance won't cover saying this is an engine malfunction. Thank god I was able to get to safety, something like this is dangerous and not what I wanted when i bought a Kia.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2023
“On 09/08/2022 my 2019 Kia Rio was stolen due to a flaw in the ignition that allows thieves to easily start the vehicle with a phone charger. See Baltimore City Police Report 5220902309. A national recall on the Kia models affected would help to end the widespread danger that the thieves are causing as they 'joy-ride' the stolen vehicles. For more information in this issue please see: https://www.pacermonitor.com/public/case/45853068/Zanmiller_v_Kia_America,_Inc_et_al”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2022
“Unknown of specifics. I was driving up a hill. I heard a loud pop. I pulled off the side of the road. The battery light, oil light, and one other came on. I turned my car off. Tried to start it, again however it sounded like the starter wasn't working. Then smoke started to come out of the car. Within 10 minutes my entire car was consumed in flames. A bystander stated the same thing happened to someone she knows- same make & model of car... about two weeks prior. Police believe there was something faulty within the car.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2022
“The driver interior door latch will not fully retract. As a result it is nearly in the open position. With the door latch nearly in the open position, the door could unexpectedly open creating a safety hazard. Kia is unable to determine if this is covered by the warranty without paying a hefty diagnostic fee. There were no prior symptoms before this issue occurred.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2022
“Victim was hit head on by a truck. Victim was going 10-15mph truck faster. Victim was t-boned on the driver side at the front tire. The entire front fender and frame were damaged. Victim sub-stained a bad shoulder injury and ptsd. Air bags did not deploy.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2021
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.
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.
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Is the 2019 Kia Rio reliable?
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2019 Kia Rio. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2019 Kia Rio have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch. 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.