2022 Kia Rio: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern latches/locks/linkages.

Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2022

recalls

owner complaints

fire reports

typical failure mileage, mi

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

Among the quietest Rio years (#18 of 21 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reports

Common problems Recalls Specs Other years FAQ

Common problems

Computed from 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 10 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.

Latches/Locks/Linkages (door locks, latches, hood release)2 complaints

Engine (engine mechanics)1 complaint

Service Brakes (brakes)1 complaint

Visibility/Wiper (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)1 complaint

Back Over Prevention (backup camera, parking sensors)1 complaint

Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)1 complaint

“When my car is running it makes a knocking noise from engine I have taken it th the dealer they heard it but said they can figure out where it's coming from. The engine runs hotter than normal. The rods I think are the cause”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2025

“This is neither a failure nor a malfunction but on several occasions I have had the light switch turn off at night while driving. I can reach over and push a button to the left of the steering wheel under the ac/heat vent and in doing so my arm has rolled the headlight switch off. I have to hurry up and turn them back on. The switch should lock somewhat in place as to take a purposeful twist for it to turn. The headlight switch turns too easy and it could cause an accident at night.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2024

“A deer ran out in front of me. I hit it head on. My hood unlatched and flew up and the hinges cut into the very top of the fenders. I don't think a hood is supposed to pop open like this.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Feb 2023

Show 3 more owner reports

“Vehicle pulls hard to left since purchased. Had in shop 3 times, but problem still exists. It was aligned and rechecked. Tires were switched on the front (by another shop) and it still has issues of pulling. Dealership refuses to diagnose the trouble, except for the front end alignment and says they voided last repair order (because they did nothing). Took to another shop and they went through it completely, even test-driving it. Verfied a hard pull to the left. They were the shop that transferred front wheels to correct the problem. It helped somewhat, but still pulling. Now Dealership says it must be the tires and urges us to get help from them.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jan 2023

“Issue 1) Power steering wheel stopped working after practicing parking in preparation for a drivers test. Issue 2) Fuel indicator did not worked as expected, takes 3 to 5 min (in motion) to get the indicator in the right position. I took the vehicle to the dealership, it was scanned and according to them, no DTC was stored, I got videos when both issues came up.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2023

“The windshield wipers only work consistently on the last two settings. When you push the wiper gear down to the initial setting where you can adjust the speed with the dial, it struggles to move or doesn't move at all. I can hear the wiper gear trying to lift the wipers, but nothing happens.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Dec 2021

When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

STEERING:COLUMN22V304000 · May 2022

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.

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.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 2022 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Body stylesHatchback/Liftback/Notchback · Sedan/Saloon

How other years compare

202026 complaints · 1 recalls 202115 complaints · 2 recalls 2022 (this page)10 complaints · 1 recalls

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 2022 Kia Rio reliable?

NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2022 Kia Rio. The most complained-about area is latches/locks/linkages.

Does the 2022 Kia Rio have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning steering:column. 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.