The best and worst Kia Rio years, by the numbers
Short answer: among Kia Rios old enough to judge (2005–2021), the 2005, 2019 and 2021 have the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold. The 2006, 2013 and 2015–2016 have the most.
We counted every owner complaint filed with the federal government (NHTSA) for each model year and divided by how many were sold that year, so a year that sold more doesn’t look worse just for being popular. Years newer than 2021 are shown but not ranked — they haven’t been on the road long enough. How this is calculated.
Years with the most complaints
2006 Kia Rio · 19.4 per 10,000 sold (1.6× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 74,000 miles; then subframe, cradle and frame corrosion.
2013 Kia Rio · 37.6 per 10,000 sold (3.2× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 69,000 miles; then wiring harness, grounds and connectors.
2015 Kia Rio · 21.9 per 10,000 sold (1.8× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Oil consumption and leaks, typically around 129,705 miles; then internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings).
2016 Kia Rio · 26.8 per 10,000 sold (2.3× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported: Oil consumption and leaks, typically around 115,000 miles; then internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings).
Years with the fewest complaints
2005 Kia Rio · 5.6 per 10,000 sold (0.5× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 98,000 miles.
2019 Kia Rio · 8.6 per 10,000 sold (0.7× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings).
2021 Kia Rio · 4.8 per 10,000 sold (0.4× this model’s typical year)
Most-reported, even so: Driver-assist cameras, radar and calibration.
Every year: complaints per 10,000 sold
Typical Kia Rio year: 11.9 per 10,000 sold.
Complaints are counted once each, even when an owner lists several parts. Sales are US units sold in the calendar year, a close stand-in for the model year.
Common questions
What is the worst year for the Kia Rio?
Among Kia Rios old enough to judge (2005–2021), the 2013 has the most owner complaints per 10,000 sold: 37.6, about 3.2× a typical Kia Rio year. The 2006 and 2015–2016 also stand out.
What is the best year for the Kia Rio?
The 2021 has the fewest owner complaints per 10,000 sold among Kia Rios from 2005–2021: 4.8, against 11.9 for a typical year. The 2005 and 2019 are also well below typical.
What goes wrong on the 2013 Kia Rio?
The most-reported problem on the 2013 Kia Rio is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 69,000 miles.
Why aren't the newest Kia Rio years ranked?
The 2022–2023 haven't been on the road long enough. Newer cars have fewer complaints mainly because they're newer, so ranking them would flatter them.
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Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; US sales from public industry figures. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid any vehicle.