Hyundai Elantra vs Kia Rio
For 2005–2021 models, the Kia Rio has 14.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 24.0 for the Hyundai Elantra. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2021), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Hyundai Elantra
24.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.6× the Kia Rio’s rate
- Complaints
- 6,615
- Sold
- 2,759,877
- Recall campaigns
- 30
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2010, 2013 and 2017. Fewest: 2005–2006, 2015 and 2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 78,500 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 59,850 mi
-
Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)
Typically around 80,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 45,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 77,000 mi
Kia Rio
14.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
39% fewer than the Hyundai Elantra
- Complaints
- 737
- Sold
- 500,499
- Recall campaigns
- 6
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2006, 2013 and 2015–2016. Fewest: 2005, 2019 and 2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 65,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 60,000 mi
-
Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)
Typically around 79,553 mi
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 115,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 69,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Hyundai Elantra or the Kia Rio?
For 2005–2021 models, the Kia Rio has 14.7 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Hyundai Elantra has 24.0, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Hyundai Elantra?
The most-reported problem on the Hyundai Elantra is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 78,500 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Kia Rio?
The most-reported problem on the Kia Rio is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 65,000 miles.
Which Hyundai Elantra and Kia Rio years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Hyundai Elantra: 2010, 2013 and 2017; Kia Rio: 2006, 2013 and 2015–2016.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.