Worst 2012 Kia Rio Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
ENGINE
AIR BAGS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Kia Rio.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 23 | — | 7 | 80,169 mi | |
| AIR BAGS | 10 | 2 | — | 67,634 mi | |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 7 | — | — | 72,600 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 6 | — | 3 | 14,075 mi | |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 6 | 1 | — | 64,373 mi | |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 4 | — | 1 | 50,433 mi | |
| SEAT BELTS | 3 | 2 | — | 30,333 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 3 | — | — | — | |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 2 | — | — | 50,002 mi | |
| WHEELS | 2 | — | — | 8,514 mi | |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 1 | — | — | 103,887 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 1 | — | 1 | 180,000 mi | |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 1 | — | — | 2,500 mi | |
| SUSPENSION | 1 | — | — | 15,000 mi |
Recalls for 2012 Kia Rio
2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~3,460,384 vehicles.
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.
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.
Other Kia Rio Years
Wider context: See the full Kia Rio reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2012 Kia Rio
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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