CarRecallWatchThe 2012 Kia RIO has 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA, including 3 crashes, 9 fires, 4 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (24 reports).
2012 Kia RIO recalls
Brake control module short can cause engine fire
The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.
Most common 2012 Kia RIO problems
Problem areas named in the 54 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 24 |
| Air Bags | 12 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 |
| Electrical System | 6 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 6 |
| Unknown Or Other | 5 |
| Seat Belts | 3 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 |
| Wheels | 2 |
What owners report
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2012 Kia Rio, which currently has approximately 150,000 miles. I first became aware of these problems at approximately 120,000 miles. The vehicle has excessive oil consumption despite being consistently and properly maintained. I have been meticulous about maintenance because the vehicle has a lifetime powertrain warranty, and I have documentation and receipts for required maintenance, including regular oil changes and other scheduled services. On multiple occasions, I have taken the vehicle in for a scheduled oil change and discovered that it had little or no oil remaining. Because of this, I have had to begin having oil added between regularly
I went to honk my horn as someone was backing up and didnât see me as we were on an incline . This vehicle sits low and they were in a jeep. Due to the failure of my horn, I was unable to give a warning and they hit my car. No airbag was deployed and my seatbelt/airbag light is on. No injuries reported thankfully. I was told these things were related and repairs needed which is going to be extensive. The airbag may not deploy and horn does not work. I consider this a definite safety issue.
The airbag warning light and the ABS warning light turned on simultaneously while driving. This is a severe safety hazard as both critical, life-saving safety features are currently compromised. I have already contacted Kia Customer Care regarding this issue, but I am filing this official complaint with the NHTSA to ensure a proper safety investigation is documented for this vehicle.
The airbag warning light illuminated on the dashboard and has stayed on permanently. This indicates a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system (SRS). Because the warning light is active, there is a severe safety risk that the airbags may not deploy correctly or at all in the event of a crash, putting the driver and passengers at risk of serious injury. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request
Waiting to get air in my tire. Car was turned off and the car started fire under the hood.
2012 Kia RIO questions
Does the 2012 Kia RIO have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2012 Kia RIO: Brake control module short can cause engine fire. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia RIO?
Based on 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (24), Air Bags (12), Fuel/Propulsion System (7).
How do I check if a recall on my 2012 Kia RIO has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.