The 2014 Kia RIO has 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA, including 7 crashes, 8 fires, 4 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (24 reports).
2014 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 2014 Kia RIO problems
Problem areas named in the 52 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 24 |
| Air Bags | 7 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 7 |
| Structure | 6 |
| Power Train | 6 |
| Unknown Or Other | 6 |
| Electrical System | 5 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 |
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Wheels | 2 |
What owners report
Webwas deiving down the road and flames started shooting from underneath the hood we stopped car jumped out and looked back an whole front of car was on fire it burnt most of car
I am filing this complaint regarding Kia America's arbitrary denial of coverage for a suspected connecting-rod-bearing failure in my 2014 Kia Rio (85,000 miles). The vehicle exhibits classic symptoms of the Gamma 1.6L GDI defect: excessive oil consumption (bone-dry after ~1,200 miles post-January 2026 shop oil change), flashing CEL, and loud rod knock after oil starvation. Kia corporate denied all extended warranty/campaign relief on 03/18/2025, stating the powertrain warranty expired in 2019 and "no campaigns" apply. This is inconsistent and deceptive: -U.S. Litigation: Early complaints and law-firm summaries in In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II (C.D. Cal., 8:18-cv-02223) and re
I tried to get the parts fixed from the recall. However, when I tried to get it serviced I was adviced that the parts would take a few weeks to arrive. With an appending move to Helena, Mt from Lambertville, Mi they informed me that they would not be able to fix the recall issues. There is no KIA dealership within a reasonable distance from my current location. I am having issues with the dealership towing the rio without charging me the amount of $1300. The engine had completely stopped. I towed the car from Michigan to Montana with a Uhaul because of the recall issues.
The engine started to lose power, and the check engine light illuminated. The power drop was most noticable when accelerating from a stop. At times, randomly, the engine RPMs would dip down to 200-300 at idle and would almost stall. Upon further investigation, the engine has been excessively consuming oil. I brought the vehicle to a local mechanic shop to get a detailed diagnosis, they informed me the catalytic converter was clogged and constricting exhaust flow. The engine has developed a ticking/knock. The catalytic converter, and an O2 sensor was replaced with that visit. The ticking/knock persists.
Driving to work I exited US-26 in Hillsboro, Oregon at the 185th exit. The exit is an uphill ramp with a traffic signal at the top of the hill. The traffic signal at the end of the ramp was green. I was following a Tesla Model Y and I saw the brake lights activate. I applied my brakes causing my car to slow down and then I had to proceed through a yellow light because I did not think I could stop safely without ending in the intersection. At the next traffic signal, I rolled down my window and yelled to the other driver to not apply their brakes when they are proceeding uphill through a green light. The other driver told me it is "regenerative braking." Unnecessary braking causes disruptions
2014 Kia RIO questions
Does the 2014 Kia RIO have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2014 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 2014 Kia RIO?
Based on 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (24), Air Bags (7), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (7).
How do I check if a recall on my 2014 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.