2017 Kia RIO Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2 safety recalls on file

The 2017 Kia RIO has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA, including 3 crashes, 6 fires, 4 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Engine (11 reports).

2Recalls
31Owner complaints
3Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your RIO?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2017 Kia RIO recalls

Brake control module short can cause engine fire

Recall 23V652Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehicles affected

The hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU), which runs the antilock brake and traction control system, may develop an electrical short.

Trunk May Not Open From Inside, Trapping Occupants

Recall 23V594Aug 24, 2023319,436 vehicles affected

The trunk latch base can crack, which may stop the trunk from being opened from the inside.

Most common 2017 Kia RIO problems

Problem areas named in the 31 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Engine11
Unknown Or Other6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic6
Air Bags3
Electrical System3
Latches/Locks/Linkages2
Seat Belts1
Structure1
Steering1
Vehicle Speed Control1

What owners report

2026-06-24, Engine
The engine of my Kia Rio 2017 is the system that is failing it is sudden with no warning and has been diagnosed by Kia themselves stating that the engine will seize. My safety is put at risk because the car may seize while in traffic causing difficulty steering and breaking. This problem was first confirmed by an independent shop called Accurate transmission (1040 s Joliet st, Aurora CO, 80013 or call 3033646254) and following that I took it to Kia for a diagnostic where they confirmed what Accurate transmission stated. This vehicle has not been inspected by anyone currently. There were no warning lamps previous to current issue. Warning lights appeared upon incident.
2026-05-19, Engine
As my car was driving my vehicle encountered sudden changes and my engine light went on. As the vehicle stopped driving on its own there was smoke coming from the hood and a fire stared shortly after underneath the car.
2026-03-27, Engine
I was driving my 2017 Kia Rio at approximately 70 mph when the vehicle began shaking violently. I heard a loud mechanical sound from the engine compartment that sounded like something broke loose and was being thrown around. I immediately began pulling over as smoke started entering the cabin. As soon as I stopped, the car erupted into a fast-moving, intense fire originating in the engine compartment. The fire spread so quickly that the front of the vehicle and the passenger cabin were completely destroyed before the fire department arrived. The Austin Fire Department responded (Incident Type: Engine 2f) and the Travis County Sheriff's Office also opened a case (Case #[Insert Your Sheriff Ca
2025-02-06, Unknown Or Other
Unknown
2024-07-09, Service Brakes
My son and I were driving home from work on IH-35 and I noticed smoke coming from under my hood. Then within seconds, flames appeared moving quickly towards the windshield. I attempted to move to the shoulder and after doing so, I was unable to stop since the brakes were no longer working. I had to use the parking brake when it slowed down and then once stopped, my son and I jumped out of the vehicle and within 3-5 seconds, the entire car was overcome with fire which then exploded.

2017 Kia RIO questions

Does the 2017 Kia RIO have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2017 Kia RIO: Brake control module short can cause engine fire; Trunk May Not Open From Inside, Trapping Occupants. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia RIO?

Based on 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (11), Unknown Or Other (6), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (6).

How do I check if a recall on my 2017 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.

Other Kia RIO years

Other 2017 Kia models