2019 Kia RIO Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

1 safety recall on file

The 2019 Kia RIO has 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA, including 4 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Unknown Or Other (8 reports).

1Recalls
22Owner complaints
4Crashes 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.

2019 Kia RIO recalls

Trunk May Not Open From Inside, Risking Trapped Occupants

Recall 21V622Aug 9, 2021253,074 vehicles affected

The trunk latch can become damaged, which may prevent the trunk from being opened from the inside.

Most common 2019 Kia RIO problems

Problem areas named in the 22 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Unknown Or Other8
Engine6
Air Bags3
Steering2
Power Train2
Suspension1
Service Brakes1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Electrical System1

What owners report

2026-10-08, Exterior Lighting
The trunk latch is broken which is a known recall for KIA but not for my car model. There is no way to access the trunk otherwise. Now my tail light is out and cannot be fixed because I cannot access the trunk. There is NO OTHER WAY TO ACCESS THE TRUNK.
2026-06-14, Back Over Prevention
There was no accident the radio/backup camera shuts down completely on the inside of the car when the car is too hot inside
2026-04-21, Structure
2019 Kia Rio Hatchback trunk latch failure buzzing actuator but won't open emergency release does not work dealer says not covered under recall #21V622000 which covers the trunk for 4 door 2019 Kia Rio and this appears to be the same or similar issue with the trunk emergency release not opening creating a safety risk
2026-01-13, Engine
On the morning of October 15th, the oil light of my 2019 Kia Rio came on, immediately followed by extreme engine noise, just before the engine locked. I had the vehicle towed to a nearby service center. They checked and reported that all oil had leaked out and motor had locked. I then had vehicle towed to Kia dealer and requested a motor replacement. They not only charged me for a diagnostic test that determined the motor had locked but also refused to replace the engine without me paying $12,000. The vehicle's motor has the same problems as the motors in 2011-2019 kia Engine Defect Settlement but for some reason was allowed to be excluded from the settlement.
2025-12-17, Engine
The engine experienced a rod bearing failure resulting in internal engine damage and sudden loss of normal engine operation. The vehicle and failed engine components are currently available for inspection upon request. The engine failure occurred while the vehicle was traveling at high speed on the freeway, resulting in sudden loss of engine power. This created a significant safety risk, as loss of power at freeway speeds increases the likelihood of collision with surrounding vehicles and posed a danger to myself and other motorists. The failure was diagnosed and confirmed by a Kia dealership as rod bearing failure. The vehicle has been inspected by a Kia dealership. No inspection has bee

2019 Kia RIO questions

Does the 2019 Kia RIO have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2019 Kia RIO: Trunk May Not Open From Inside, Risking Trapped Occupants. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia RIO?

Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Unknown Or Other (8), Engine (6), Air Bags (3).

How do I check if a recall on my 2019 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 2019 Kia models