2021 Kia RIO Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2 safety recalls on file

The 2021 Kia RIO has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes.

The most-reported problem area is Unknown Or Other (6 reports).

2Recalls
15Owner complaints
2Crashes 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.

2021 Kia RIO recalls

Steering column bolt can loosen, causing loss of steering

Recall 22V304May 5, 202230 vehicles affected

A bolt securing the lower steering column joint may not be properly tightened.

Worn Brake Master Cylinder Can Reduce Stopping Power

Recall 21V936Dec 1, 202187 vehicles affected

Some 2020-2021 Kia Rio vehicles may have a brake master cylinder with sharp edges that can damage its inner oil seal.

Most common 2021 Kia RIO problems

Problem areas named in the 15 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Unknown Or Other6
Steering4
Service Brakes3
Engine2
Power Train2
Lane Departure2
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Seat Belts1
Electrical System1
Back Over Prevention1

What owners report

2025-12-28, Unknown Or Other
Back up camera sometimes flips sides, so that obstacles on the right side of the car are shown on the left side of the camera screen. Sometimes the camera doesn't work at all.
2025-05-14, Steering
Steering Gear Assembly completely broke at 81,000 miles. My daughter was backing up in a busy street at 5pm and lost 100 percent of steering control. Lucking cars dodged her and she didn’t get hurt or worse.
2023-11-14, Power Train
Placed car in park got out to open a gate. Car took off forward even when shifter was in Park Position and almost ran a child over.
2023-08-24, Electrical System
Center Console Display blank (screen black) upon startup unable to see cameras and backing up affected creating safety concern.
2023-05-02, Seat Belts
seatbelts in rear are inoperable/anti theft not working. Kia dealership told me that its not their issue about the anti theft. I have been told on 3 separate occasions that my seatbelts have been ordered but they haven’t!!!! No one is following up with me, when I call I get told “until they can get in contact with the dealership Kia the corporate company cannot do anything” have 2 kids Kia the dealership as well as the corporate company knows about this and no one is doing anything!! NO ONE CARES

2021 Kia RIO questions

Does the 2021 Kia RIO have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2021 Kia RIO: Steering column bolt can loosen, causing loss of steering; Worn Brake Master Cylinder Can Reduce Stopping Power. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia RIO?

Based on 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Unknown Or Other (6), Steering (4), Service Brakes (3).

How do I check if a recall on my 2021 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 2021 Kia models