2021 Kia Rio
2 recalls · 15 complaints · Safety Score B
Recall History
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC223.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
Recent Complaints
| Date | Component | Description | Crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12/28/2025 | 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 c... | No | No |
| 05/14/2025 | Steering | Steering Gear Assembly completely broke at 81,000 miles. My daughter was backing up in a busy street at 5pm and lost 100... | No | No |
| 11/14/2023 | Power Train,unknown or Other | 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 ... | No | No |
| 08/24/2023 | Electrical System,back Over Prevention | Center Console Display blank (screen black) upon startup unable to see cameras and backing up affected creating safety c... | No | No |
| 05/02/2023 | Seat Belts,unknown or Other | seatbelts in rear are inoperable/anti theft not working. Kia dealership told me that its not their issue about the anti ... | No | No |
| 03/26/2023 | Unknown or Other | At speeds over 20 miles per hours there is a “flapping” noise that sounds like a bag or piece of paper that is blowing i... | No | No |
| 03/20/2023 | Steering,lane Departure | On 3/19/23, as I was driving on a dry, straight, two lane road at the posted speed of 40mph, the car began to try to ste... | No | No |
| 01/07/2023 | Unknown or Other | The contol post for lights, turn signal, and high beams is too sensitive. To control the lights, you twist the top of ... | No | No |
| 11/30/2022 | Steering,service Brakes | Having been complaining about a noise from under the front right tire, I was initially told it was a little piece of pla... | Yes | No |
| 10/29/2022 | Power Train | I had driven my wife to her school about 5 miles and headed back to my work another 5 miles when i tried to accelerate ... | No | No |
Most Complained-About Components
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2021 Kia Rio has 2 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA. Total complaints filed: 15.
The 2021 Kia Rio has a Safety Score of 74/100 (Grade B). This score factors in recall severity (40%), complaint frequency (30%), crash and fire reports (20%), and trend direction (10%).
The 2021 Kia Rio received a Safety Score of B. This vehicle has a better-than-average safety record. There are 2 crash reports on file.
Contact your nearest Kia dealership to schedule a free recall repair. You can also check your specific vehicle by VIN at NHTSA.gov. Manufacturers are required by law to fix recall-related defects at no cost.
Safety Score is calculated from recall severity (40%), complaint frequency (30%), crash/fire reports (20%), and safety trend (10%).