Kia Rio 2017 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Rio 2017 and 31 complaints filed by owners. One of them carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning until repaired. It has 10% more complaints than the average Kia Rio from 2016–2023 (28 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Kia Rio 2017? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Kia Rio 2017
Brakes (hydraulic)
NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 2023-09-25 !
Owners are advised to park it outside and away from structures until repaired (fire risk).
What happens
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Latches and locks
NHTSA campaign 23V594000 · 2023-08-24
What happens
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Consequence
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
31 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
3 with a crash · 6 with a fire · 4 injuries
Most reported problems on the Kia Rio 2017
- Engine: 11 (35% of complaints)
- Brakes (hydraulic): 6 (19% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 3 (10% of complaints)
- Air bags: 3 (10% of complaints)
- Latches and locks: 2 (6% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Kia Rio 2017
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Check the brake fluid level and that the pedal feels firm.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Kia Rio 5 HB FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2017 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Kia Rio recalls by year
- 2016 : 2 recalls · 78 complaints
- 2017 : 2 recalls · 31 complaints
- 2018 : 1 recall · 28 complaints
- 2019 : 1 recall · 22 complaints
- 2020 : 1 recall · 27 complaints
- 2021 : 2 recalls · 15 complaints
- 2022 : 1 recall · 12 complaints
- 2023 : 0 recalls · 12 complaints
Guides for this check
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Kia Rio 2017 have?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Rio 2017. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Kia Rio 2017?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (11 of 31 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 22, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).