Kia Rio 2021 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Rio 2021 and 15 complaints filed by owners. It has 47% fewer 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 2021? 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 2021
Steering
NHTSA campaign 22V304000 · 2022-05-05
What happens
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
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Brakes (hydraulic)
NHTSA campaign 21V936000 · 2021-12-01
What happens
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
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
15 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
2 with a crash
Most reported problems on the Kia Rio 2021
- Steering: 4 (27% of complaints)
- Brakes: 3 (20% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 2 (13% of complaints)
- Engine: 2 (13% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 1 (7% 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 2021
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- The wheel should be centered going straight, with no vibration, noises when turning or stiffness.
- Brake hard somewhere safe: the car shouldn't pull to one side and the pedal shouldn't sink; check rotors and pads.
- On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
NHTSA has no 5-Star rating published for this model and year (models before 2011 used a different system).
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 2021 have?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Rio 2021. 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 2021?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: steering (4 of 15 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).