2012 Kia Rio recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Kia Rio; the most frequently affected component is service brakes, hydraulic — control unit/module. Owners filed 54 complaints, most often about engine. 1 recall carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning. Among the 21 model years of this model in the database, 2012 ranks #12 for number of recalls.

Recalls1

Complaints54

Do-not-drive / park-outside1

Crashes reported1in stored complaints

Fires reported7in stored complaints

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (1)

Service brakes, hydraulic — Control unit/moduleCampaign 23V652000 · 25 Sep 2023

Park outside — fire risk

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

What owners complain about

Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Engine20 · 50%

Air bags9 · 22%

Fuel/propulsion system6 · 15%

Service brakes6 · 15%

Unknown or other4 · 10%

Vehicle speed control3 · 8%

Hydraulic3 · 8%

Electrical system2 · 5%

When complaints were filed

20163

20174

20183

20195

20208

20211

20223

20231

20244

20253

20265

From owner complaints

2012 kia rio, not currently subject to any recall, and having been maintained correctly, is experiencing dangerous levels of oil consumption. Current milage 108,000. Two weeks ago i sent the attached letter via case to kia consumer customer affairs seeking safety advice from the company relating to the issue. Kia…
Engine · Dec 2020 · NHTSA complaint record

I recently purchased my vehicle and immediately noticed what seems to be oil coming from the engine, pooling on top of the block but also leaking onto the ground after being parked for an hour or so. The walls around the engine, mainly on the left side or passenger side were saturated with presumably the same fluid.…
Electrical system · Dec 2020 · NHTSA complaint record

I brought my Kia in for a recall, and they determined the part was discontinued thus making my vehicle inoperable. When I brought my vehicle in, it was driveable-now I have been without my vehicle for over a month.
Engine · Nov 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

Brief loss of throttle control along with engine overspeed possibly due to dirty electrical contacts in connector at electronic throttle body -- restored proper operation via flushing of electrical contacts in connector with 100% isopropyl alcohol aerosol spray -- vehicle was being driven into a crowded parking lot at…
Engine · Nov 2019 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

Full specifications All model years 2012 Kia lineup

Source

Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.

2004 Kia Rio Car specs
2005 Kia Rio Car specs
2003 Kia Rio Car specs
2002 Kia Rio Car specs
2014 Kia Rio recalls and complaints Recalls
2014 Kia Rio Eco recalls and complaints Recalls
2013 Kia Rio recalls and complaints Recalls