2021 Kia Rio recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia Rio; the most frequently affected component is steering — column. Owners filed 15 complaints, most often about unknown or other. Among the 21 model years of this model in the database, 2021 ranks #6 for number of recalls.

Recalls2

Complaints15

Crashes reported2in stored complaints

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (2)

Steering — ColumnCampaign 22V304000 · 05 May 2022

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Service brakes, hydraulic — Master cylinderCampaign 21V936000 · 01 Dec 2021

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

What owners complain about

Share of the 15 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Unknown or other6 · 40%

Steering4 · 27%

Service brakes3 · 20%

Power train2 · 13%

Engine2 · 13%

Electrical system1 · 7%

Back over prevention1 · 7%

Seat belts1 · 7%

When complaints were filed

20211

20226

20236

20252

From owner complaints

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.
Unknown or other · Dec 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

Having been complaining about a noise from under the front right tire, I was initially told it was a little piece of plastic and that got cut off. I was still hear the scraping and squealing and I kept check the from right tire because I thought that's where it was coming from. I mentioned this to every mechanic at…
Steering · Nov 2022 · NHTSA complaint record

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.
Power train · Nov 2023 · NHTSA complaint record

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 pass car I lost almost all power barely making it up a slight hill I kept going trying to make it to my house barely going 10 miles an hour. I thought the transmission had let go cause while I had the…
Power train · Oct 2022 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

Full specifications All model years 2021 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
2022 Kia Rio recalls and complaints Recalls
2020 Kia Rio recalls and complaints Recalls
2003 Kia Rio Car specs
2002 Kia Rio Car specs
2021 Kia Forte recalls and complaints Recalls