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2007 Kia RIOProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 46 owner complaints about the 2007 Kia RIO, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

2007 Kia RIO
50
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1% below the RIO median · #10 of 23 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints4618 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage50kAir bags, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 24, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: OSX, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2007 Kia RIO has problems

46 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Air bags2110
Electrical system81
Service brakes, hydraulic52
Service brakes31
Seats30
Power train30
Exterior lighting30
Fuel/propulsion system20
Tires20
8 other systems111

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2007 Kia RIO recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive

Recall 12V-244 · May 31, 2012 · 72,568 vehicles

Risk. AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITH A CHILD IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO THAT CHILD.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.

Best & worst years

2007 vs. every other RIO year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RIO median. How we score

'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2007 Kia RIO safety ratings

2007 Kia Rio 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2007 Kia RIO frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
2007 Kia RIO side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What RIO owners report

Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2007 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the occupant classification system (OCS) seat sensor needed to be replaced. The…
Complaint 11520490 · May 4, 2023 · 260,000 miles
2007 KIA RIO HAS AN AIRBAG LIGHT ON ALL THE TIME, WITH A CODE SPECIFYING THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR. WHEN CLEARING THE CODE FOR THE AIRBAG, THE CODE IS RETHROWN AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS. NHTSA RECALL #12V244000 APPLIED TO CERTAIN MODELS OF THE 2005-2007 MODEL ERA, BUT DIDN'T INCLUDE ALL OF THEM,…
Complaint 11278002 · Nov 4, 2019 · 200,000 miles
I JUST RECENT HAD THE BATTERY PUT IN MY CAR. AN NOW THE AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON FOR THE DRIVER ON THAT DASH BOARD. AN DON'T KNOW WHY IT'S ON. THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS. SO WE ARE SCARED TO BE OUT ON THE ROAD AN IT DOESN'T PROTECT US IF WE GET INTO AN ACCIDENT AN SOMEONE GETS…
Complaint 11164017 · Dec 29, 2018

Own a 2007 RIO?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.