repaired · 2025 Q4
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2012 Kia RIOProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 54 owner complaints about the 2012 Kia RIO, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 23V-652 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 13, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Kia RIO has problems
54 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
24Engine7 crash/fire/injury
12Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
7Fuel/propulsion system
6Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
6Vehicle speed control1 crash/fire/injury
3Seat belts
3Service brakes
3Service brakes, hydraulic
2Wheels
44 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 24 | 7 |
| Air bags | 12 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2012 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.
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
2012 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
2012 Kia RIO safety ratings
2012 Kia Rio 5 HB FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Kia RIO, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
- Engine FiresLed to recall 23V-877
In owners' words
What RIO owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2012 Kia Rio, which currently has approximately 150,000 miles. I first became aware of these problems at approximately 120,000 miles. The vehicle has excessive oil consumption despite being consistently and properly maintained. I have been meticulous…
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.
The GDI 1.6L engines are manufactured with a flaw that affects piston rings and makes oil consumption go up which in turn can make the engine run dry and damage the engine, which if you're in a bad location could be dangerous. My car has been dealing with the issue and I searched yet found no…
Own a 2012 RIO?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.