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.
2017 Kia RIOProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 31 owner complaints about the 2017 Kia RIO, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-652 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 24, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Makizox, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2017 Kia RIO has problems
31 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
11Engine5 crash/fire/injury
6Service brakes, hydraulic
3Electrical system
3Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
2Latches/locks/linkages
1Vehicle speed control
1Power train
1Seat belts
1Service brakes
22 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 11 | 5 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 6 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 3 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 |
| 2 other systems | 2 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2017 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.
repaired · 2026 Q2
Trunk lid: latch
Risk. A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
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
2017 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
2017 Kia RIO safety ratings
2017 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
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2017 Kia RIO, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
In owners' words
What RIO owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The engine of my Kia Rio 2017 is the system that is failing it is sudden with no warning and has been diagnosed by Kia themselves stating that the engine will seize. My safety is put at risk because the car may seize while in traffic causing difficulty steering and breaking. This problem was first…
As my car was driving my vehicle encountered sudden changes and my engine light went on. As the vehicle stopped driving on its own there was smoke coming from the hood and a fire stared shortly after underneath the car.
I was driving my 2017 Kia Rio at approximately 70 mph when the vehicle began shaking violently. I heard a loud mechanical sound from the engine compartment that sounded like something broke loose and was being thrown around. I immediately began pulling over as smoke started entering the cabin. As…
Own a 2017 RIO?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.