repaired · 2024 Q3
Trunk lid: latch
Risk. A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
2018 Kia RIOProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 28 owner complaints about the 2018 Kia RIO, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 21V-622 the manufacturer reports only 43% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 5, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Kia RIO has problems
28 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
15Engine2 crash/fire/injury
5Electrical system
5Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
2Exterior lighting
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Latches/locks/linkages
1Power train
1Seats
1Service brakes
33 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 15 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 2 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 1 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 1 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2018 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
2018 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
2018 Kia RIO safety ratings
2018 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What RIO owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The Components that have malfunctioned are the airbags, exaust system, electrical systems, sensors, gaskets, and a few other things. We had 5 failed clockspring repairs. The first (3?) under warranty, we paid for another when they said it was our fault, then that mechanic said that it needed to go…
Vehicle has excessive oil consumption defect acknowledged in Kia TSB ENG222. Repeated catalytic converter failures indicate potential overheating risk similar to 2019 Gamma engine recall for fire hazard. Engine burning oil creates risk of critically low oil levels leading to engine failure/stalling…
The first problem part is the airbag. The clockspring was fixed twice under warranty. Then the dealership said they wont keep doing it and blamed me wrongly. I had a private mechanic repair the same part twice due to the code it was giving but it turns out thats not what's wrong with it. The entire…
Own a 2018 RIO?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.