repaired · 2024 Q1
Steering: column
Risk. Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
2021 Kia RIOProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 15 owner complaints about the 2021 Kia RIO, most often about the steering. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-936 the manufacturer reports only 59% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 28, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Kia RIO has problems
15 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Steering1 crash/fire/injury
3Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
2Power train
2Engine
1Back over prevention
1Seat belts
1Lane departure
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Electrical system
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 4 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 2 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2021 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 · 2023 Q4
Foundation components: master cylinder
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.
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
2021 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
2021 Kia RIO safety ratings
2021 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: No
In owners' words
What RIO owners report
Recent steering complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Steering Gear Assembly completely broke at 81,000 miles. My daughter was backing up in a busy street at 5pm and lost 100 percent of steering control. Lucking cars dodged her and she didn’t get hurt or worse.
On 3/19/23, as I was driving on a dry, straight, two lane road at the posted speed of 40mph, the car began to try to steer into oncoming traffic. I had to exert moderate force to keep the car in my lane. This continued continuously for about 1/2 mile. No low tire pressure indicator lights were…
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…
Own a 2021 RIO?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.