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Model-year record

2010 Kia Rio
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2010 Kia Rio

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

26

Reports to NHTSA, 2010

Safety recalls

0

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Not rated

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

30.5

EPA estimate

Known issues

Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (42% of 26 reports), followed by electrical system (15%).

Air Bags42% · 11 reports
Electrical System15% · 4 reports
Service Brakes15% · 4 reports
Unknown Or Other8% · 2 reports
Fuel/Propulsion System4% · 1 report
Power Train4% · 1 report
Steering4% · 1 report
Suspension4% · 1 report

+ 1 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 26 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11472774, ODI 10680768, ODI 10629468, ODI 10501956, ODI 10499518.

Individual complaint reports(26)

Showing the 26 most recent reports
Air BagsJul 2022 · ODI 11472774 · crashDetails +

The contact owned a 2010 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle crashed head-on into a guard rail. During the crash, the front-end of the vehicle was severely damaged; however, no air bags were deployed. No injuries were reported; however, the contact was concerned that the air bags had not been deployed to provide protection to the driver or the front seat passenger. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and the local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Reported
Jul 2022
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11472774 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJan 2019 · ODI 11172266Details +

HAVING TO REPLACE AT LEAST ONE FUEL INJECTOR EACH YEAR. USUALLY NUMBER ONE PLUG.

Reported
Jan 2019
Incident date
Oct 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11172266 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherOct 2018 · ODI 11133234Details +

AFTER DRIVING TO WORK APPROXIMATELY A 25 MINUTES TO WORK I PARKED MY VEHICLE AND SMELT SOMETHING LIKE BURNT PLASTIC. ASSUMED IT WAS SOMETHING IN THE AREA I WORK. AFTER MY SHIFT ROUGHLY 8 HOURS I HEADED HOME AND SUDDENLY THE CAR WOULD NOT GO MORE THAN 5 MILES AN HOUR THEN COMPLETELY DEAD. AFTER THE TOW TRUCKED LIFTED THE VEHICLE I WAS ABLE TO SEE SEVERE MELTING OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE PLASTIC. IT COULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH WORSE. IT WAS TOWED TO LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP AND HAVE NO IDEA TO WHY YET THIS HAPPENED. THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE DANGER TO JUST HAPPEN TO A WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE RANDOMLY.

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
Oct 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11133234 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMar 2018 · ODI 11081771Details +

SINCE JANUARY MY 2010 KIA RIO HAS STALLED AT TRAFFIC STOPS. IT USUALLY STARTS AGAIN AFTER SEVERAL TRIES, ALTHOUGH RECENTLY IT NEEDED A JUMP START. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THREE MECHANICS WHO ALL SAY THEY CAN'T FIND A CODE OR WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I'VE TRIED GAS ADDITIVE, NEW CRANK SHAFT SENSOR, TUNE UP. NOTHING WORKS. I'VE CALLED KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE. THERE ARE NO RECALLS BUT I STILL HAVE A CAR I THINK IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I'VE STALLED IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC ON CITY STREETS AND STATE ROADS SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE A CASE NUMBER WITH KIA, AND PLAN TO TAKE IT TO KIA DEALERSHIP IN ONE MORE EFFORT TO FIND CODE OR WHAT'S WRONG. I DON'T HAVE REPAIR INVOICES HANDY BUT HAVE SPENT MORE THAN $500.

Reported
Mar 2018
Incident date
Jan 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11081771 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2017 · ODI 11000961Details +

AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON.

Reported
Jun 2017
Incident date
Jan 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11000961 at NHTSA →
Air BagsFeb 2017 · ODI 10955394Details +

AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT ON.

Reported
Feb 2017
Incident date
Dec 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10955394 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2016 · ODI 10930298Details +

WHEN DRIVING, THE CAR STALLS FOR NO REASON (THERE IS FUEL IN THE CAR, HAS REGULAR OIL CHANGES, AND A BRAND NEW BATTERY). IT TAKES A COUPLE MINUTES BEFORE THE CAR WILL RESTART. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THEN TURN RIGHT OFF, BUT THE RPM GAUGE STOPS WORKING EVEN THOUGH I AM STILL DRIVING. THERE IS A JERKING MOTION WHEN THAT HAPPENS. THIS HAPPENS ON CITY STREETS AND ON THE HIGHWAY. IT IS BECOMING UNSAFE AND THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT REPLICATE THE SITUATION. ALL THEY DO IS RUN THE CODE BUT NOTHING COMES UP. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER 2016 AND HAS HAPPENED EVERY DAY SINCE THEN.THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE CAR COULD STALL ANYTIME WHILE DRIVING AND I COULD BE SERIOUSLY HURT AND OTHER DRIVERS COULD GET HURT. *TR

Reported
Dec 2016
Incident date
Nov 2016
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10930298 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJan 2016 · ODI 10817662Details +

I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 40 MPH EXITING ON THE FWY OFF RAMP WHICH TURNS TO THE RIGHT. INITIALLY MY BRAKES WORKED AND THEN IT MADE A AWFUL WINDING SOUND. THE CAR WAS GAINING SPEED AS I MADE THE TURN AND I TOTALLY LOST MY BRAKES AND HAD TO USE MY HAND BRAKE TO STOP BEFORE ALMOST RUNNING INTO THE BACK OF A CAR. I HAD MY BRAKES CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THAT MY SHOES WERE VERY GOOD BUT I WEN AHEAD AND PUT NEW ONES ON ANYWAY. I AM STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. ON THE FWY HAVING TO USE MY BRAKES AT SPEEDS OVER 40 MPH CAUSE THE SAME NOISE AND NO BRAKES UNTIL I HAVE SLOWED BELOW 40MPH.

Reported
Jan 2016
Incident date
Dec 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10817662 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2015 · ODI 10806345Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE ENGINE STALLED. ONCE THE ENGINE STALLED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V258000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Reported
Nov 2015
Incident date
Nov 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10806345 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2015 · ODI 10774546Details +

MY HAD MY CAR ABOUT ONE YEAR AND IT STARTED TO LOSE POWER. WHEN I TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP TO FIX IT I HAD TO PAY FOR TWO DIAGNOSTIC TESTS 95.00 EACH. THE PROBLEM WAS THE IGNITION COIL, SPARK PLUGS, AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD. IT IS NOW ALMOST EXACTLY ANOTHER YEAR PAST AND SAME PROBLEM BUT NOW DEALERSHIP CAN'T READ KIA CODES AND WANTS ME TO DRIVE IT 60 MILES AWAY WITH THE PROBLEM STILL HAPPENING. THE KIA DEALERSHIP MIGHT BE ABLE TO FIX BUT HAVE TO GET THE CAR THERE. I DID MY OWN DIAGNOSTIC TEST AT AUTOZONE AND A REPAIR SHOP. THEY GOT THE CODES SAYING IGNITION COIL, SPARK PLUGS, EXHAUST MANIFOLD, AND POSSIBLE CATLYTIC CONVERTER WITH AN ESTIMATE OF 1260.00

Reported
Sep 2015
Incident date
Sep 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10774546 at NHTSA →
Air BagsFeb 2015 · ODI 10680768 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, ATTEMPTING TO AVOID HITTING A DEER, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DITCH. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GARAGE AND ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BACK INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Reported
Feb 2015
Incident date
Jan 2015
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 10680768 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2014 · ODI 10664595Details +

TOOK MY CAR TO GET FIXED, AND LOOKED AT THE 2ND CYL.. APPARENTLY, TONS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE 2ND CYL. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE ABOUT IT. I HAD THEM TRY ALL MY COILS AND ITS NOT A COIL PROBLEM. I HAD ALL SPARK PLUGS CHANGED AND TUNE UP WAS DONE. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON MY 2ND CYL. TO BE MESSED UP... ? KIA I'M SO DISAPPOINTED IN MY CAR, WHY ARE SO MANY PROBLEMS COMING UP? MY CAR IS NOT EVEN 5 YEARS OLD!!! I EXPECT TO GET ANSWERS ON THIS AND IT BE TAKEN CARE OF, I WILL NOT BE PAYING FOR SOMETHING WHEN I'VE DONE MY PART IN MAINTAIN G MY CAR. *TR

Reported
Dec 2014
Incident date
Dec 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10664595 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2014 · ODI 10637625Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S CD PLAYER OVERHEATED AND PRODUCED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000...UPDATED 10/08/14 *BF THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE THE CONSUMER $97.00 TO DIAGNOSE THE OBVIOUS FAULTY WIRING. UPDATED 10/21/14

Reported
Sep 2014
Incident date
Sep 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10637625 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesSep 2014 · ODI 10632920Details +

EL VEHICULO CUANDO SE FRENA EN LAS MAANA LOS FRENOS TRASEROS TRANCAN SOLO ATRAS Y EL MISMO SE BARRE EN LA CARRETERA Y ES UN PELIGRO LLEGUE A LLEVARLO A LA KIA Y ME DIJERN QUE ERA UN DEFECTO DE FABRICA Y QUE EL FABRICANTE NO VA A RESPONDER POR ESO Y DE VERDAD ES PELIGRO YA EH PASADO VARIOS SUSTOS Y CUANDO LA CARRETERA ESTA MOJA ME DA HASTA MIEDO CUANDO TENGO QUE FRENAR POR FAVOR AYUDENME SE LOA AGRADECERIA. *TR

Reported
Sep 2014
Incident date
May 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10632920 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2014 · ODI 10629468 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

WE WERE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE WE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE OTHER CAR WAS AT A STANDSTILL AND WE HIT THEM AT ABOUT 30 MPHS. THE DRIVER AND MYSELF BOTH HAD SEAT BELTS. THE DRIVER INJURIES HER LEFT KNEE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I THINK THAT IF THEY DID HER KNEE MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN INJURED BECAUSE SHE WOULD NOT HAVE SLID FORWARD UPON IMPACT.. *TR

Reported
Aug 2014
Incident date
Aug 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 10629468 at NHTSA →
SuspensionJul 2014 · ODI 10609827 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

TRAFFIC CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP, I COULD NOT STOP IN TIME. I HIT THE TIRES OF A SEMI TRAILER, THAT COLLISION THREW ME DOWN AN EMBANKMENT WHERE I HIT A TREE HEAD ON. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

Reported
Jul 2014
Incident date
Jun 2014
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 10609827 at NHTSA →
Air BagsMar 2013 · ODI 10501956 · crashDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE THE DEALER ADVISED THAT AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,000. *TR

Reported
Mar 2013
Incident date
Mar 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 10501956 at NHTSA →
Air BagsFeb 2013 · ODI 10499518 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

ON FEBRUARY 19, 2013 I WAS IN A COLLISION I HIT THE CAR FROM BEHIND AND TOTALED THE FRONT END OF MY CAR NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED LEAVING ME WITH NECK AND BACK INJURIES. I WANT TO KNOW WHY THEY DIDN'T DEPLOY AND WHY ISN'T OR WASN'T THERE A RECALL BECAUSE THIS IS NOT THE FIRST REPORTED INCIDENT OF NO DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS. MY CAR IS 2 YEARS OLD AND THIS IS THE FIRST COLLISION THAT I HAVE EVER HAD AND FOR THE AIRBAGS TO HAVE NOT DEPLOYED LEAVES ME WITH A LOT OF CONCERNS. MY FATHER IS ACTUALLY HAVING ME CONSIDER A LAWSUIT DUE TO THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING. IM HOPING THIS WILL HELP SOMEONE ELSE BECAUSE MY WRECK WAS PRETTY SERIOUS AND I ALSO HAD MY KIDS IN THE CAR WITH ME AT THE TIME. *TR

Reported
Feb 2013
Incident date
Feb 2013
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 10499518 at NHTSA →
Air BagsJun 2012 · ODI 10460548 · crash · 2 injuriesDetails +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP, A TRACTOR TRAILER CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE REAR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND SHOULDERS AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 52,980.

Reported
Jun 2012
Incident date
Jun 2012
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 2 injuries
Open ODI 10460548 at NHTSA →
Air BagsNov 2011 · ODI 10437730 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

MY 20 YEAR OLD BROTHER WAS ON HIS WAY HOME AND LOST CONTROL ON BLACK ICE TRYING TO AVOID A DOG. HE BEGAN TO SWERVE AND SPUN OUT, RESULTING IN A SINGLE FLIP INTO A DITCH. THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND BELIEVED TO BE TOTALED. THE CAR LANDED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAD-FIRST IN THE DITCH. NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FOR IT'S SAFETY FEATURES CONSIDERING THE WEATHER WHERE I LIVE. IF I HAD TAKEN MY 5 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER TO TOWN (WHICH I WAS PLANNING TO DO AFTER MY BROTHER RETURNED HOME), I HONESTLY BELIEVE SHE WOULDN'T HAVE SURVIVED IF I HAD BEEN IN A SIMILAR SITUATION TO MY BROTHER'S. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR A FEW MONTHS AND IT HAD LESS THAN 10,000 MILES WHEN I BOUGHT IT. *KB

Reported
Nov 2011
Incident date
Nov 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 10437730 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesOct 2011 · ODI 10430168Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WOULD ENGAGE WHENEVER SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Reported
Oct 2011
Incident date
Feb 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10430168 at NHTSA →
TiresOct 2011 · ODI 10429583Details +

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RIO EQUIPPED WITH HANCOOK OPTIMOS TIRES, SIZE P185/65/R14/85H. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BOUNCING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS OUT OF ROUND AND WAS UNABLE TO BE BALANCED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,000.

Reported
Oct 2011
Incident date
Mar 2011
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10429583 at NHTSA →
SteeringNov 2010 · ODI 10367310Details +

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RIO 5. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED MERGING INTO THE LEFT LANE. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN AND HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT IN ORDER TO CONTROL IT FROM MERGING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD ALSO TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ALIGNMENT MALFUNCTIONED. THE ALIGNMENT WAS REPAIRED BUT THE VEHICLE BEGAN PULLING TO THE LEFT MORE CONSISTENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC AGAIN AND THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7 MPH.

Reported
Nov 2010
Incident date
May 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10367310 at NHTSA →
Air BagsOct 2010 · ODI 10362431Details +

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG MALFUNCTIONED. WHENEVER SOMEONE WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG WAS DEACTIVATED BUT WHEN BOOKS WERE PLACED IN THE SEAT THE AIR BAG WAS ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER BUT THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR IN THE SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER WILL NOT VERIFY THE WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG. THE CONTACT STATED THIS WAS A MAJOR ISSUE AND FEARS THAT SOMEONE COULD BE KILLED IF INVOLVED IN A CRASH DUE TO THE AIR BAG NOT DEPLOYING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS AS 50 MILES.

Reported
Oct 2010
Incident date
Oct 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10362431 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2010 · ODI 10347585Details +

1) THE PASSENGER "AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT ON MY NEW 2010 KIA RIO STAYS ON EVEN WHEN SOMEONE IS IN THE SEAT. THIS WITHIN FOUR WEEKS OF MY PURCHASE. 2) IT OCCURS DAILY, NUMEROUS TIMES THROUGHOUT THE DAY. 3) THE KIA DEALER HAS REFUSED TO HELP, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAS 4000 MILES ON IT. THEY SAY THAT IT IS ONLY HAPPENING BECAUSE WE ARE SITTING ON IT INCORRECTLY. *TR

Reported
Aug 2010
Incident date
Aug 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 10347585 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesMar 2010 · ODI 10319614 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

CAR ACCIDENT ON JAN 01, 2010 INVOLVING A RENTAL VEHICLE KIA RIO 2010 I AM CONVINCED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED WHICH AS A RESULT I CRASHED HEAD ON INTO A TREE. I SUFFERED INJURIES OF WHICH I AM STILL RECOVERING FROM. ALAMO DOES NOT WANT TO COVER ANY OF THE MEDICAL BILLS. I NEED HELP IF ANY INFO IS AVAILABLE. *TR

Reported
Mar 2010
Incident date
Jan 2010
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 10319614 at NHTSA →

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this model year as of Jul 2026. Recall records can change when NHTSA publishes new information.

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2010 Kia Rio 5-DR. w/SAB NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

2010 Kia Rio 4-DR. w/SAB NHTSA source

Overall
Not rated
Frontal
Not rated
Side
Not rated
Rollover
Not rated

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Rio1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive283431
Rio1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive273630

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2010 Kia Rio: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2010 Kia Rio?

Owners filed 26 NHTSA complaints about the 2010 Kia Rio. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2010 Kia Rio?

The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (42% of complaints) and electrical system (15%).

How many recalls does the 2010 Kia Rio have?

No safety recalls are on record for the 2010 Kia Rio as of Jul 2026.

What gas mileage does the 2010 Kia Rio get?

The EPA rates the 2010 Kia Rio between 30 and 31 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.