2006 Kia RIO Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 8%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2006 Kia RIO, 8% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The 2006 Kia RIO which I bought at Kia motorsport in tallahassee, fl last year is being returned for warranty service for 3rd time in 18000 mi. All 3 times had to do with the check engine light coming on and preceding a breakdown. The 1st time was due to an unknown fuel system problem. The light was reset, and 100 miles later it occurred again and the Kia said there was a bulletin mandating replacement of injectors and intake manifold. 3d time today, ce engine light came on when I was 23 mi form home. Decided to drive it home as it was still running ok. …”
NHTSA complaint #10214690, filed 2008-01, 18,800 miles“Engine light stays on...dealer has done nothing to solve this problem except unplug battery and plug it back in. Light still comes on. Mileage per gallon is very poor.”
NHTSA complaint #10413180, filed 2011-07, 36,000 miles“When driving vehicle everything turns off in car and jerks and starts heading towards the right. This has happened twice on highway 395 and once on interstate 15. Also while the car is in a drive through the car has stalled more than twice.”
NHTSA complaint #10171998, filed 2006-10, 3,098 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Kia RIO. The contact stated that the vehicle would stall upon decelerating and the engine warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel. Typically, the vehicle was able to restart immediately after the failure. In addition, the vehicle would vibrate abnormally when in fifth gear while driving between 40-60 MPH. The dealer replaced the throttle body and the fuel pump, but the failure recurred shortly after the repair. The failure has not been properly remedied. …”
NHTSA complaint #10268196, filed 2009-05, 42,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Kia RIO. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH the vehicle stalled. The vehicle behind her almost rear ended her vehicle. The contact was barely able to drive onto the emergency lane. The vehicle would not pick up speed, it would only coast very slowly. The failure happened twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that they were unable to find a failure. The contact stated that the service manager of the dealership was rude and was banging his fist on the counter. She stated that she felt very intimidated by the ordeal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10354151, filed 2010-09, 74,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned…
- 10032713Apr 1, 2010Kia: ecm upgrade-mil on with dtc p0300, p0128, p0140, p0442 & p0461. Vehicles may experience a rough idle during initial cold start up period and/or illuminate the mil. *pe…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2013 | 3 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 4% |
| 2006 | 6 | 8% |
| 2005 | 12 | 32% |
| 2004 | 12 | 32% |
| 2003 | 19 | 26% |
| 2002 | 39 | 30% |
| 2001 | 52 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2006 Kia RIO
50 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Kia RIO
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology