2007 Kia RIO Problems
- Complaints
- 46filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 57,018miles, 34 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 29 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2007 Kia RIO (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 46 consumer complaints for the 2007 Kia RIO. The part named most often is air bags, with 21 complaints (46% of the total), followed by brakes (8) and electrical system (8). 34 of the complaints include a mileage, and 44% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 57,018 miles. Of all complaints, 11 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 6 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 24 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the sensor/control module-inactive filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags21 46%
- Brakes8 17%
- Electrical system8 17%
- Exterior lighting3 6.5%
- Seats3 6.5%
- Engine cooling2 4.3%
- Fuel system2 4.3%
- Other or unknown2 4.3%
Also reported: Steering (2), Tires (2), Engine (1), Equipment (1), Seat belts (1), Body and structure (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “My vehicle's air bag sensor has been on and the Kia manufacturer claims it not to be a recall since my warranty has expired this past november 2012. Now my car temperature gauge goes from cold -0- to half on the gauge. It starts to shake and shuts down in the middle of me driving. Almost caused me to have 2 accidents. I had it taken to take it to get a diagnostic test and this was in part of a recall that the manufacturer claims is not their problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10490060, filed 2012-12, 95,000 milesBrakes: “Brake lights do not come on when applying brakes. This is an intermittent problem. Also there is intermittent problems of the gear shift to lock up and not be moved out of neutral. There were recall on other Kia makes of the same year but the did not include the RIO, however I am having the same exact problem described in the Kia recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10519333, filed 2013-06, 85,367 milesElectrical system: “I driving up to wisconsin dells from illinois and the vit woulnt go over twenty miles per hr I hate this vehicle and a tune up was done before I left I have a 2007 Kia RIO and vehicle just died and then started and had no power I had to have it towed back to illinois which cost me 300 dollars has anyone else had this problem only has 95.600 miles was”
NHTSA complaint #11308013, filed 2020-02, 95,600 milesExterior lighting: “I was driving my 2007 Kia RIO today and someone told me my brake lights were not working. I replaced all the fuses only to find out the stoplamp switch is not working properly. I could of been hit from behind.”
NHTSA complaint #10356209, filed 2010-09, 51,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
44% of the 34 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 23,400 and 85,367 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2007 Kia RIO. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIO · sedan FWD | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2007 Kia RIO version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Rio FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 27 | 32 | 29 | $2,300 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 12V244000May 31, 2012Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactiveCovers: Kia RIO 2006–2008
Kia is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 rio vehicles, manufactured from february 20, 2005, through december 9, 2007. The front passenger seat occupant sensor mat can experience fatigue cracking. If sufficient cracking occurs, the occupant…
Recall details for the 2007 Kia RIO → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 24 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11017172Apr 17, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black…
- 11000787May 16, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
- 10226555Nov 18, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia…
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021Exterior lighting, Body and structure. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated…
- 10174520Apr 24, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct…
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018Engine cooling. PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to…
- 10109812Jan 18, 2017Equipment. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly…
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016Equipment, Latches, locks and linkages. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following…
- 10183431Apr 4, 2016Equipment, Electrical system. TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones.
- 10089668Jul 16, 2015Equipment. Questions and answers for voluntary service campaign sc122 underbody additional anti-corrosion treatment
Other model years of the Kia RIO
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 | 100,900 | 0 | — | 36 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 12 | 70,500 | 1 | — | 36 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 15 | — | 2 | — | 36 | — | Stable |
| 2020 | 27 | 2,780 | 1 | — | 36 | 73 · More | Stable |
| 2019 | 22 | 4,450 | 1 | — | 32 | — | Stable |
| 2018 | 28 | 35,785 | 1 | — | 32 | 12 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 31 | 36,500 | 2 | 4 | 31 | 35 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2016 | 79 | 50,500 | 2 | 4 | 31 | 65 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 52 | 60,000 | 1 | 4 | 30 | 45 · Typical | Rising |
| 2014 | 52 | 33,000 | 1 | 4 | 30 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2013 | 153 | 64,626 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 89 · More | Rising |
| 2012 | 54 | 64,000 | 1 | 4 | 32 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 24 | 61,000 | 0 | — | 30 | — | Rising |
| 2010 | 26 | 63,000 | 0 | — | 31 | 33 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 39 | 48,200 | 0 | — | 30 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 46 | 46,000 | 1 | — | 29 | 58 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 46 | 57,018 | 1 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 74 | 63,495 | 1 | — | 29 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 37 | 51,000 | 1 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 38 | 68,520 | 2 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 74 | 30,000 | 3 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 128 | 36,750 | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 223 | 48,000 | 3 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Kia RIO model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2007 Kia RIO have?
NHTSA recorded 46 consumer complaints for the 2007 Kia RIO as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2007 Kia RIO is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 21 complaints (46% of the total), followed by brakes with 8.
Has the 2007 Kia RIO been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2007 Kia RIO get?
The EPA rates the 2007 Kia RIO (Rio, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 29 mpg combined, 25 city and 35 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2007 Kia RIO reported?
Among the 34 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 57,018 miles and the middle half falls between 23,400 and 85,367 miles; 44% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.