2007 Kia RIO Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 7%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2007 Kia RIO, 7% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,000 miles.
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.
“As I was backing out of my driveway, 6 months after I purchased my brand new 2007 Kia RIO, I heard a loud noise and felt my car lurch simultaneously, as if I had been hit by a car. When I tried to resume backing up my car had popped out of reverse. Although it doesn't happen frequently, it does happen I have had people in the car when it happens. When I took it to the dealership, I was told they couldn't duplicate it .”
NHTSA complaint #10487506, filed 2012-12, 9,158 miles“Driving on interstate 75 at 70 MPH the automatic transmission suddenly downshifted from overdrive into 3rd gear. The sudden surge almost sent me into the median. This has happened 5 times in the last month. The dealer has replaced the speed sensor unit twice and problem continues. Dealer kept old parts.”
NHTSA complaint #10206032, filed 2007-10, 15,900 miles“The contact owns a 2007 Kia RIO. While the contact was driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle suddenly began to vibrate violently. After examining the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front passenger side tire was bent. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where the contact was informed that the front rotors, axle, and velocity joint needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were approximately 12,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10322374, filed 2010-03, 12,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017172Apr 17, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
- 11000787May 16, 2024This 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…
- 10226555Nov 18, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity…
- 10174520Apr 24, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating…
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia…
- 10022184Jun 1, 2007Powertrain control module (pcm) reprogram - rough idle during initial cold start/dtc p0300.
- 10021561Jan 1, 2007Automatic transmission adaptive value reset/relearn.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 17% |
| 2021 | 2 | 13% |
| 2020 | 5 | 19% |
| 2019 | 2 | 9% |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 6 | 12% |
| 2013 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 7% |
| 2006 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 8% |
| 2004 | 4 | 11% |
| 2003 | 12 | 16% |
| 2002 | 8 | 6% |
| 2001 | 25 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2007 Kia RIO
21 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEngine
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2007 Kia RIO
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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