2008 Kia RIO Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 11%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 19,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Kia RIO, 11% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 19,000 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.
“Brake lights stopped working. Replaced bulbs and checked fuse but still nothing. Good samaritan pulled up next to me at a red light to let me know, luckily there was no accident and I was only a few blocks from home.”
NHTSA complaint #10735040, filed 2015-07, 96,000 miles“I was backing out of my driveway and the car would not stop although I was pressing the brake. The car crossed the street behind my house and finally crashed into a group of trees. I think that the throttle got stuck, but I'm not sure why it happened. The car was totaled and ended up being taken to the junk yard.”
NHTSA complaint #10273005, filed 2009-06, 10,000 miles“My brake lights will not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed. Thankfully, I had a friend following me to notice the problem, or else this could have LED to an accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10564990, filed 2014-02, 86,000 miles“Excessive brake fade when there is three adults in vehicle. Happens either when it is warm,cold,raining,dry, flat or going downhill. Took vehicle to dealer and they could not duplicate problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10305833, filed 2010-02, 19,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Kia RIO. While driving approximately 35-40 MPH on normal road conditions; an aggressive and forceful pressure was applied to the brake pedal to avoid striking two deer in the road. Suddenly, the brakes locked without warning and the vehicle began to skid sideways. There were no personal injuries or damages. The vehicle resumed to normal operation with caution. An authorized technician cleaned the service brakes; although, he was unable to duplicate the failure. This failure has occurred on three occasions for identical failures which there were no resolutions. …”
NHTSA complaint #10266513, filed 2009-04, 9,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 17% |
| 2021 | 3 | 20% |
| 2020 | 3 | 11% |
| 2019 | 1 | 5% |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2017 | 7 | 23% |
| 2016 | 18 | 23% |
| 2015 | 12 | 23% |
| 2014 | 10 | 19% |
| 2013 | 30 | 20% |
| 2012 | 6 | 11% |
| 2011 | 4 | 17% |
| 2010 | 4 | 15% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 11% |
| 2007 | 8 | 17% |
| 2006 | 3 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 11% |
| 2003 | 13 | 18% |
| 2002 | 20 | 16% |
| 2001 | 17 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2008 Kia RIO
27 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Kia RIO
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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