2008 Kia RIO Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 7%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Kia RIO, 7% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,500 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.
“Takata recall. The computer that tells the transmission to switch gears is stuck and doasnt work. My car will only stay in 3rd gear and reverse. It has no power and goes in limp mode. I have 3 small kids and it is very dangerous for me to drive with it like this since the day I bought it. Plz help me.”
NHTSA complaint #11181015, filed 2019-02“The contact owns a 2008 Kia RIO. While driving 60 MPH, the check engine light began to blink and the vehicle shook violently. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an ignition coil failed and need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10864025, filed 2016-05, 30,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Kia RIO. While driving various speeds, the engine and clutch ceased without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who provided a cost estimate for the repairs. The contact reached out to the manufacturer to find out what type of clutch was needed to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 103,000. The VIN was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11267065, filed 2019-10, 103,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10090625Aug 29, 2013Tsb: muffler pipe hanger bracket replacement - revised - some rio vehicles, produced from february 25, 2008 to july 10, 2011, may experience a rattling noise while driving…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 25% |
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2021 | 2 | 13% |
| 2020 | 5 | 19% |
| 2019 | 6 | 27% |
| 2018 | 15 | 54% |
| 2017 | 11 | 35% |
| 2016 | 39 | 49% |
| 2015 | 23 | 44% |
| 2014 | 24 | 46% |
| 2013 | 53 | 35% |
| 2012 | 24 | 44% |
| 2011 | 7 | 29% |
| 2010 | 4 | 15% |
| 2009 | 7 | 18% |
| 2008 | 3 | 7% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 14% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2008 Kia RIO
27 complaintsBrakes
5 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 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