2008 Kia RIO Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 4%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 Kia RIO, 4% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,200 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.
“During acceleration between 50 and 70 MPH the automatic transmission sticks to 3rd gear and the vehicle shudder or shakes real hard, the Kia dealer is saying no problems found . This happens usually on the freeway when merging onto traffic, accelerating from 40 MPH to the speed limit on the freeway and has caused several close calls. The vehicle is equipped with an electronically controlled automatic transaxle that is supposed to downshift during heavy acceleration then shift back to 4th gear however the vehicle stays in 3rd and the tachometer goes to the 6,000 RPM redline. …”
NHTSA complaint #10378229, filed 2011-01, 51,400 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
- 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…
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 2008 Kia RIO
27 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSuspension
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