2009 Kia RIO Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 18%of 39 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2009 Kia RIO, 18% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,000 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.
“My coils keep going out after replacing all 4. I've replaced the complete fuel pump but everytime I fuel up my car it hesitates to start which is why I replaced the pump to begin with.”
NHTSA complaint #11386161, filed 2021-01, 75,000 miles“Ignition coil recall. They keep going bad every two months. The check engine light comes on I lose power to the car. Get the ignition coil and valve cover fixed. I have the same problem again. While I am driving in motion and stationary this happens.”
NHTSA complaint #10908474, filed 2016-09, 35,000 miles“At 39,000 miles my car started lurching and had no power. Got it to a mechanic immediately, and spark plugs and coil #1 had to be replaced. I just got to 67,000 miles, emissions control light again came on, car had loss of power and shaking. Again got to mechanic immediately, again #1 coil and #2 coils had to be replaced. Seems to be an underlying electrical problem that the manufacturer has not addressed. Can this problem be permanently fixed? Will a Kia dealership be able to fix it even though there seems to be no recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11002707, filed 2017-07, 67,000 miles“Spark plug cylinder holes filling with oil due to valve cover oring failure a recall should be done on this issue could cause a engine fire in the picture the whole spared plug was completely covered over with oil in the engine”
NHTSA complaint #11318131, filed 2020-03, 197,000 miles“Replaced ignition coils 1 and 3 at the end of 2018. Coil 1 had to be replaced again in january 2019. Coils 2 and 4 were both replaced along with all spark plugs february 2018. In july 2019 coil 2 started to fail again and now in august 2019 coil 4 is misfiring as well. This is an ongoing problem that I see many regular posts regarding the short life span of the ignition coils for this car. There is obviously and electrical issue if not something else is obviously wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #11253935, filed 2019-09, 85,099 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 2009 Kia RIO
17 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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