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Electrical systemPart report

2011 Kia RIO Electrical system Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
21%of 24 total for the year
Median mileage
46,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 2011 Kia RIO, 21% of the 24 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 46,000 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.

“Ignition switch locked up and wouldn't let the key out. Had six mechanics try to get the key unstuck and a Kia personal(over the phone), with no success. Had to tow my car 20 miles paid $165 to tow it, then Kia service center charged me another $430 to fix the problem. Got the car back with an extra set of keys. One set to open the doors and one set to start the car. Guess what else...now the car ignition dings like the keys are still in it even when no keys are in ignition and because of that I can't lock my car! …”

NHTSA complaint #10610218, filed 2014-07, 62,000 miles

“First the car was pulling to the driver side went to the local firestone shop and they told me the air was too low. It was only 25psi they fixed all my tyres and checked all the tire pressure then the car started pulling on the passenger's side suddenly. Started getting jerks on the steering wheel. Went to the dealer and told the alignment was off. This was a brand new Kia RIO 2011 not even 6 months old. Also the didn't show me any indication that my drivers side front wheel has less air. …”

NHTSA complaint #10424339, filed 2011-09, 3,679 miles

“The contact owns a 2011 Kia RIO. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle sputtered, vibrated, and the engine revved. The vehicle stalled and the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred six times. The dealer stated that the factory ignition coils failed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 30,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10631575, filed 2014-09, 30,000 miles

“The engine and all electrical shuts down without warning. This happened three times in heavy traffic and nearly caused an accident. The engine stops running and the electrical components turn off which shuts down power steering and power brakes. Each time this has happened the electrical is disabled and the car is completely dead with zero response when the ignition key is turned; no dash lights, no starter, no power. After the first incident the plugs and coil packs were changed out. After the second incident the fuse block was changed out which was said to have been overheating. …”

NHTSA complaint #11542347, filed 2023-09

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2023217%
202218%
202117%
2020519%
201915%
2018518%
2017310%
2016911%
2015917%
2014510%
20132718%
2012611%
2011521%
2010415%
200925%
200812%
2007817%
200634%
2005411%
2004513%
20031520%
200286%
20012511%

Other parts of the 2011 Kia RIO

Engine
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 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