2012 Kia RIO Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 22%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the air bags of the 2012 Kia RIO, 22% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 2 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.
“I was driving in the rain, going about 55-60 MPH, when all of a sudden the car in front of me slammed on its brakes and attempted to make a left turn (like they almost missed the street and tried to compensate last minute) I slammed on the breaks but could not stop in time and hit the car in front of me. The seatbelt didn't catch, nor did the airbag deploy, and my head hit the steering wheel, chin first.”
NHTSA complaint #10860642, filed 2016-04, 78,000 miles“I'm at 96k miles. The mechanic pulls codes for the airbags. They are showing a defect and the reason is unknown. I'm also hearing a rattling in the engine. We are discovering it is common in Kia RIO and the reason Kia gives is we are getting our oil changes done at places other than them. I used only experienced, licensed mechanics. The issue continues to go undiagnosed as to know if the engine will catch fire causing death or injury. The car is not safe. A fix need forced.”
NHTSA complaint #11320096, filed 2020-04, 97,205 miles“About 3 mths ago started using oil 3 qts extra the went to a qt a week, now using a quart every other day, have had people check. Cant find out where oil is going, have parked it, also, airbag light came on about 4mths ago, Kia RIO has 114,000. The caliber froze up at 88,000 the brake pads kept wearing on left side, now the right starting to wearing more...I have the gold autoguard warranty up to 120,000 with hendrick chevrolet, took it in on appt. Day n time, had 30 cars ahead. I have also learned. …”
NHTSA complaint #11210046, filed 2019-05, 100,000 miles“Airbag light stays on, car has little over 87,000 miles strictly dealer maintenance no rhyme or reason to explain the light. No accidents no liquiud spills on any seats dealer stated cost could be up to $2000.00 depending on what the $245.00 diagnostic snows. I can not u understand how a safety feature uus not covered for much longer. Hell my catalytic converter gas a longer warranty. My dealer tells me they are seeing more and more kka vehicles coming in with similar problems with almost exact years and mileage. That tells me there is a issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11030751, filed 2017-10, 87,233 miles“We ran into a telephone poll at about 25 miles an hour and the air bags did not deploy and seat belts did not look, passenger hit the windshield with head and driver hit his chest into the steering wheel and hurt chest.”
NHTSA complaint #10493304, filed 2013-01, 12,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10189271Mar 11, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CLOCKSPRING REPLACEMENT FOR AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON - DTC B1346/B1481 - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised…
- 10184998Dec 3, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CLOCKSPRING REPLACEMENT FOR AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON â DTC B1346/B1481 - This bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the…
- 10182044Oct 16, 2020WTY017: REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT - This document is the request for reimbursement form for 2012-2013 MY Kia Rio vehicle owners to submit to Kia in the event they have already…
- 10182041Oct 16, 2020WARRANTY EXTENSION - NOTICE TO RIO OWNERS - This document is notice to the owners of the 2012-2013 MY Kia Rio vehicles of the warranty extension on the driver's front airbag…
- 10182040Oct 14, 2020WARRANTY EXTENSION: QA - This document is the frequently asked question and answer document for the warranty extension (WTY017) on the driver's front airbag clock spring assembly…
- 10182038Oct 14, 2020WARRANTY EXTENSION - NOTICE TO DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGERS - This document is notice to the dealer parts and service managers of the warranty extension on the driver's…
- 10182036Oct 14, 2020WARRANTY EXTENSION - NOTICE TO DEALER PRINCIPALS - This document is notice to the dealer principals of the warranty extension on the driver's front airbag clock spring assembly…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 4% |
| 2019 | 3 | 14% |
| 2018 | 5 | 18% |
| 2017 | 3 | 10% |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% |
| 2015 | 5 | 10% |
| 2014 | 7 | 13% |
| 2013 | 34 | 22% |
| 2012 | 12 | 22% |
| 2011 | 5 | 21% |
| 2010 | 12 | 46% |
| 2009 | 17 | 44% |
| 2008 | 27 | 59% |
| 2007 | 21 | 46% |
| 2006 | 50 | 68% |
| 2005 | 4 | 11% |
| 2004 | 3 | 8% |
| 2003 | 4 | 5% |
| 2002 | 21 | 16% |
| 2001 | 33 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2012 Kia RIO
24 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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