2012 Kia RIO Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 11%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,002miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Kia RIO, 11% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,002 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“The rear end of the car makes a weird whop whop sound when you are driving it has done this since I have bought the car and has gotten worse. When I complained to charper they told me all the Kia rios do this. I fear that a rear wheel is going to eventually come of or blow something. Cant even put windows down when driving it sounds like a helicopter is landing on the roof it is that bad. Hurts your eardrums. Happens no matter what driving condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10893470, filed 2016-08, 3 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“The airbag warning light and the ABS warning light turned on simultaneously while driving. This is a severe safety hazard as both critical, life-saving safety features are currently compromised. I have already contacted Kia Customer Care regarding this issue, but I am filing this official complaint with the NHTSA to ensure a proper safety investigation is documented for this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11740746, filed 2026-05“The contact's sister owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that when her sister started the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11574695, filed 2024-02“The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11566519, filed 2024-01Related recalls
- 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima…Covers: Kia RIO 2012–2017, Borrego 2010–2019, Optima 2011–2015 +9 more
Related service bulletins
- 10179255Aug 25, 2020PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 17% |
| 2021 | 3 | 20% |
| 2020 | 3 | 11% |
| 2019 | 1 | 5% |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2017 | 7 | 23% |
| 2016 | 18 | 23% |
| 2015 | 12 | 23% |
| 2014 | 10 | 19% |
| 2013 | 30 | 20% |
| 2012 | 6 | 11% |
| 2011 | 4 | 17% |
| 2010 | 4 | 15% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 11% |
| 2007 | 8 | 17% |
| 2006 | 3 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 11% |
| 2003 | 13 | 18% |
| 2002 | 20 | 16% |
| 2001 | 17 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2012 Kia RIO
24 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsFuel system
8 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 30, 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