2012 Kia RIO Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 15%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 54,150miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the fuel system of the 2012 Kia RIO, 15% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 54,150 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.
“This is my second post. My fuel system has been acting up the last 1-2wks. I noticed while driving one day that the fuel light came on and the needle moved to empty on my dashboard. I had put a full tank of gas in my car less than 24hr earlier and only driven 20mi. So I was quite alarmed. I stopped to check my fuel cap. Checked for leaks. But there was no obvious issue. The light eventually went off and the needle rose back up to the full reading. Weird of course. I figured it was a glitch so I didn't think much of it. However the same issue cont'd to occur over the next several days. …”
NHTSA complaint #10958219, filed 2017-03, 93,000 miles“Replaced cadalytic converter and oxygen sensor dec 2017, and engine light is on now with diagnostics saying same things again. Oil needs to be put in car every week or two. Fed up with this car”
NHTSA complaint #11184654, filed 2019-03, 150,000 miles“Car pauses and then exhilarates when driving or backing up for explanation and also wants to stall when pushing on the gas when trying to get on highway..”
NHTSA complaint #11203605, filed 2019-04, 11,700 miles“Brief loss of throttle control along with engine overspeed possibly due to dirty electrical contacts in connector at electronic throttle body -- restored proper operation via flushing of electrical contacts in connector with 100% isopropyl alcohol aerosol spray -- vehicle was being driven into a crowded parking lot at the time -- brakes were effective in keeping the speed under control -- had to shut engine off while in drive in order to keep it from overspeeding -- engine had been running and car had been in motion for previous 45 mins without problems”
NHTSA complaint #11280801, filed 2019-11, 80,300 miles“The fuel hose vent line leaked fuel into back seat of vehicle while fueling, taken to dealer only to be told that Kia said it was impossible and I spilt gas on the seat.”
NHTSA complaint #10454062, filed 2012-04, 2,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10162048Jun 11, 2019TSB: AIR DRAIN CASE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the Air Drain Case on some…
- 10152915Jan 18, 2019TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS FOR GDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides…
- 10109655May 19, 2014PIT STOP: GDI INJECTOR SPRAY TIP DEPOSITS - A design feature of vehicles equipped with a Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) system is the placement of each fuel injector directly…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% |
| 2018 | 2 | 7% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 2 | 4% |
| 2014 | 4 | 8% |
| 2013 | 8 | 5% |
| 2012 | 8 | 15% |
| 2011 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 2 | 8% |
| 2009 | 3 | 8% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 4% |
| 2006 | 3 | 4% |
| 2005 | 3 | 8% |
| 2004 | 6 | 16% |
| 2003 | 7 | 9% |
| 2002 | 15 | 12% |
| 2001 | 24 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2012 Kia RIO
24 complaintsAir bags
12 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 29, 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