2012 Kia RIO Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 9%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,240miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2012 Kia RIO, 9% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,240 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“Driving car at about 60 MPH and car began to smoke. Got out on side of highway lifted hood and everything was on fire. People assing by along with hero and fire dept made sure flames were put out . I never made any modification to vehicle and we keep it serviced. Feel like problems are with manufacture wiring. I have done insurance claim and contacted manufacture. The miles are aprox 102k”
NHTSA complaint #10903822, filed 2016-09, 60 miles“I have a 2012 Kia RIO and over the last 2 months the oil light spontaneously comes on and turns off while driving. I took it into a Kia dealership and they did a consumption test which indicated the engine is consuming a lot of oil. I was told I need a brand new engine. This car was purchased new, currently has 112k miles (mostly highway) on it. The dealership offered me nothing. They want to charge me for a brand new engine with a 6m /12m warranty costing me $3900 / $4400 for repair or an engine w 95k miles for $3600 / $3900 for repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #11144971, filed 2018-11, 112,000 miles“Got up early one morning to go to work, started my car, let it run for 2 minutes and put it in reverse and it moved without me pressing on the gas petal and I was parked down hill.now my car starts sometimes and sometimes it won't. It doesn't do it all the time, but it still needs to be repaired. I wanted to know were there a recall on my car for these problems.I haven't took it to a shop to be checked yet, spend enough money on car payments to have to fix my own car and it's under warranty”
NHTSA complaint #10747222, filed 2015-08, 39,240 miles“I went to the Kia dealership in Laredo Texas and was told that they cannot fix the fault, that my vehicle has had an aftermarket parts, that they are not going to fix the HECU. That they don't fix vehicle with aftermarket parts.”
NHTSA complaint #11677382, filed 2025-07“I went to honk my horn as someone was backing up and didn’t see me as we were on an incline . This vehicle sits low and they were in a jeep. Due to the failure of my horn, I was unable to give a warning and they hit my car. No airbag was deployed and my seatbelt/airbag light is on. No injuries reported thankfully. I was told these things were related and repairs needed which is going to be extensive. The airbag may not deploy and horn does not work. I consider this a definite safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11755293, filed 2026-08Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | 42% |
| 2022 | 3 | 25% |
| 2021 | 6 | 40% |
| 2020 | 8 | 30% |
| 2019 | 9 | 41% |
| 2018 | 5 | 18% |
| 2017 | 6 | 19% |
| 2016 | 15 | 19% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2014 | 6 | 12% |
| 2013 | 19 | 12% |
| 2012 | 5 | 9% |
| 2011 | 2 | 8% |
| 2010 | 3 | 12% |
| 2009 | 3 | 8% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 4% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2005 | 1 | 3% |
| 2004 | 3 | 8% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 19 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2012 Kia RIO
24 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 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