2021 Kia RIO Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 20%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 Kia RIO, 20% of the 15 complaints for this model year. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 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.
“Having been complaining about a noise from under the front right tire, I was initially told it was a little piece of plastic and that got cut off. I was still hear the scraping and squealing and I kept check the from right tire because I thought that's where it was coming from. I mentioned this to every mechanic at kia and was told that's just how 2021s sound . Finally after months of complaining the noise got louder and you could hear it was clearly something in steering. They schedules an appointment for Dec 7th on Mon Nov 28th. …”
NHTSA complaint #11495434, filed 2022-11“On the way to work, I had the brake pedal pressed waiting for a traffic signal to change. After it changed to green, I released the brake pedal and depressed the gas pedal, only for the vehicle not to move forward - as if the brake was still being applied. I took my foot off the gas pedal, waited a second or two, then tried the gas pedal again and it still did not move. I was at the traffic signal for nearly 10 seconds with nothing touching the brake pedal and unable to drive forward. The vehicle did not turn off, display any warning lights, or any signs of other trouble. …”
NHTSA complaint #11426082, filed 2021-07“Vehicle failed to reduce speed effectively while trying to avoid a collision with another vehicle during a left turn, which then caused the vehicle to turn widely and collide with the curb.”
NHTSA complaint #11448123, filed 2022-01Related recalls
- 21V936000Dec 1, 2021Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage…Covers: Kia RIO 2020–2021
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 2021 Kia RIO
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsLane departure
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 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