2021 Kia RIO Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 13%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 2 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Kia RIO, 13% of the 15 complaints for this model year.
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 60-70 miles an hour for 45 minutes then car lost all acceleration and engine light came on. I pulled over immediately turned the car off. Turned it back on drove 1/4 of a mile and same thing happened. I pulled over turned car off and had it towed to the dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #11459319, filed 2022-04Related service bulletins
- 11017109Apr 3, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
- 11014912Feb 28, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
- 10206642Jan 6, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 25% |
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2021 | 2 | 13% |
| 2020 | 5 | 19% |
| 2019 | 6 | 27% |
| 2018 | 15 | 54% |
| 2017 | 11 | 35% |
| 2016 | 39 | 49% |
| 2015 | 23 | 44% |
| 2014 | 24 | 46% |
| 2013 | 53 | 35% |
| 2012 | 24 | 44% |
| 2011 | 7 | 29% |
| 2010 | 4 | 15% |
| 2009 | 7 | 18% |
| 2008 | 3 | 7% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 14% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2021 Kia RIO
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBrakes
3 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 27, 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