2021 Kia RIO recalls

2 safety recalls, 15 owner complaints. Official NHTSA data.

2023202220212020
2Recalls
15Complaints
2Crashes & fires reported
N/ANHTSA overall rating

Not every 2021 Kia RIO is affected by every recall. Check your VIN to see open recalls on your exact vehicle.

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2021 Kia RIO recall list

Steering recall

22V-304
May 5, 2022 · Kia Motors America
Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
Safety risk
Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic recall

21V-936
December 1, 2021 · Kia Motors America
Problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
Safety risk
Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC223.

2021 Kia RIO owner complaints

15 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Problems by component

Unknown or Other6
Steering4
Service Brakes3
Power Train2
Engine2
Electrical System1
Back Over Prevention1
Seat Belts1
Lane Departure1
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Recent complaints

December 28, 2025Unknown or Other

Back up camera sometimes flips sides, so that obstacles on the right side of the car are shown on the left side of the camera screen. Sometimes the camera doesn't work at all.

May 14, 2025Steering

Steering Gear Assembly completely broke at 81,000 miles. My daughter was backing up in a busy street at 5pm and lost 100 percent of steering control. Lucking cars dodged her and she didn’t get hurt or worse.

November 14, 2023Power TrainUnknown or Other

Placed car in park got out to open a gate. Car took off forward even when shifter was in Park Position and almost ran a child over.

August 24, 2023Electrical SystemBack Over Prevention

Center Console Display blank (screen black) upon startup unable to see cameras and backing up affected creating safety concern.

May 2, 2023Seat BeltsUnknown or Other

seatbelts in rear are inoperable/anti theft not working. Kia dealership told me that its not their issue about the anti theft. I have been told on 3 separate occasions that my seatbelts have been ordered but they haven’t!!!! No one is following up with me, when I call I get told “until they can get in contact with the dealership Kia the corporate company cannot do anything” have 2 kids Kia the dealership as well as the corporate company knows about this and no one is doing anything!! NO ONE CARES

2021 Kia RIO crash test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Kia Rio 4 DR FWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Driver aids on the tested 2021 Kia RIO: electronic stability control standard, forward collision warning no, lane departure warning no.

2021 Kia RIO recall FAQ

Does the 2021 Kia RIO have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2021 Kia RIO. The most recent, filed May 5, 2022, concerns the steering.

What are the most common 2021 Kia RIO problems?

Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is unknown or other (6 reports), followed by steering.

Is the 2021 Kia RIO safe?

NHTSA has not published an overall crash test rating for the 2021 Kia RIO.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2021 Kia RIO?

Contact any authorized Kia dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.