Before buying a used 2012 Kia Rio, check whether recall repairs were completed, how it scored in crash tests and what owners report most often. Ask the seller for service records covering any recall listed below.
A 0–100 grade from public NHTSA data — higher means fewer reported problems. How it's calculated
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2012 Kia Rio 5 HB FWD
2012 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.
54 complaints filed with NHTSA (3 involving a crash, 9 a fire). Most-reported areas:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints. Complaints are unverified reports, not confirmed defects.
| Version | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rio — Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L | 8.4 L/100 km (28 mpg) | 6.5 L/100 km (36 mpg) | 7.6 L/100 km (31 mpg) |
| Rio — Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L | 8.1 L/100 km (29 mpg) | 6.4 L/100 km (37 mpg) | 7.4 L/100 km (32 mpg) |
Source: U.S. EPA / fueleconomy.gov. Converted to L/100 km for Canadian buyers.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's…
Source: U.S. NHTSA. Canadian-market vehicles can have different recalls — check Transport Canada's recall database. Always confirm recall status for a specific VIN with a dealer.