2019 Kia Rio problems and complaints
Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Kia Rio. The most-reported areas: Unknown Or Other (8), Engine (6), Air Bags (3).
Key takeaways
- 21 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 4 involve a crash, 1 a fire, 4 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 8 | 38% |
| Engine | 6 | 29% |
| Air Bags | 3 | 14% |
| Power Train | 2 | 10% |
| Steering | 2 | 10% |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 5% |
| Structure | 1 | 5% |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 1 | 5% |
| Electrical System | 1 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 5% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 5% |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 5% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Kia Rio 5 HB FWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2019 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Unknown Or Other,back Over Prevention - filed 2026-06-14
There was no accident the radio/backup camera shuts down completely on the inside of the car when the car is too hot inside
Structure - filed 2026-04-21
2019 Kia Rio Hatchback trunk latch failure buzzing actuator but won't open emergency release does not work dealer says not covered under recall #21V622000 which covers the trunk for 4 door 2019 Kia Rio and this appears to be the same or similar issue with the trunk emergency release not opening creating a safety ri...
Engine - filed 2026-01-13
On the morning of October 15th, the oil light of my 2019 Kia Rio came on, immediately followed by extreme engine noise, just before the engine locked. I had the vehicle towed to a nearby service center. They checked and reported that all oil had leaked out and motor had locked. I then had vehicle towed to Kia dealer an...
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More for the 2019 Kia Rio
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.