CarRecallDB

2006 Kia RIO recalls and problems

1 recall and 74 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Kia RIO.

1
recalls
74
owner complaints
12
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2006 Kia RIO recalls

Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive

NHTSA campaign 12V244000 · reported May 31, 2012 · KIA MOTORS CORPORATION · 72,568 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Kia is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 rio vehicles, manufactured from february 20, 2005, through december 9, 2007. The front passenger seat occupant sensor mat can experience fatigue cracking. If sufficient cracking occurs, the occupant classification system (ocs) will cease to function such that the system will not be able to detect whether a child passenger is in the seat and the airbag will deploy during a crash necessitating deployment.
The risk
Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.
The fix
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ocs seat sensor mat, free of charge. The recall began on july 26, 2012. Owners may contact kia consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 25, 2026 · Air bags

srs light turned on and is illuminated when starting and driving the vehicle.

Feb 22, 2026 · Structure · crash reported

This man purposely rammed my car. He saw me in the lane but came over anyway and hit my car.

Aug 12, 2020 · Suspension · 174,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THE FRONT CRADLE AND LOWER CONTROL ARM HAD SUSTAINED SEVERE RUSTING AND CORROSION. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER TAYLOR KIA LOCATED AT 7870…

Jul 23, 2020 · Unknown or other · 175,000 miles

IGNITION WONT TURN WHEN KEY IS IN TO START THE CAR.AT A STOPPED POSITION. HAPPENS WHEN YOU TRY TO START THE CAR.

Dec 10, 2019 · Air bags · 145,000 miles · crash reported

I WAS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT WHERE I RENEDED TWO CARS. MY AIR BAG SID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS HYDROPLANE ON WET ROADS GOING ABOUT 55 WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES.

RIO model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2003 37482
2004 23842
2005 13744
2006 174120
2007 146111
2008 146110
2009 03960

Across all years, the 2001 RIO has the most complaints (223). All Kia RIO years →

Questions

Does the 2006 Kia RIO have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2006 Kia RIO, the most recent reported on May 31, 2012 (Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Kia RIO?
Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is air bags (50 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (6).
How many 2006 Kia RIO complaints mention a crash or fire?
12 of 74 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 14 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 25, 2026.