What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia RIO?

Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (24 complaints), followed by air bags (7).

How many 2014 Kia RIO complaints mention a crash or fire?

7 of 52 complaints report a crash and 8 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2014 Kia RIO recalls and problems

1 recall and 52 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2014 Kia RIO.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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.

2014 Kia RIO recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · reported September 25, 2023 · Kia America, Inc. · 1,730,192 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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 number for this recall is SC284.

Most reported problems

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

Engine24
Air bags7
Service brakes, hydraulic7
Power train6
Structure6
Unknown or other6
Electrical system5
Fuel/propulsion system4
Service brakes3
Wheels2

What owners report

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

Aug 7, 2026 · Unknown or other · fire reported
Webwas deiving down the road and flames started shooting from underneath the hood we stopped car jumped out and looked back an whole front of car was on fire it burnt most of car

Mar 20, 2026 · Engine
I am filing this complaint regarding Kia America's arbitrary denial of coverage for a suspected connecting-rod-bearing failure in my 2014 Kia Rio (85,000 miles). The vehicle exhibits classic symptoms of the Gamma 1.6L GDI defect: excessive oil consumption (bone-dry after ~1,200 miles post-January 2026 shop oil…

May 17, 2025 · Engine
I tried to get the parts fixed from the recall. However, when I tried to get it serviced I was adviced that the parts would take a few weeks to arrive. With an appending move to Helena, Mt from Lambertville, Mi they informed me that they would not be able to fix the recall issues. There is no KIA dealership within a…

Mar 31, 2025 · Engine
The engine started to lose power, and the check engine light illuminated. The power drop was most noticable when accelerating from a stop. At times, randomly, the engine RPMs would dip down to 200-300 at idle and would almost stall. Upon further investigation, the engine has been excessively consuming oil. I brought…

Aug 25, 2024 · Unknown or other
Driving to work I exited US-26 in Hillsboro, Oregon at the 185th exit. The exit is an uphill ramp with a traffic signal at the top of the hill. The traffic signal at the end of the ramp was green. I was following a Tesla Model Y and I saw the brake lights activate. I applied my brakes causing my car to slow down and…

RIO model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2011	0	24	4	0
2012	1	54	3	9
2013	1	153	8	18
2014	1	52	7	8
2015	1	52	4	10
2016	2	79	8	6
2017	2	31	3	6

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

Questions

Does the 2014 Kia RIO have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2014 Kia RIO, the most recent reported on September 25, 2023 (Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Kia RIO?: Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (24 complaints), followed by air bags (7).
How many 2014 Kia RIO complaints mention a crash or fire?: 7 of 52 complaints report a crash and 8 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 7, 2026.