CarRecallDB

2019 Kia RIO recalls and problems

1 recall and 22 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2019 Kia RIO.

1
recalls
22
owner complaints
4
complaints mentioning a crash
1
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.

2019 Kia RIO recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch

NHTSA campaign 21V622000 · reported August 9, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 253,074 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
The risk
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix
Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC216.

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.

Oct 8, 2026 · Exterior lighting

The trunk latch is broken which is a known recall for KIA but not for my car model. There is no way to access the trunk otherwise. Now my tail light is out and cannot be fixed because I cannot access the trunk. There is NO OTHER WAY TO ACCESS THE TRUNK.

Jun 14, 2026 · Back over prevention

There was no accident the radio/backup camera shuts down completely on the inside of the car when the car is too hot inside

Apr 21, 2026 · Structure

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 risk

Jan 13, 2026 · Engine

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…

Dec 17, 2025 · Engine

The engine experienced a rod bearing failure resulting in internal engine damage and sudden loss of normal engine operation. The vehicle and failed engine components are currently available for inspection upon request. The engine failure occurred while the vehicle was traveling at high speed on the freeway, resulting…

RIO model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2016 27986
2017 23136
2018 12832
2019 12241
2020 12735
2021 21520
2022 11220

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

Questions

Does the 2019 Kia RIO have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2019 Kia RIO, the most recent reported on August 9, 2021 (Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Kia RIO?
Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (8 complaints), followed by engine (6).
How many 2019 Kia RIO complaints mention a crash or fire?
4 of 22 complaints report a crash and 1 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 October 8, 2026.