Does the 2021 Kia RIO have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia RIO, the most recent reported on May 5, 2022 (Steering: column). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia RIO?

Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (6 complaints), followed by steering (4).

How many 2021 Kia RIO complaints mention a crash or fire?

2 of 15 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2021 Kia RIO recalls and problems

2 recalls and 15 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 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.

2021 Kia RIO recalls

Steering: column

NHTSA campaign 22V304000 · reported May 5, 2022 · Kia Motors America · 30 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, master cylinder

NHTSA campaign 21V936000 · reported December 1, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 87 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
The risk: Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC223.

Most reported problems

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

Unknown or other6
Steering4
Service brakes3
Engine2
Power train2
Back over prevention1
Electrical system1
Fuel/propulsion system1
Lane departure1
Seat belts1

What owners report

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

Dec 28, 2025 · Unknown or other
Back up camera sometimes flips sides, so that obstacles on the right side of the car are shown on the left side of the camera screen. Sometimes the camera doesn't work at all.

May 14, 2025 · Steering
Steering Gear Assembly completely broke at 81,000 miles. My daughter was backing up in a busy street at 5pm and lost 100 percent of steering control. Lucking cars dodged her and she didn’t get hurt or worse.

Nov 14, 2023 · Power train
Placed car in park got out to open a gate. Car took off forward even when shifter was in Park Position and almost ran a child over.

Aug 24, 2023 · Electrical system
Center Console Display blank (screen black) upon startup unable to see cameras and backing up affected creating safety concern.

May 2, 2023 · Seat belts
seatbelts in rear are inoperable/anti theft not working. Kia dealership told me that its not their issue about the anti theft. I have been told on 3 separate occasions that my seatbelts have been ordered but they haven’t!!!! No one is following up with me, when I call I get told “until they can get in contact with the…

RIO model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2018	1	28	3	2
2019	1	22	4	1
2020	1	27	3	5
2021	2	15	2	0
2022	1	12	2	0
2023	0	12	0	0

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

Questions

Does the 2021 Kia RIO have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Kia RIO, the most recent reported on May 5, 2022 (Steering: column). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia RIO?: Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (6 complaints), followed by steering (4).
How many 2021 Kia RIO complaints mention a crash or fire?: 2 of 15 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 28, 2025.