This 2022 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the KIA brand.
Key Factor:below-average recall rate
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Standard Safety Record
The 2022 Rio maintains a standard safety record for KIA, with 1 recall documented.
1 recall for this vehicle1.9 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
Brake and steering systems are the foundation of vehicle control. Issues in these areas directly influence insurance risk assessments.
Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.
Focus Area:critical safety systems
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Warning
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Vs Brand: Better than avg (1.9)
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Summary:
Safety & Reliability Score
92/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-0.45
Investigation Impact-0
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2022 KIA Rio
Model Year2022
MakeKIA
ModelRio
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Jan22
NEWProduction
May22
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan23
ISSUEFirst Report
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
2 complaints (22% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 9 consumer complaints by severity level.
🟡Medium
4(44%)
🟢Low
5(56%)
✅Good News: No critical or high-severity complaints reported for this vehicle.
Mileage Failure Analysis
⚙️Engineering Insight
Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 60k-80k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 86,000 miles.
📊 Mileage data extracted from 2 of 9 complaints (22% coverage)
0-20k
0 reports (0%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
1 reports (50%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
1 reports (50%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
STEERING
Official Safety Recalls (1)
Campaign: 22V304000
STEERING:COLUMN
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Summary
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.
Consequence
Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
0 investigations
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No active investigations for this vehicle.
Consumer Complaints
9 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2022 Rio.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Warning22%
Display22%
Injury11%
Crash/Accident11%
Blank11%
Noise11%
Leak11%
Accident11%
Other🔶 Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While attempting to raise the passenger side window slightly, the automatic window mechanism malfunctioned. Instead of stopping when lightly engaged, the window rolled all the way up and trapped my right wrist between the glass and the frame. When I pressed the window down button, the window continued to roll upward, increasing the pressure on my wrist. I was unable to release my hand on my own and had to call for assistance to pry my wrist free. This put my safety at risk by causing a crush injury to my wrist. The vehicle’s anti-pinch safety feature did not activate. The issue has not yet been reproduced or inspected by a dealer or manufacturer. No warning lights, messages, or other indicators were displayed prior to the incident. The component is available for inspection upon request.
Safety Systems🔶 Medium
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Rio. The contact stated that the rearview camera would intermittently turn on while driving at various speeds. The contact also stated that while in reverse(R), the camera would intermittently display a blank or distorted image. Recently, the contact stated that the rear-view camera had failed to operate as needed. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the head unit would need to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and was given an estimate for the repair. As a result of the camera failure, the contact stated that while backing out of a parking spot, she crashed into a parked vehicle located in her blind spot. No injuries were reported and a police report was not filed; however, the contact did state that she suffered mental anguish as a result of the incident. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE
When my car is running it makes a knocking noise from engine I have taken it th the dealer they heard it but said they can figure out where it's coming from. The engine runs hotter than normal. The rods I think are the cause
Brakes🔵 Low
SERVICE BRAKES
When traveling 60 mph and slowing to try to stop, brake pedal went all the way to the floor and vehicle would not brake. Had to engage emergency brake to stop vehicle during normal operation on multiple occasions. Once while stopped at a red light, vehicle was completely stopped, then the brake pedal lowered to the floorboard and the vehicle started rolling forward. I had to turn the steering wheel and engage the emergency brake to avoid colliding with traffic. No dashboard lights came on, no warning lamps or messages. No other symptoms. I went to the Kia Dealership immediately. There was a hole in my front brake line and all of the fluid had leaked out. Vehicle was less than 2 years old, less than 100,000 miles on it.
Visibility🔵 Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The windshield wipers only work consistently on the last two settings. When you push the wiper gear down to the initial setting where you can adjust the speed with the dial, it struggles to move or doesn’t move at all. I can hear the wiper gear trying to lift the wipers, but nothing happens.
Electrical🔶 Medium
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
This is neither a failure nor a malfunction but on several occasions I have had the light switch turn off at night while driving. I can reach over and push a button to the left of the steering wheel under the ac/heat vent and in doing so my arm has rolled the headlight switch off. I have to hurry up and turn them back on. The switch should lock somewhat in place as to take a purposeful twist for it to turn. The headlight switch turns too easy and it could cause an accident at night.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
STEERING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Issue 1) Power steering wheel stopped working after practicing parking in preparation for a drivers test. Issue 2) Fuel indicator did not worked as expected, takes 3 to 5 min (in motion) to get the indicator in the right position. I took the vehicle to the dealership, it was scanned and according to them, no DTC was stored, I got videos when both issues came up.
Body/Interior🔶 Medium
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
A deer ran out in front of me. I hit it head on. My hood unlatched and flew up and the hinges cut into the very top of the fenders. I don’t think a hood is supposed to pop open like this.
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle pulls hard to left since purchased. Had in shop 3 times, but problem still exists. It was aligned and rechecked. Tires were switched on the front (by another shop) and it still has issues of pulling. Dealership refuses to diagnose the trouble, except for the front end alignment and says they voided last repair order (because they did nothing). Took to another shop and they went through it completely, even test-driving it. Verfied a hard pull to the left. They were the shop that transferred front wheels to correct the problem. It helped somewhat, but still pulling. Now Dealership says it must be the tires and urges us to get help from them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any recalls for the 2022 KIA Rio?
Yes, the 2022 KIA Rio has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including STEERING:COLUMN.
Is the 2022 KIA Rio safe to drive?
The 2022 KIA Rio has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.
Where can I check if my 2022 KIA Rio has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local KIA dealer.
📊Year-over-Year Context
➡️Stable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2022 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Steering
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm steering recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all steering recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:22V304000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your KIA dealer to verify recall completion status.
🧭What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your KIA dealer.
If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
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If You're Buying Used
Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.