The Kia Rio is an enticing option in the subcompact sedan segment. It is built to deliver impressive performances in all regards. Starting from acceleration itself, the Korean vehicle comes with a potent engine option that is amply quick, while upholding decent efficiency. The cabin is neatly designed and through all of its trims, the feature list remains price competitive and fairly advanced. Though it does not ace the safety scores entirely, Rio’s comprehensive warranty coverage ensures that reliability remains uncompromised. In the current iteration, the 2014 Rio records 31 complaints. Largely, all of the vehicle’s problems either deal with its mechanical components or its airbag system. There is currently one open investigation, and as of the date we write this article, the vehicle is yet to be recalled. A 2014 Kia Rio for sale starts at $13,900 and it competes against other affordable propositions like the Nissan Versa, the Ford Fiesta, and the Toyota Yaris.
2014 Kia Rio User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Non-deployment of airbags: In the current iteration, buyers of the 2014 Kia Rio have reported issues with the airbag system. In multiple cases, complainants have recorded the failure of the airbags to deploy in a crash. As a result, occupants have sustained injuries that require medical attention. While it is a common problem across the current generation of the sedan, Kia has not provided any recall to deal with the issue.
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine failure: The 2014 Kia Rio engine problems are a recurring concern. Across the current MY, complainants have reported a knocking sound from the vehicle’s front. This is followed by the sedan losing its speed and performing erratically. Where a diagnosis was conducted, a premature failure of the engine is regarded as the underlying concern.
- Engine fire: In the 2014 Kia Rio problems list, buyers have reported a burning smell inside the cabin, which is followed by flames erupting from the engine bay. While no injuries or fatalities have yet been recorded, complainants have noticed braking and acceleration capabilities being affected by the failure, which can increase the risk of injury in untoward circumstances. In most cases, the vehicle has been totaled, which renders it inoperable. Currently, there is an open investigation to determine the cause of the fire, referenced by NHTSA action number EA21003.
- Fuel odor: In ahandful of cases, occupants of the 2014 Kia Rio sedan have reported a strong gasoline odor entering the cabin through the aircon vents. While the reason for the problem is not yet known, a broken purge valve canister can be an underlying concern for the issue. The odor is almost suffocating, and in one case, occupants had to be rushed to the hospital for emergency medical attention due to the exposure.
- Vehicle rolls away: In a couple of cases, buyers of the 2014 Rio have also reported problems with the automatic transmission system. Complainants have recorded the vehicle moving out of the “Park” gear independently, without any input from the driver, and rolling away. In both cases listed on the NHTSA website and a few others on unofficial forums, the malfunction has resulted in the subcompact sedan being involved in a crash.
2014 Kia Rio Recalls
There are no recalls for the 2014 Kia Rio yet.
Should you buy the 2014 Kia Rio?
The 2014 Kia Rio is a pristine choice. It delivers impressively on all fronts. The efficiency is top-notch, acceleration capabilities are uncompromised, and aerodynamics are definitive. So, in terms of performance, there is not much that buyers would have to worry about. Even in terms of reliability, the vehicle is full-proof and secure. The safety quotient is typical to the class standards, however, with an open investigation that deals with engine fires, we would not suggest the subcompact sedan to the buyers currently. We would rather recommend prospective owners wait for the brand’s communication regarding the ongoing problem and instead opt for the 2014Nissan Versa if you want a vehicle to satiate your urgent requirements.
