2019 Kia Rio Problems And Complaints

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Rating6.0

Ranked #2 in 

Subcompact Sedan
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$15,390 - $16,490
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2019 Kia Rio Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and Which Year to Avoid

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

19

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 7, 2024

The subcompact sedan category is slowly dying but cars like the Kia Rio still keep it alive by providing youthful options. The biggest attraction is in terms of price as it starts at an MSRP of $16,315, which makes it irresistible value for money. It has reported only nine complaints in the 2019 model year and has only had one recall for a small issue. There have been some common complaints like Kia Rio clutch problems and they were fixed duly by the brand. In its category, it competes against rivals like the Nissan Versa, the Ford Fiesta sedan, and the Mitsubishi Mirage G4. Let us read more about the 2019 Kia Rio problems through this article. Even though "CarsGuide" tested the Kia Rio hatchback model but this drive can be a little thrashy and frustrating once it comes to its peak torque 4,400 RPM range. 

2019 Kia Rio User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical problems:

  1. One customer had an issue with the brakes of the car failing to respond during an emergency situation and involving in an accident.
  2. There have been multiple complaints about the steering suddenly pulling to the left or the car drifting all over the road. It is one of the most dangerous Kia Rio power steering problems.
  3. Although there are very few Kia Rio transmission problems being reported, many owners have felt that the transmission causes a huge delay in shifting and hence can cause an accident. There have been rising reports of Kia Rio gear selection problems and this seems to be the issue here as well.

Interior problems:

  1. There was one complaint about the driver-side door latch not being able to fully retract. In the event of this happening, the door can unexpectedly open and create a safety hazard

Safety problems:

  1. There was an incident where a car fell into a ditch because another vehicle crashed into it. However, despite the incident, the airbags failed to deploy and the owner could not be saved from injury. Many owners have also got indications of the Kia Rio airbag light which might mean that the airbags have some issues.

2019 Kia Rio Recalls

S. No.

Date

NHTSA Campaign Number

Issues Noticed

Additional Remarks

Remedy

1

August 9, 2021

21V622000

Trunk emergency release can fail

The emergency release and the trunk failing would mean that if a person is stuck inside, they cannot escape.

Dealers will replace the trunk latch assembly, free of charge.

Should you buy the 2019 Kia Rio?

The Kia Rio scores high in terms of practicality and also value for money. It drives well, has great interiors and amazing connectivity features as well. Apart from Kia 1.4 CRDI engine problems, there aren’t any major issues either. In terms of reliability, it is a solid pick and hence it is something we would recommend over its rivals. The predicted maintenance costs and reliability ratings also match the real-world observations as we can see through this article.

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

January 13, 2026, NHTSA ID Number: 11710569

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11710569

Incident Date:
January 13, 2026

Vehicle Identification Number:
3KPA25AB6KE

Consumer Location:
JACKSONVILLE, FL

Summary
On the morning of October 15th, the oil light of my 2019 Kia Rio came on, immediately followed by extreme...

December 17, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11705721

Components: 060000 ENGINE (PWS)

NHTSA ID Number:
11705721

Incident Date:
December 17, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3KPA24AB5KE

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
The engine experienced a rod bearing failure resulting in internal engine damage and sudden loss of norma...

October 20, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11694519

Components: 500500 Other/Not sure

NHTSA ID Number:
11694519

Incident Date:
October 20, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3KPA24AB1KE

Consumer Location:
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL

Summary
360 car seat will not click lock will steady spin around

October 31, 2024, NHTSA ID Number: 11622905

Components: 100000 POWER TRAIN

NHTSA ID Number:
11622905

Incident Date:
October 31, 2024

Vehicle Identification Number:
3KPA24AB3KE

Consumer Location:
DECATUR, GA

Summary
The oil light flashed in the car once after an oil change, so I took the car back the very next day to th...

December 12, 2023, NHTSA ID Number: 11559775

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11559775

Incident Date:
December 12, 2023

Vehicle Identification Number:
3KPA24AB6KE

Consumer Location:
WESTMINSTER, CO

Summary
My car had been broken into and was attempted to be stolen on December 22, 2022. A few months ago, a neig...

0

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