2017 Kia Rio Safety Report
2017 KIA RIO Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Kia Rio
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Kia Rio. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (28) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 7 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Compare service brakes, hydraulic issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Kia Rio with 15 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2016 | Check the 2016 Kia Rio before buying across this generation. |
Kia Rio Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Kia Rio years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Rio | 24 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Kia Rio | 75 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Kia Rio | 19 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Kia Rio | 52 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Kia Rio | 26 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Kia Rio | 15 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2017 Kia Rio Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Kia Rio, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes, Hydraulic issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyEngine
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Kia onlyLatches/Locks/Linkages
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Latches/Locks/Linkages issues Kia onlyAir Bags
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Kia onlyService Brakes,Engine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes,Engine issues Kia onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Kia Rio
Reliability Score
The 2017 Kia Rio receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Kia Rio
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2017 Kia Rio
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Kia Rio:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic Recalled by Kia for hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) issues, affecting multiple models including the 2017 KIA RIO. This can lead to brake failure. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages Trunk lid latches have failed, causing the trunk to not open. This poses a safety hazard. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Engine problems have been reported, including smoke and flames from the engine compartment, which can be dangerous. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Electrical system failures have been reported, including issues with the battery not holding a charge. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Kia Rio:
Issues with the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) have been reported, affecting multiple models.
Trunk lid latches have failed, causing the trunk to not open.
Engine problems have been reported, including smoke and flames from the engine compartment.
Electrical system failures have been reported, including issues with the battery not holding a charge.
Recall Details for the 2017 Kia Rio
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Kia Rio by NHTSA:
Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number...
Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, 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."
Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Kia Rio
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Kia Rio with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 4 involved fires. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
Unknown
My son and I were driving home from work on IH-35 and I noticed smoke coming from under my hood. Then within seconds, flames appeared moving quickly towards the windshield. I attempted to move to the shoulder and after doing so, I was unable to stop since the brakes were no longer working. I had to use the parking brake when it slowed down and then once stopped, my son and I jumped out of the vehi...
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while attempting to open the trunk with the key fob, the trunk failed to unlock or open. In addition, the contact engaged the emergency gear, and the trunk would not open. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
No parts available to fix hydraulic electronic control unit HECU. Been told this since December 2023. Received another letter dated 4/10/3024. The remedy is now available. Being told again there are no parts. Went by another car insurance company. Being told I cannot get a quote because of repair problems with recalls.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The m...
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The...
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed ...
Vehicle started shaking, engine light flashed and now vehicle is not drivable due to unresolved recall.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had n...
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The m...
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufac...
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the front hood started emitting smoke. In addition, the brake pedal failed to function as intended. All vehicle doors automatically locked up and the contact veered to the side of the roadway. The contact noticed fire coming in the vehicle and she had to shatter the window to exit the vehicle. The engine warning lig...
The contact owned a Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power. Various unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was veered to the side of the road and the vehicle was shut off. The contact stated that smoke was observed emanating from the engine compartment. The fire department extinguished the fire. The origin of the fire was unknown. The ...
Extremely hot weather lately. Trunk is no longer opening.
Bought the vehicle beginning of March. Thought it was the battery because it wouldn't hold a charge. Coded battery. Replaced. Twice. Electrical power steering started to code. That wasn't the issue.car started to stall while on the highway or in traffic and cut out. Scary when there's semis behind you and you were just going 65 mph in a 70 and I had just got on the highway from the on ramp and was...
I took my KIA Rio to mechanic for knocking noise in engine. Mechanic said it's not the original engine and has been replaced. Nuts and bolts are rusted and some aren't even tightened or torqued correctly. I am the second owner of this car and could have been in an accident. This is very scary. There was no information about a different engine or anything else warning me about KIA or Hyundai cars. ...
Excessive oil burning causing catalytic converter to go bad. Oil change every 3,000 miles with synthetic oil. Car was making knocking noise and having a hard time accelerating and going up hill.
This vehicle has electrical issues none stop. One day it randomly stalled out while still in motion and lost all power. No power at all. It was “repaired” and I had it for 2 weeks and it again lost all power while in motion. It put my life completely at risk as I had to pull over into a parking lot after losing all power turning in the middle of a very busy main intersection. Kia dealership said i...
My car needs oil every 3 to 4 days. There is no blue smoke and there is no signs of oil leaks. The vehicle was in an accident before I purchased it.
Unknown- trunk won’t open even after pulling the inside emergency cord
Showing 20 of 28 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2017 Kia Rio
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module
Opened 2023-11-17
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando....
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Kia Rio
Has the 2017 KIA RIO been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 KIA RIO has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 KIA RIO have?
The 2017 KIA RIO has 28 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 3 involved crashes. 4 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 KIA RIO?
The 2017 KIA RIO received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 KIA RIO?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 KIA RIO involve service brakes, hydraulic (6 complaints), unknown or other (5 complaints), engine (4 complaints). Other affected components include latches/locks/linkages, air bags, service brakes,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2017 KIA RIO have?
There are 3 crash reports associated with the 2017 KIA RIO out of 28 total complaints (10.7% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 KIA RIO have?
There are 4 fire reports for the 2017 KIA RIO out of 28 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 KIA RIO?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 KIA RIO.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 KIA RIO?
4 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 KIA RIO. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 KIA RIO?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 KIA RIO is generally recommended. It has 28 complaints, 2 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 KIA RIO?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 KIA RIO are: 1. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (6 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (5 complaints), 3. ENGINE (4 complaints), 4. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (2 complaints), 5. AIR BAGS (2 complaints). SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC is the single most-reported problem area with 6 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 KIA RIO?
Be aware of recalls related to service brakes and hydraulic issues. Regularly check the trunk latches and address any engine or electrical system problems immediately. The 2017 KIA RIO has 28 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2017 KIA RIO?
The 2017 KIA RIO receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 28 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 7 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Service Brakes, Hydraulic and Latches/locks/linkages.
What are the known issues with the 2017 KIA RIO?
Known issues with the 2017 KIA RIO include: Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Latches/locks/linkages, Engine, Electrical System. These are based on patterns found across 28 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2017 KIA RIO?
Common issues include service brake hydraulic problems, engine issues, and electrical system failures.
What should I do if I notice smoke or flames from the engine compartment?
Stop the vehicle immediately and call for assistance. This could be a serious safety hazard.
How can I check for recalls on my 2017 KIA RIO?
Visit the NHTSA website or contact Kia directly to check for any recalls related to your vehicle.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of recalls related to service brakes and hydraulic issues. Regularly check the trunk latches and address any engine or electrical system problems immediately.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Kia Rio
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Kia Rio. The data includes 28 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Kia Rio an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16