2022 Kia Rio Safety Report

2022 Kia Rio faces critical steering recall; limited complaint data and no NHTSA crash test ratings.

10Complaints
1Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (2)Latches/Locks/Linkages (1)Back Over Prevention (1)Engine (1)Service Brakes (1)Visibility/Wiper (1)Exterior Lighting (1)Steering,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Structure,Latches/Locks/Linkages (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2022 Kia Rio

The 2022 Kia Rio presents a mixed safety picture, with a low number of overall complaints but a significant recall concerning steering integrity. With only 10 total complaints, 2 crashes, and 1 injury reported to NHTSA, the vehicle's incident rate appears low. However, the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A) means there's no independent assessment of its crashworthiness. The most critical safety concern is a recall for the steering column, where a bolt may not be properly secured, potentially leading to detachment and loss of steering control, which significantly increases crash risk. This recall affects 2021-2022 Rio models and is a serious issue that owners should address immediately. Beyond the recall, complaint patterns are diverse, with 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' being the most frequent category (2 complaints), followed by various single instances across components like LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES, BACK OVER PREVENTION, ENGINE, and SERVICE BRAKES. Specific complaints include issues with trunk shocks detaching, power window malfunctions trapping a wrist, intermittent rearview camera problems, engine knocking noises, and brake pedal going to the floor. While these individual complaints are concerning, their low frequency across a new model year suggests they might not be widespread systemic failures, with the exception of the steering recall. The overall safety picture is dominated by the critical steering recall. While the low number of complaints is positive, the absence of NHTSA crash test ratings leaves a gap in understanding the vehicle's passive safety performance. Owners of the 2022 Kia Rio should prioritize checking if their vehicle is affected by the steering recall and ensure it has been remedied to mitigate the risk of a loss of steering control.

Reliability Score

The 2022 Kia Rio receives a reliability score of 65 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.

Known Issues for the 2022 Kia Rio

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2022 Kia Rio:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Steering Column Detachment
A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, potentially causing the steering column to detach and leading to a loss of steering control, increasing crash risk. This is subject to a recall.		 High Common N/A miles
Intermittent Rearview Camera Malfunction
Rearview camera intermittently turns on while driving or displays blank/distorted images in reverse.		 Medium Occasional N/A miles
Engine Knocking Noise
Engine makes a knocking noise and runs hotter than normal, with dealerships unable to diagnose the cause.		 Medium Occasional N/A miles
Brake Pedal Goes To Floor
Brake pedal goes all the way to the floor, and vehicle fails to brake, requiring emergency brake use.		 High Occasional N/A miles
Power Window Malfunction
Automatic window mechanism malfunctions, trapping a wrist between the glass and frame.		 Medium Rare N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2022 Kia Rio:

Unknown Or Other 20% of complaints

Two complaints fall into this general category, indicating diverse, unclassified issues.

Latches/Locks/Linkages 10% of complaints

One complaint regarding trunk shocks detaching.

Back Over Prevention 10% of complaints

One complaint related to rearview camera malfunctions.

Engine 10% of complaints

One complaint about engine knocking noise and overheating.

Service Brakes 10% of complaints

One complaint about brake pedal going to the floor and loss of braking.

Visibility/Wiper 10% of complaints

One complaint regarding inconsistent windshield wiper operation.

Exterior Lighting 10% of complaints

One complaint about the headlight switch inadvertently turning off while driving.

Steering,Fuel/Propulsion System 10% of complaints

One complaint about power steering failure and inaccurate fuel indicator.

Structure,Latches/Locks/Linkages 10% of complaints

One complaint about the hood unlatching and flying up during a collision.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022 Kia Rio

Is the 2022 KIA RIO safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2022 Kia Rio has a critical safety recall concerning the steering column, which can lead to a loss of steering control. While it has a low number of overall complaints (10 total), there are no NHTSA crash test ratings available to assess its crashworthiness. Owners should ensure the steering recall is addressed.

What are common problems with the 2022 KIA RIO?

The most reported issues are diverse, with 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' being the top category (2 complaints). Other single complaints include issues with trunk shocks, rearview camera, engine knocking, brake failure, windshield wipers, exterior lighting, power steering, and hood latching.

What recalls affect the 2022 KIA RIO?

The 2022 Kia Rio has one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 21V936000) related to the STEERING:COLUMN. A bolt in the steering column may not be properly secured, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steer, leading to a loss of steering control and increased crash risk.

Are there any crash test ratings for the 2022 KIA RIO?

No, the 2022 Kia Rio currently has no NHTSA crash test ratings available for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories.

What should I do if I own a 2022 KIA RIO?

If you own a 2022 Kia Rio, you should immediately check if your vehicle is affected by the steering column recall and contact a Kia dealership to have the necessary repair performed to prevent a potential loss of steering control.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the critical steering recall and absence of crash test ratings, potential buyers should ensure the recall has been remedied and consider the diverse, albeit low-frequency, reported issues before purchasing.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2022 Kia Rio

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2022 Kia Rio. The data includes 10 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

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.