2008 Kia Rio problems
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Common 2008 Kia Rio problems
The Kia Rio 2008 has been known to have several common problems, which can be categorized into various areas such as suspension, driveline computer, engine, and fuel system.
- Driveline Computer: Some 2008 Kia Rio owners have reported issues with the driveline computer, which can cause the car to vibrate excessively or even stall. This issue can be caused by a faulty sensor or a problem with the driveline computer itself. If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's recommended to take your Rio to a Kia dealer for further investigation.
- Engine: The Kia Rio 2008 has been known to have engine problems, which can range from misfiring to complete engine failure. The Rio is infamous for going through spark plugs quickly, so if your engine is misfiring or idling roughly, it's worth checking the spark plugs first. Additionally, the engine management warning light may appear due to a faulty oxygen sensor, which can cause a slight increase in fuel consumption. Replacing the oxygen sensor will rectify the situation and turn off the warning light on the dashboard.
- Fuel System: The Kia Rio 2008 has had issues with fuel leaks, which can be caused by a cracked inlet nipple on the fuel distribution rack. This issue can lead to a fire, so it's essential to resolve it as quickly as possible. You'll need to order a distribution rail and fuel supply pipe from a parts list and fit them yourself, but these are easier to fit than you might think.
In summary, the Kia Rio 2008 has several common problems, including suspension issues, driveline computer problems, engine issues, and fuel system problems. If you're experiencing any of these issues, it's recommended to take your Rio to a Kia dealer or a trusted mechanic for further investigation and repair.
What is the common problem with Kia Rio?
Transmission issues can plague any vehicle, and the Kia Rio is no exception. Owners have reported issues such as rough shifting, slipping gears, and transmission fluid leaks.
How many miles will a 2008 Kia Rio last?
A 2008 Kia Rio should last at least 200,000 with adequate maintenance. These cars can go 250,000 miles or more, but, the Rio being a budget compact, you have to consider that the previous owner may have driven this thing like a throwaway. So bet on 200,000 when deciding whether it's worth your money.
Is a Kia Rio a reliable car?
Kia is the third most reliable car brand, according to J.D. Power and RepairPal. Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The Rio is the most reliable Kia model and has the brand's lowest average repair costs, according to RepairPal.
How much is a 2008 Kia Rio worth?
How much is a 2008 Kia Rio worth? The value of a used 2008 Kia Rio ranges from $695 to $3,440, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
2008 Kia Rio car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Rio problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Engine problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2008 Kia Rio vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2008 Kia Rio
The NHTSA has received 49 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Kia Rio. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2008 Kia Rio vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-04
- VIN: KNADE123086
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD IS ALLWAYS ON EVER SENS THE CAR WAS PURCHASED.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-05-23
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE AND CLUTCH CEASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PROVIDED A COST ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO THE MANUFACTURER TO FIND OUT WHAT TYPE OF CLUTCH WAS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-01
- VIN: KNADE123986
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL. THE COMPUTER THAT TELLS THE TRANSMISSION TO SWITCH GEARS IS STUCK AND DOASNT WORK. MY CAR WILL ONLY STAY IN 3RD GEAR AND REVERSE. IT HAS NO POWER AND GOES IN LIMP MODE. I HAVE 3 SMALL KIDS AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ME TO DRIVE WITH IT LIKE THIS SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. PLZ HELP ME.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNADE123186
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FOLLOWING A TIRE BLOWOUT THE VEHICLE WENT INTO THEN OUT OF A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45-50MPH. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT FRONT END DAMAGE. THE DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT OPERATE.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-07
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY AND MADE A LOUD NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING FAILED. THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED APPROXIMATELY NINE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-09-29
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNADE123986
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SKIDDED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INSURANCE COLLISION LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,292.
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-21
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNADE163186
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNEDA 2008 KIA RIO5. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK, IT ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING.AS A RESULT, THE TIRES SPUN AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD AND OVER A CURB, SLIGHTLY STRIKINGTHE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL.THEAIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000. UPDATED 09/29/16*LJ *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-05-09
- VIN: KNADE123786
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN IGNITION COIL FAILED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-02-09
- VIN: KNADE123486
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RIO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V244000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-01
- VIN: KNADE123986
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT ON INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED OVER NIGHT.(VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY) REJECTION INSPECTION STICKER BECAUSE OF AIR BAG LIGHT. KIA DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THE "PASSENGER PRESSANCE MODULE" IS MESSED UP AND IS CAUSING AIR BAG LIGHT TO COME ON. VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED, AIR BAGS HAVE NEVER DEPLOYED. CONCERN; OVER 72,000 '06- '08 KIA RIOS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME THING. BUT MINE WASN'T? AND NOW MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP WANTS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX SOMETHING THAT I FEEL LIKE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-15
- VIN: KNADE123986
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RIO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V244000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-18
- VIN: KNADE123186
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING. REPLACED BULBS AND CHECKED FUSE BUT STILL NOTHING. GOOD SAMARITAN PULLED UP NEXT TO ME AT A RED LIGHT TO LET ME KNOW, LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AND I WAS ONLY A FEW BLOCKS FROM HOME.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-15
- VIN: KNADE123686
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2008 KIA RIO-PURCHASED 10/2008, AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES AT ALL TIMES WHILE CAR IS OPERATED, BEGINNG LATE 2009 EARLY 2010 PROBLEM AROSE. CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED AT KIA SINCE 2009 AND THEY NEW OF THIS PROBLEM YET NEVER RESOLVED THE ISSUE.. 7/16/15 KIA MOTORS OF KAILUA-KONA HAWAII SCANNED CAR FOR CODE, CODE SHOWS B1448 OCS MAT DEFECT, THEY WANT ME TO PAY 1200$ FOR A TANAKA AIRBAG RECALL. WHY IS MY VIN# NOT SHOWING UP FOR RECALL? THEIRS OTHER VIN WITH SAME RECALL PROBLEMS? MY CAR WILL NOT PASS SAFETY INSPECTION DUE TO THIS PROBLEM DONE BY WEST COAST DETAILINGS. CAR PASSED EVERY YEAR BEFORE WHY NOT NOW? DUE TO THIS OCS MAT DEFECT CODE B1448-AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES AT ALL TIMES WHILE CAR IS OPERATED, SAFETY OF LIVES ARE KEY FACTORS NOT PROFIT BEFORE PEOPLE OR REPUTATION OF KIA / HYUNDAI CORPORATION.
AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-30
- VIN: KNADE123886
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: THE RED AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. A SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS MALFUNCTIONING. THERE IS A RECALL FOR 2006 TO 2008 KIA RIOS FOR THIS SAME FATIGUE FAILURE ON THE AIR BAG SENSOR, BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. THE GENERAL FIX IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT COSTING APPROXIMATELY 1500 OR MORE. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-02
- VIN: KNADE123286
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 2008 KIA RIO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER FRONT SEAT AIRBAG WARNING SYSTEM PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATING WHILE HIS WIFE WAS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE AIR BAG LIGHT INDICATED THE AIR BAG WAS OFF. THERE WERE OTHER TIMES WHEN THE LIGHT INDICATED IT WAS ON. THE DEALER STATED THE PASSENGER WAS TOO LIGHT, AS THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM. *JB
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-07
- VIN: KNADE123686
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RIO. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONLY WHEN AN OCCUPANT WAS PRESENT AND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V244000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-01-05
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: KIA HAS A RECALL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V244000) FOR YEAR 2006-2008 RIO VEHICLES, MY KIA RIO IS A 2008 HOWEVER IT IS NOT LISTED UNDER THE VIN DUE TO I'M GUESSING BEING MANUFACTURED AFTER THE CUT OFF DATE, HOWEVER THE AIR BAG LIGHT HAS NOW COME ON AND THE PASSENGER WARNING LIGHT NO LONGER WORKS. I HAD MY CAR DIAGNOSED TODAY AND KIA INFORMED ME IT WAS THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT THAT HAD CRACKED. FROM THE RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR MAT CAN EXPERIENCE FATIGUE CRACKING. IF SUFFICIENT CRACKING OCCURS, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) WILL CEASE TO FUNCTION SUCH THAT THE SYSTEM WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DETECT WHETHER A CHILD PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT AND THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY DURING A CRASH NECESSITATING DEPLOYMENT. I'M ASKING/WONDERING HOW I CAN GET MY VEHICLE ON THE RECALL LIST IF POSSIBLE. THE DEALERSHIP IS NOW TELLING ME I NEED TO HAVE THE ENTIRE SEAT REPLACED AT $2500 TO FIX THE ISSUE. IS THIS HOW THE SENSOR WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL OR ARE THEY ABLE TO REPLACE JUST THE CRACKED SENSOR? ITS SOUNDING A LITTLE FISHY THAT THEY CANT REPLACE JUST THE SENSOR. MY VEHICLE IS STILL AT KIA SO I DON'T HAVE MY VIN# ON ME AT THE MOMENT. I WOULD LIKE A REPLY IF POSSIBLE AND CAN GIVE MY VIN AT THAT TIME. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-02
- VIN: KNADE123386
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-30
- VIN: KNADE123486
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED & WILL NOT GO OFF. AFTER HAVING A DIAGNOSTICS RUN ON IT I WAS TOLD I HAD TO REPLACE OCS MAT SENSOR. YOU CAN'T BUY JUST THE SENSOR, YOU HAVE TO BUY THE SEAT WHICH CONTAINS THE SENSOR FOR $800. WHEN I CALLED KIA $ QUESTIONED THE RECALL, I WAS TOLD MY VIN DID NOT QUALIFY. FUNNY HOW I SEE SO MANY COMPLAINTS THAT READ JUST LIKE MINE ABOUT A 2008 KIA RIO. I THINK THE RECALL SHOULD EXTEND FURTHER TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER FROM BEING RIPPED OFF. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-16
- VIN: KNADE123786
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V244000 (AIR BAG). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-30
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 KIA RIO5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO TWENTY BALES OF HAY. THERE WAS A DELAY IN THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO PROVIDE RESTRAINT. THE CONTACT WAS AIRLIFTED AND TRANSPORTED TO A TRAUMA HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-04-10
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
- Summary: WAS PULLED OVER BY LOCAL POLICE WHO NOTIFIED ME THAT RIGHT PARKING LIGHT WAS 'STUCK' ON; NOT PROBLEM DURING DAY BUT WHEN HEADLIGHTS USED PARKING BRAKE IS ALSO ILLUMINATED. ALSO NOTICED THAT DASH WARNING LIGHT FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG IS ON REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ANYONE IS IN THE SEAT OR NOT. *JS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-18
- VIN: KNADE123886
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: MY BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THANKFULLY, I HAD A FRIEND FOLLOWING ME TO NOTICE THE PROBLEM, OR ELSE THIS COULD HAVE LED TO AN ACCIDENT. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-17
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I HAVE DRIVER/PASSENGER AND SIDE AIRBAGS. I WAS BLINDSIDED BY A DODGE DAKOTA ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. HER VEHICLE SLAMMED BOTH OF MY DOORS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SO BADLY NEITHER ONE WOULD OPEN AND MY DAUGHTER HAD TO CLIMB OUT OF MY SIDE. ONE WAS DIRECTLY AT THE SIDE AIRBAG, MY CAR WAS TOTALED TO SAY THE LEAST AS IT HAD MULTIPLE DAMAGE TO IT. WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING? *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-05-01
- VIN: KNADE123686
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE OCS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SEAT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V244000 (AIR BAGS) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. *TR
2008 Kia Rio recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2008 Kia Rio.
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
- Summary: KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 RIO VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 20, 2005, THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2007. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR MAT CAN EXPERIENCE FATIGUE CRACKING. IF SUFFICIENT CRACKING OCCURS, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) WILL CEASE TO FUNCTION SUCH THAT THE SYSTEM WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DETECT WHETHER A CHILD PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT AND THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY DURING A CRASH NECESSITATING DEPLOYMENT.
- Consequence: AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITH A CHILD IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO THAT CHILD.
- Remedy: KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OCS SEAT SENSOR MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
Negative 2008 Kia Rio car reviews
Positive 2008 Kia Rio car reviews
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When my 2000 Hyundai Elantra finally overheated after 160k miles, I decided to replace it with a new car. I was initially planning on getting an Accent, but after shopping around, I found the Kia Rio to be a better fit for me. The Rio has a more mature styling that I prefer over the Accent's somewhat prepubescent look. I'm really happy with my purchase and even bought the extended bumper-to-bumper warranty for 10 years. On my first tank, I got 33 mpg and it's only going to get better as I drive it more. While it may not be the fastest ride out there, it always gets me where I need to go smoothly and surely. I also like that it's not a common car on the road and if you squint hard enough, it looks like a mini-Lexus!
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I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your car! It's great to hear that you feel safe and comfortable in it, even on long trips. The interior sounds lovely and easy to clean, which is a huge plus for families with kids. It's also fantastic to hear that it's easy to park. Thank you for sharing your experience, and we would be thrilled to have you as a customer again in the future!
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I recently purchased this car after buying a 2002 model for my daughter to use during college. Although I didn't drive hers much, it lasted so well that I decided to buy one for myself. Overall, I'm pleased with my purchase so far. However, the motor can be a bit noisy when accelerated moderately and the suspension can be choppy at times. I've only driven 800 miles so far, but I'm getting around 35 mpg, which beats my Dodge Ram 1500's 14 mpg by a long shot. I believe I can get used to the small quirks of the Kia.
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I recently bought this vehicle as my daily commuter to work and school to save on gas and help the environment. I'm so pleased with my purchase! The car drives really well for what it is and the motor is surprisingly efficient. The only change I made was replacing the air filter with a K&N unit. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to others.
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This car is a great value! It's roomy enough for four adults, very fun to drive around town, and gets an impressive average of 35 miles per gallon (50% highway, 50% city driving). I've found it to be pleasant at all speeds (I've never taken it over 80 mph). While it's not designed to be a race car, I've never had a problem keeping pace at a light or going uphill. Overall, I'm really happy with my purchase and wish I had bought a car like this sooner!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2008 Kia Rio problems:
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2008 Kia Rio Problems | Kelley Blue Book
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Other years of Kia Rio
Are you having problems with your 2008 Kia Rio?
Ryann Ryan 2025-01-07
My car is slow to shift from park to reverse or drive, and it has been in the shop five times because something is draining the power from the battery. Despite having been through two batteries and a whole new fuse system, the issue persists. While it sits in the shop, I have to borrow cars from my parents and friends because Kia does not provide loaner cars and I cannot afford a rental. Despite these challenges, I remain confident that the issue will be resolved and I will be able to enjoy my car for years to come.
Cordelia Powlowski 2025-01-02
This car has been a disappointment. It requires frequent repairs, averaging three times per year. I cannot recommend this vehicle.
Karl Stark 2024-11-20
Please be aware of the brakes. I had to suddenly brake for the first time after owning the car for 2 years. Another car pulled in front of me and stopped, causing my car to slide. Unfortunately, I had no control of the car at all and my children and I slid across 3 lanes of oncoming traffic and off the road, nearly getting hit several times. After the brakes lock, it becomes difficult to control the car. Since then, I have been cautious while driving and have been driving below the speed limit. If you are looking for a car with top-notch safety features, you may want to consider other options.
Allan Jaskolski 2024-07-07
I bought this car to replace my old 07 Taurus, which wasn't very fuel efficient. My first impression of the new car was that it felt solid and tight, and had a peppy engine, even though it wasn't very powerful. I really enjoy the 6-speaker stereo and power package, which includes heated outside mirrors. Since cruise control wasn't an option, I did some research and found a great kit, which I had professionally installed. Problem solved! I think I'm getting around 27 miles per gallon in mixed city and highway driving. I haven't taken a long trip yet, but I'm hoping to get the 35 miles per gallon that the sticker promises. I replaced those skinny Kumho tires with some more aggressive BF Goodrich T/As, which made a huge difference in handling. By the way, I'm 6 feet 2 inches tall, and the car has plenty of room for me to find a comfortable driving position.
Forrest Kuphal 2024-05-05
An update! It's amazing how my '08 Rio is still going strong at almost 39k miles, even with all the highway driving I do. The car handles great, except in the snow, but that's to be expected. So far, I've only needed to do regular maintenance, and the car has been a real trooper. I bought it because I needed a reliable car for my 140-mile round trip, and it hasn't disappointed me yet. While I have noticed the slow shift with the automatic transmission, especially when it's cold outside (which is common in the northeast), I'm not too worried about it yet. This car can take a beating and still hold up, and I'm hoping to keep it for many more years to come, even though I'm pretty rough on my cars. It has everything I need and more!