2012 Kia Rio problems

kia logo
2012 Kia Rio

Social links

Common 2012 Kia Rio problems

The Kia Rio 2012 is known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is a bumpy ride, which is often attributed to suspension problems. The Rio's early models suffered from constant issues with the suspension, and it's likely that the suspension system has worn out in your car. Replacing a suspension system is a significant job, but there are online guides available to help you through the process.

Another common problem with the Kia Rio 2012 is an illuminated ABS light, which can be caused by a broken sensor on the back wheel that's attached to the bearing. This is a relatively easy fix, and sensors are readily available online.

Excessive vibration is also a common problem with the Kia Rio 2012, which can be caused by a failed rear shock rubber mounting. This issue can lead to a variety of problems, including accelerated tyre wear and steering issues. It's essential to replace the failed rubber mounting as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your car.

Engine misfires and rough idling are also common problems with the Kia Rio 2012, which can be caused by faulty spark plugs. The Rio is known to go through spark plugs quickly, so it's worth checking the spark plugs if your engine is misfiring or idling roughly.

Fuel leaks are another significant issue with the Kia Rio 2012, which can be caused by a cracked inlet nipple on the fuel distribution rack. This issue can lead to a fire hazard, so it's essential to resolve it as quickly as possible.

Noisy power steering is also a common problem with the Kia Rio 2012, which can be caused by a lack of sufficient lubrication on the oil sealing ring that sits on the input shaft. This issue is usually caused by a mistake made during production and can be fixed by replacing the oil seal with a well-lubricated unit.

The Kia Rio 2012 is also known to have issues with its transmission, including confusion about whether to shift or not at a particular speed. This issue can be repaired by reprogramming the transmission control module with the latest transmission software.

Finally, several owners have reported erroneous check engine light warnings with the Kia Rio 2012, which can be caused by faulty components such as oxygen sensors, water pumps, alternators, and catalytic converters. It's essential to diagnose and fix these issues as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your car.

In summary, the Kia Rio 2012 is known to have several common problems, including bumpy rides, illuminated ABS lights, excessive vibration, engine misfires, fuel leaks, noisy power steering, transmission issues, and erroneous check engine light warnings. It's essential to diagnose and fix these issues as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your car and ensure your safety on the road.

2012 Kia Rio engine

Is Kia Rio 2012 a reliable car?

Not a single issue but normal wear and tear. Bought new in 2012. Good build. You can't go wrong with this car.

What are the most common problems with the Kia Rio?

Kia Rio Transmission Problems:​

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.

Is a Kia Rio a good reliable car?

The Kia Rio Reliability Rating is 4.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 6th out of 21 for subcompact cars.

How many miles can a 2012 Kia Rio last?

It's okay to purchase a Kia Rio with more than 100,000 miles on the odometer. The Rio has an anticipated lifespan of 200,000 miles, so as long as the car for sale is in the low 100,000-mile mark it should last at least five years or more.

2012 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:

  • Engine problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Fuel/propulsion system problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Kia Rio vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 2012 Kia Rio

The NHTSA has received 46 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Kia Rio. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2012 Kia Rio vehicles.

2024-07-18

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-16
  • VIN: KNADM4A31C6
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: Our granddaughter bought this car from a private seller. My son is a mechanic and when he inspected the undercarriage he found a small leak in the seam of the gas tank. The local KIA dealer said it is not covered. This, to me, is a safety and emissions issue. Please assist. The car is available at any time for inspection. Thank you
2024-04-17

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-04-17
  • VIN: KNADN4A38C6
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2012 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2024-02-29

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-02-29
  • VIN: KNADM4A33C6
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: The contact's sister owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that when her sister started the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
2024-01-19

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-19
  • VIN: KNADN4A33C6
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2012 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 that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
2023-04-29

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2023-04-13
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: KNADN4A33C6
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Car started running oddly pulled over went to restart and Fire came up an engine compartment
2022-06-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-06-21
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: KNADM4A31C6
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact stated that after the niece had park and exited the vehicle smoke and flames were present coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The fire department was called to scene to extinguish the flames. During the incident the vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that prior to the incident the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption but no assistance was offered from local dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.
2022-02-04

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2022-01-31
  • VIN: KNADN5A34C6
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Check engine light comes on. I pull the code of p050a. I looked that up and there is a Techincal Service Bulletin, from Kia on this problem of Cold start idle air control system performance. Kia only put out a recall on the Kia Soul and not the Kia Rio. They have the exact same engine and computer with the 1.6L. The bulletin list both vehicle but the recall is only for the 1 vehicle. I was told by Kia dealer sorry to fix this I would have to pay to reprogram the computer. Kia originally was replacing the throttle body on the engine than decided because of cost, to reprogram the computer.
2022-01-06

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-07-15
  • VIN: knadn4a37c6
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the RPMs was rising to the red line immediately. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was transmission maintenance needed on the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure continued. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer and the towing technician noticed that the accelerator pedal was stuck. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 64,000.
2021-11-07

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2021-11-07
  • VIN: KNADM5A38C6
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: Will not start early morning, use about 3 quart oil a week, before warranty ran out Kia dealer check out and said to drive it another 900 miles, which made no sense, and bring back in Then they said it was out of warranty, what a scam Kia dealership is.they had overfill oil level 3 times before this problem
2020-12-20

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-12-02
  • VIN: KNADM5A39C6
  • Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: 2012 KIA RIO, NOT CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO ANY RECALL, AND HAVING BEEN MAINTAINED CORRECTLY, IS EXPERIENCING DANGEROUS LEVELS OF OIL CONSUMPTION. CURRENT MILAGE 108,000. TWO WEEKS AGO I SENT THE ATTACHED LETTER VIA CASE TO KIA CONSUMER CUSTOMER AFFAIRS SEEKING SAFETY ADVICE FROM THE COMPANY RELATING TO THE ISSUE. KIA NEVER RESPONDED, OPTING TO CLOSE THE CASE WITHOUT A WORD REGARDING THE ISSUE. OIL CONSUMPTION IS VERY HIGH, AND EFFECTING ENGINE PERFORMANCE. I ASSUME THE ONLY RECOURSE IS TO HAVE THE ENGINE TAKEN APART AND EXAMINED, A COSTLY REVIEW, HOWEVER DUE TO LACK OF RESPONSE FROM KIA I HAVEN'T YET; I WAS HOPING THEY COULD COORDINATE THROUGH EITHER A DEALER OR 3RD PARTY INVESTIGATOR. CURRENTLY THE CAR IS NOT BEING USED, AS THIS ANOMALOUS ISSUE IS A CONCERN FOR SAFETY WHEN DRIVING. CONSIDERING THE RECENT RECALL, AS WELL AS HOW THE SYMPTOMS ALIGN WITH PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ISSUES TO SIMILAR ENGINES, I WISHED TO CREATE THIS REPORT, IF ONLY TO ADD MY CASE TO NHTSA'S ACCOUNTS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME JOSEPH ELLIOTT
2020-12-13

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-08-11
  • VIN: KNADM4A39C6
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINE
  • Summary: I RECENTLY PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED WHAT SEEMS TO BE OIL COMING FROM THE ENGINE, POOLING ON TOP OF THE BLOCK BUT ALSO LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND AFTER BEING PARKED FOR AN HOUR OR SO. THE WALLS AROUND THE ENGINE, MAINLY ON THE LEFT SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE WERE SATURATED WITH PRESUMABLY THE SAME FLUID. UNDER THE CAR IS ALSO SATURATED FROM WHAT I AM GUESSING TO BE A LEAK, PERHAPS THE SAME LEAK FROM ATOP THE ENGINE BLOCK. I'VE HAD THE CAR REPAIRED AND PAID FOR A SYSTEM FAULT DIAGNOSTIC, AND IN BOTH CASES HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANY HELPFUL INFO AS TO WHAT IT IS, THE CAUSE OR WHERE THE LEAK IS COMING FROM, OR HOW TO TREAT IT. I VERY RECENTLY HAD THE OIL CHANGED AND THE INVOICE SHOWED A COMMENT STATING THAT MY CAR APPEARS TO BE LEAKING OIL. THERE WAS NO FURTHER COMMENTARY. I FEAR THAT MY KIA RIO MAY BE DANGEROUS TO DRIVE FOR REASONS SUCH AS A FIRE HAZARD OR BREAKDOWN FROM OVERHEATING POSSIBLY RESULTING IN LEAVING ME ON THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY, STRANDED. ALSO THE A/C AND HEATER DO NOT OPERATE AS THEY SHOULD. THE PANEL CONTROLS ARE OUT OF WHACK AND NEITHER A/C OR HEAT PERFORM IN SYNC WITH THE COMMANDS. A MECHANIC HAS SAID THIS APPEARS TO BE DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES, POSSIBLY WITH THE MAIN COMPUTER, THOUGH THE SYSTEMS FAULT DIAGNOSTICS WAS PERFORMED AFTER THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME OF THIS, AND SEEING THAT I WAS CHARGED FOR THAT SERVICE I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THE MAIN COMPUTER IS DOING WHAT IT IS MEANT TO DO, RELAYING THE INFO TO THE TECH'S COMPUTER. I JUST DON'T KNOW IF I HAVE A GOOD CAR THAT NEEDS A LOT OF WORK OR IF I'M DRIVING A DEATHTRAP. NO RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE BUT I SEE A LOT OF KIA'S VEHICLES BEING RECALLED. AND I BELIEVE THEY NO LONGER MAKE THE KIA RIO. JUST AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT IS HAPPENING AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT. TIMES ARE TOUGH FINANCIALLY OR I WOULD DEFINITELY HAVE MORE PROPER DETAILED INFO TO GIVE, THAT OR HAVE A GOOD RUNNING CAR...
2020-08-27

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-08-26
  • VIN: KNADM4A3XC6
  • Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
  • Summary: I WAS DRIVING AND CHECH ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON . I HAD IT TESTED AND IT WAS THE KNOCK SENOR. I LOOKED IT UP AND THEIR WAS A RECALL I PURCHASED THE CAR 9/02/2019
2020-05-11

AIR BAGS,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2016-12-28
  • VIN: KNADN5A31C6
  • Components: AIR BAGS,ENGINE
  • Summary: I CAN NOT BELIEVE I TOOK THIS MUCH TIME TO ACTUAL FILE A COMPLAINT ON THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS ON MY KIA. MY 2012 KIA RIO SX HATCHBACK HAS BEEN BURNING OIL SINCE IT REACHED THE 70,000 MILE MARK. I HAVE ALL RECEIPTS AND RECORDS FOR EVERY OIL CHANGE SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW BACK IN LATE 2011. OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED EVERY 3,000/4,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. NO LEAKS HAVE BEEN FOUND BY MY LOCAL VALVOLINE SHOP AND IT CONTINUES TO BURN OIL NOW AT ITS CURRENT ODOMETER READING OF 113,000 MILES. THE OIL LEVEL NOW REACHES THE LAST DOTTED LINE ON THE OIL METAL READER STICK (LOW MARK) EVERY 300 TO 400 MILES. I HAVE TO ADD OIL 8 TO 10 TIMES BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. NO OIL LIGHT HAS EVER TURNED ON. MY DRIVER AIRBAG LIGHT HAS TURNED ON AND HAVE NO IDEA WHY. IT FIRST TURNED ON JUNE OF 2018 AND IT HAS NOT TURN OFF SINCE THEN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY ACCIDENTS AT ALL SINCE I BOUGHT NEW. *TR
2020-04-02

AIR BAGS,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-04-02
  • VIN: KNADM4Z30C6
  • Components: AIR BAGS,ENGINE
  • Summary: I'M AT 96K MILES. THE MECHANIC PULLS CODES FOR THE AIRBAGS. THEY ARE SHOWING A DEFECT AND THE REASON IS UNKNOWN. I'M ALSO HEARING A RATTLING IN THE ENGINE. WE ARE DISCOVERING IT IS COMMON IN KIA RIO AND THE REASON KIA GIVES IS WE ARE GETTING OUR OIL CHANGES DONE AT PLACES OTHER THAN THEM. I USED ONLY EXPERIENCED, LICENSED MECHANICS. THE ISSUE CONTINUES TO GO UNDIAGNOSED AS TO KNOW IF THE ENGINE WILL CATCH FIRE CAUSING DEATH OR INJURY. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE. A FIX NEED FORCED.
2020-03-17

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-02-19
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: KNADM4A38C6
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH, WHITE SMOKE APPEARED AND FLAMES STARTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED THE DRIVER PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ALL OCCUPANTS WERE ABLE TO EXIT WITHOUT INJURIES. THE FLAMES QUICKLY ENGULFED THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WITHIN SECONDS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE A REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE AND OFFERED A LOW BOOK VALUE TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
2020-03-04

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-03-02
  • VIN: KNADM4A30C6
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: LOSS OF RPM IN CARS TACHOMETER DURING DRIVING, THEN LOSS POWER, THEN CAR STALLED AT IDLE. NOW THE CAR DOESN'T START (WORK) ANYMORE DURING IGNITION. CAR NOW TOTALLY FAILED TO START.
2020-02-21

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-02-17
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: KNADN4A33C6
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE OVER 25 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR 10 MINUTES BEFORE CONTINUING TO DRIVE. HOWEVER, HE CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE AND SAW SMOKE EXITING THE HOOD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OPEN THE HOOD AND SAW FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO UNKNOWN LOCATION FOR INSPECTIONS. THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER DEEMED THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000. *LN*JB
2019-11-18

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-11-17
  • VIN: KNADM4A33C6
  • Components: ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: BRIEF LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL ALONG WITH ENGINE OVERSPEED POSSIBLY DUE TO DIRTY ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN CONNECTOR AT ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY -- RESTORED PROPER OPERATION VIA FLUSHING OF ELECTRICAL CONTACTS IN CONNECTOR WITH 100% ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL AEROSOL SPRAY -- VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN INTO A CROWDED PARKING LOT AT THE TIME -- BRAKES WERE EFFECTIVE IN KEEPING THE SPEED UNDER CONTROL -- HAD TO SHUT ENGINE OFF WHILE IN DRIVE IN ORDER TO KEEP IT FROM OVERSPEEDING -- ENGINE HAD BEEN RUNNING AND CAR HAD BEEN IN MOTION FOR PREVIOUS 45 MINS WITHOUT PROBLEMS
2019-05-26

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-03-13
  • VIN: KNADM5A3XC6
  • Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
  • Summary: ABOUT 3 MTHS AGO STARTED USING OIL 3 QTS EXTRA THE WENT TO A QT A WEEK, NOW USING A QUART EVERY OTHER DAY, HAVE HAD PEOPLE CHECK. CANT FIND OUT WHERE OIL IS GOING, HAVE PARKED IT, ALSO, AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON ABOUT 4MTHS AGO, KIA RIO HAS 114,000. THE CALIBER FROZE UP AT 88,000 THE BRAKE PADS KEPT WEARING ON LEFT SIDE, NOW THE RIGHT STARTING TO WEARING MORE...I HAVE THE GOLD AUTOGUARD WARRANTY UP TO 120,000 WITH HENDRICK CHEVROLET, TOOK IT IN ON APPT. DAY N TIME, HAD 30 CARS AHEAD. I HAVE ALSO LEARNED. CARFAX ON CARS ARE NOT TRUE, THIS CAR WAS NOTED WITH NO DAMAGE OR WRECKS, BUT I HAVE SEEN ON LEFT SIDE OF CAR, MARKS OF JUNK YARD PARTS, EVEN ON BACK WINDOW. REASON FOR PARKING CAR BC ITS COSTING TO MUCH FOR OIL, ALSO MY GRANDBABY IS ALWAYS WITH ME IN THIS 2012 KIA RIO, THIS CAR ISNT WORTH HER LIFE, NO CAR IS...OH ON CARFAX IT STATE'S ITS AN EX THEN ON SECOND PAGE IT STATE'S A LX, WHICH UNDERSTAND MITE BE TYPE ERROR BUT WHEN IT STATE'S NO DAMAGE OR WRECK, THATS A BIG ERROR. NEVER GOT CHECK OIL LIGHT NOT ONE TIME, NEW IT WNOR A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, ONLY LIGHT WAS AND IS THE AIRBAG LIGHT.
2019-04-24

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-02-17
  • VIN: KNADM4A34C6
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: CAR PAUSES AND THEN EXHILARATES WHEN DRIVING OR BACKING UP FOR EXPLANATION AND ALSO WANTS TO STALL WHEN PUSHING ON THE GAS WHEN TRYING TO GET ON HIGHWAY..
2019-04-24

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-07-12
  • VIN: KNADM4A34C6
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: "TAKATA RECALL" CAR AIR BAG LIGHT ON AND WILL NOT GO OUT.
2019-03-06

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-02-05
  • VIN: KNADN4A31C6
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: REPLACED CADALYTIC CONVERTER AND OXYGEN SENSOR DEC 2017, AND ENGINE LIGHT IS ON NOW WITH DIAGNOSTICS SAYING SAME THINGS AGAIN. OIL NEEDS TO BE PUT IN CAR EVERY WEEK OR TWO. FED UP WITH THIS CAR
2018-11-02

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-11-01
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
  • Summary: I HAVE A 2012 KIA RIO AND OVER THE LAST 2 MONTHS THE OIL LIGHT SPONTANEOUSLY COMES ON AND TURNS OFF WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT INTO A KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY DID A CONSUMPTION TEST WHICH INDICATED THE ENGINE IS CONSUMING A LOT OF OIL. I WAS TOLD I NEED A BRAND NEW ENGINE. THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW, CURRENTLY HAS 112K MILES (MOSTLY HIGHWAY) ON IT. THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED ME NOTHING. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME FOR A BRAND NEW ENGINE WITH A 6M /12M WARRANTY COSTING ME $3900 / $4400 FOR REPAIR OR AN ENGINE W 95K MILES FOR $3600 / $3900 FOR REPAIR. I CAN'T AFFORD THAT AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO JUST KEEP CHECKING THE OIL AND REFILL AS NEEDED. WHAT KIND OF SERVICE IS THAT?!?!?! CITY KIA ORLANDO - THIS IS LUDICRIS!!!!! WHAT CAN I DO TO GET SOME ASSISTANCE IN GETTING ANOTHER CAR. THIS CAR IS LESS THAN 10YRS OLD AND IS IN GOOD CONDITION WITH NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. I HAVE SMELLED SMOKE A COUPLE OF TIMES BUT ATTRIBUTED IT TO THE OUTDOORS. I USED MY CAR DAILY AND ALTHOUGH I DO NOT USUALLY TRAVEL FAR FROM HOME I HAVE MY KIDS WITH ME 99% OF THE TIME. CAN YOU HELP ME? I SAW ON THE NEWS 6 JUST THIS MORNING ABOUT KIA CAR ENGINE FIRES. I AM A SINGLE MOM WITH 3 KIDS AT HOME 5-17YRS OLD. I WORK 10HR DAYS AND MAKING JUST ENOUGH TO MAKE ENDS MEET. YOUR ADVICE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.
2018-05-01

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-12-30
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: KNADN4A35C6
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A THUMPING NOISE AND BLACK SMOKE EMERGED FROM THE TAIL PIPE. ALSO, THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER UNTIL IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (SOUTHSIDE KIA, 9401 ATLANTIC BOULEVARD, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 32225) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
2018-04-26

ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2017-12-30
  • VIN: KNADN4A35C6
  • Components: ENGINE
  • Summary: ENGINE FAILURE WILL DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING AND OIL LEAKED OUT OF THE CAR AND IT BLEW UP.

2012 Kia Rio recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2012 Kia Rio.

2023-09-25
  • Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Park Out Side: 1
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
  • 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 for this recall is SC284.

Negative 2012 Kia Rio car reviews

  1. Wilton Kautzer 2024-08-09

    Do you think any Rios are affected by the recent recall of 87,000 Kia Fortes due to a fire hazard? It's concerning that carbon deposits can build up, causing pressure and temperature to rise. If you're lucky, a fuse will blow and the car won't operate, but if not, the car could catch fire, as we've seen with the Forte. Unfortunately, dealerships may not find any problems if you bring in your car for inspection. These cars may be reliable with low mileage, but as the miles add up, carbon deposits can cause issues such as power loss, acceleration problems, and leaks. It's frustrating that the manufacturer is ignoring or covering up these issues.

  2. Aiden Barrows 2024-07-14

    The KIA RIO is definitely an eye-catcher! We were able to average an impressive 37 MPG around town, and an even more impressive 42.3 MPG on the highway, all without the need for a hybrid engine. While we did find that the front passenger seat was mounted a bit too low, the driver's seat was just fine with manual height adjustment. If you're looking for power, it's best to leave the ECO button off, but if you're after great gas mileage, be sure to engage it! We've been proud owners of our KIA RIO LX Sedan for 21 months now, and while it's worth noting that parts are mostly only available at the dealer, we've found that they are of high quality.

  3. Wilburn Robel 2024-06-21

    My 12 Rio5 has 37k highway miles. Although I had high hopes for the car, I have unfortunately been disappointed with my experience. The car has received road blast and rusted after the past 2 winters, and the trim inside has fallen down due to disappearing clips. Additionally, the 'leather' steering wheel delaminated and the vent fan bearings are going. The tires were not up to par and the mileage was not as advertised. While I will be visiting the dealership again next week, I would caution others to consider their options before investing in a Kia. Thank you for your time.

  4. Akeem Schinner 2024-06-07

    In December 2011, my wife and I purchased a brand new red Kia Rio 5Dr Ex. The staff at the Kia dealership were fantastic and played a significant role in our decision to buy the car, along with the car's supposedly excellent gas mileage. However, we have been disappointed to find that the car only gets around 30 miles per gallon on the highway and 26 miles per gallon in the city. Even the smallest hill causes the great six-speed auto transmission to downshift two gears, making the cruise control practically unusable for gas mileage runs. Despite this, we still find our Kia to be extremely well-built, attractive, and fun to drive. Unfortunately, we were really hoping to achieve the gas mileage that Kia had advertised. As a result, we have decided to sell it and purchase a 5-speed Toyota Yaris instead.

  5. Magnus Feest 2024-05-08

    I purchased the Kia Rio SX automatic with the expectation of saving money, but unfortunately, it has not met my expectations. The mileage has been disappointing, with only 24-26 miles per gallon in the city and an average of 29 on the highway. Despite driving with a light foot, the gas mileage has not improved even after 20k miles. While the car is designed to be fuel-efficient, the materials used are not of the highest quality, with cheap plastic and flimsy seating material that easily rips. In my opinion, it would be better to consider other options such as the Fit. Thank you for considering my experience.

Positive 2012 Kia Rio car reviews

  1. Brody Waelchi 2024-10-25

    The White Bullet has been great to me! In nearly 18,000 miles, it has had minimal problems. I only had to make one trip to the dealer for a computer update because of the knock sensor code putting it into limp mode. Other than that, just regular maintenance. I absolutely love the manual transmission, it feels like driving a rally car around town. The gas mileage on the highway is excellent, but after many hours behind the wheel, I have to say that the lack of lumbar support isn't great. City driving in 'stop and go' traffic can be a bit of a nightmare, but that's only due to the manual transmission. The trunk storage is good, but it could have a bigger door area as fitting larger items is difficult or impossible. Overall, I would say that this is a relatively cheap and very reliable vehicle with limited creature comforts, earning it a 3.75 out of 5 in my book.

  2. Orrin Gorczany 2024-08-11

    Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my 3rd KIA. I've owned a 2003 Sorrento, a 2010 Soul!, which the RIO replaced, and now this one. I've already logged 1500 miles in the first month and I have to say, the build quality is excellent! The interior fit and finish is top-notch and the features you get for 20k are unbeatable. The car handles and drives much better than my soul with the 6 sp. trans. - it's pretty smooth! Although, the 1.6L really works hard at 65 mph and up, always downshifting on slight inclines. Unfortunately, the GDI engine is not living up to the 30/40 MPG on the window sticker. I divide miles driven by gallons pumped when I fill up and I'm getting 25 city and 30-31 hwy. It's a big disappointment! However, with the exception of the low MPG, the car does not disappoint. Thanks for listening!

  3. Benjamin Cassin 2024-07-11

    We bought an EX automatic to use mainly for local driving and occasional highway trips. We were deciding between the Kia and the Honda Fit, but ultimately chose the Kia because it was more responsive, had a quieter ride, more comfortable and better designed interior, and a longer warranty. The mileage has been as good as the EPA estimates. Of course, exterior styling is a matter of personal preference, so we won't comment on that.

  4. Rhett Grant 2024-06-28

    This is a really good value.

  5. Leonard Weber 2024-06-27

    Fun to drive! Peppy engine! 35.8 MPG's mixed driving. Awesome UVO system and stylish. What more could you want?

Leave your review of 2012 Kia Rio

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2012 Kia Rio problems:

Kia Rio: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Kia Rio: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
https://www.breakeryard.com/car-parts/kia/rio/common-problems

Kia Rio Common Problems and Solutions · Bumpy Ride · Illuminated ABS Light · Excessive Vibration · Engine Misfire · Fuel Leak · Noisy Power Steering · Stalling ...

2012 Kia Rio Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
2012 Kia Rio Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2012-kia-rio/problems

Problem with your 2012 Kia Rio? Our list of 4 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2012 Kia Rio.

Kia Rio Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage with ...
Kia Rio Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage with ...
https://www.carparts.com/blog/kia-rio-reliability-and-common-problems/

5 days ago ... Kia Rio Problems · Faulty Infotainment System · Transmission Problems · Loud Engine Noise · Defective AC Compressor · Erroneous Check Engine Light.

Warning - 2012 Kia Rio Problems | Kia Forum
Warning - 2012 Kia Rio Problems | Kia Forum
https://www.kia-forums.com/threads/warning-2012-kia-rio-problems.139754/

Apr 25, 2014 ... Just wanting to know if anyone has had issues with their 2012 Kia Rio? This vehicle was purchased new and CANNOT handle cold or hot climates. I ...

2012 Kia Rio Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2012 Kia Rio Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/kia/rio/2012/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2012 Kia Rio? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.

Other years of Kia Rio

kia rio 2013 photo
Rio 2013
Kia

142

1

15

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia rio 2014 photo
Rio 2014
Kia

48

1

17

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia rio 2015 photo
Rio 2015
Kia

48

1

18

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia rio 2016 photo
Rio 2016
Kia

67

2

26

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia rio 2017 photo
Rio 2017
Kia

27

2

22

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
kia rio 2018 photo
Rio 2018
Kia

16

1

7

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Are you having problems with your 2012 Kia Rio?

Add car complaint
2012 Kia Rio photo