2022 Kia Rio problems
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Common 2022 Kia Rio problems
The Kia Rio, a popular compact car, has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. Here are some of the most reported issues and their details:
- Bumpy Ride: Early models of the Kia Rio suffered from constant issues with the suspension, which could lead to a very bumpy ride. This is likely due to the suspension system wearing out, which is a significant job to replace. However, online guides are available to help with the process.
- Illuminated ABS Light: If the ABS warning light is lit up on the dashboard, but there are no obvious signs of a fault and the car brakes feel fine, it's likely that the sensor on the back wheel attached to the bearing has broken. This is a common problem in the Rio and is an easy fix, with replacement sensors readily available in online stores.
- Excessive Vibration: If the car is vibrating a lot, the steering turns are weaker, and some of the tyres are wearing out quickly, the rear shock rubber mounting has likely failed. This will require replacement units from the parts list, and it's also worth checking the rear wheel bearings as they may have developed a fault as a result of the degraded rubber mountings.
- Engine Misfire: The Rio is famous for the speed at which it goes through spark plugs. If the engine is misfiring and idling rough, the cause will usually be the spark plugs. It's also worth checking the spark plug wiring as this may have also been damaged.
- Fuel Leak: If fuel is leaking from the car and onto the road, it's likely due to a cracked inlet nipple on the fuel distribution rack. This is a serious issue that can lead to a fire and requires immediate attention. A distribution rail and fuel supply pipe will need to be ordered from the parts list and fitted as soon as possible.
- Noisy Power Steering: If the power steering is noisy, it's likely that the power steering pump is failing. This is a common problem in the Rio and will require replacement.
These are just some of the common problems reported by Kia Rio owners. However, it's important to note that the 2022 model year is relatively new, and there may not be as many reported issues as with older models. Additionally, the 2022 Kia Rio has received generally positive reviews from automotive experts, with praise for its zippy and willing performance around town, good seven-year warranty, and agreeable seven-year capped-price servicing.
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.
Is there a recall on the Kia Rio 2022?
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
Is Kia Rio a good reliable car?
The Kia Rio has gotten excellent scores for its overall reliability. RepairPal gave the sedan a score of 4.5 out of 5.0. This means that an owner of the Kia Rio will pay less on repairs per year on average and will have fewer trips to the mechanic.
Why is the Kia Rio being discontinued?
Kia discontinuing Rio subcompact sedan
It shared a fate similar to its Hyundai counterpart, the Accent subcompact sedan, which did not return for the 2023 model year. Kia, like other mass market brands, plans to use crossovers rather than cars as an entry-level gateway for mostly young, first-time buyers.
2022 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:
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Steering problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2022 Kia Rio vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2022 Kia Rio complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2022 Kia Rio.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-20
- VIN: 3KPA24AD8NE
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The windshield wipers only work consistently on the last two settings. When you push the wiper gear down to the initial setting where you can adjust the speed with the dial, it struggles to move or doesn’t move at all. I can hear the wiper gear trying to lift the wipers, but nothing happens.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- VIN: 3KPA24AD8NE
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: This is neither a failure nor a malfunction but on several occasions I have had the light switch turn off at night while driving. I can reach over and push a button to the left of the steering wheel under the ac/heat vent and in doing so my arm has rolled the headlight switch off. I have to hurry up and turn them back on. The switch should lock somewhat in place as to take a purposeful twist for it to turn. The headlight switch turns too easy and it could cause an accident at night.
STEERING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-15
- VIN: 3KPA25AD8NE
- Components: STEERING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Issue 1) Power steering wheel stopped working after practicing parking in preparation for a drivers test. Issue 2) Fuel indicator did not worked as expected, takes 3 to 5 min (in motion) to get the indicator in the right position. I took the vehicle to the dealership, it was scanned and according to them, no DTC was stored, I got videos when both issues came up.
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-04
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 3KPA24AD9NE
- Components: STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: A deer ran out in front of me. I hit it head on. My hood unlatched and flew up and the hinges cut into the very top of the fenders. I don’t think a hood is supposed to pop open like this.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-23
- VIN: 3KPA24AD4NE
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Vehicle pulls hard to left since purchased. Had in shop 3 times, but problem still exists. It was aligned and rechecked. Tires were switched on the front (by another shop) and it still has issues of pulling. Dealership refuses to diagnose the trouble, except for the front end alignment and says they voided last repair order (because they did nothing). Took to another shop and they went through it completely, even test-driving it. Verfied a hard pull to the left. They were the shop that transferred front wheels to correct the problem. It helped somewhat, but still pulling. Now Dealership says it must be the tires and urges us to get help from them.
2022 Kia Rio recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2022 Kia Rio.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: STEERING:COLUMN
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
- Consequence: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
Negative 2022 Kia Rio car reviews
Positive 2022 Kia Rio car reviews
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I live in Los Angeles County and have experienced a range of road qualities, from very good to pretty poor. While the suspension tuning may not be soft enough for those living in areas with constantly terrible roads, I suspect that 90% of buyers will be content with it. The suspension tuning and ride comfort is decent to good, and certainly better than the thrifty price tag would suggest. You'll find this vehicle to be quite comfortable for both city trips and long journeys, as long as pavement conditions are fair to good. Fuel economy is where this vehicle really shines, with official EPA ratings of 33 city/41 highway. I've been consistently averaging 34-35 city/43-46 highway, which is fantastic for a non-hybrid. Do note that your fuel economy gauge in the instrumentation cluster may read something higher than what you'll actually get at the pump. The CVT in the Rio and the Forte uses a chain instead of a rubber belt, resulting in no weird lag, awkward pulling sensations or delays with acceleration throughout the power band. It provides very consistent and predictable power.Acceleration is solid and if you need extra power, you can switch the transmission to sport mode and/or manually shift the simulated gears to quickly get up to highway speeds. You won't be winning any 0-60 races, but you'll certainly have more than enough power to keep up with both city and freeway traffic without having to floor the accelerator. Front seat room is quite generous for a subcompact and comparable to that of a large compact. The front seats are slightly firmer but still pretty supportive and comfortable for most. Thanks to an outward-shaped design of the interior door panels, Kia was able to crank out a few centimeters of space to make the cabin feel just a bit more spacious. Rear-seat leg, shoulder and head room is ample for 2 adults sitting behind 6 foot adults, but 3 adults in the rear is a tight squeeze. Despite the narrow wheelbase, the car feels surprisingly composed at highway speeds, with fairly precise on-center steering accuracy and none of the constant overcorrecting that has plagued many subcompacts on longer road-trips on the freeway. The steering feel is a bit numb, but the accuracy is certainly there; you know exactly what your wheels are doing and is what you want in a city commuter or long-distance cruiser. Ergonomics are excellent; the controls are well-placed, easy to use and quite intuitive with old-school knobs, switches and buttons. Gauges are easy to read and attractive. The 8 inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play works great, and the 6 speaker sound quality is quite good for what is supposed to be a budget system. The rear camera quality is quite clear on the infotainment display. The trunk will fit 2 large suitcases and another carry-on with enough room to spare for extras.Really, Kia is doing a great job by offering a composed, refined, fuel-saving car that has good driving dynamics, looks attractive enough and is roomier inside than some larger compacts for what is a total bargain these days, then backing it up with their 100,000 mile powertrain/60,000 mile comprehensive warranty.
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I completely agree that hatchbacks are becoming less popular in America, but they are still going strong in Europe. As someone who lives in L.A., I can tell you that the hatchback version of this car is the way to go. The sedan just doesn't compare. While the power and comfort are average for the segment, the legroom is fantastic, even for someone as tall as me (I'm 6 foot 4). Plus, the simple a/c and temp controls make it easy to stay comfortable. But the real hidden gem is the touchscreen and WIRELESS Apple Car Play/Android Auto, which comes standard with the car. The hatchback is also incredibly compact, making it easy to park anywhere in L.A. And if you need to transport a lot of gear, the seats fold down for added convenience. Plus, with a 5 year 60k mile bumper to bumper warranty and 100k drivetrain, you can rest easy knowing you're covered for years to come. All in all, I think this car is the best value out there, especially considering its price point of under $20k. I absolutely love it!
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The car is pretty well equipped for such a small vehicle, and it's great on gas mileage. You'll be happy to know that even with my back issue, I'm fine with a cushion. Although it doesn't have a very powerful engine, it steers and responds well. The AC is great too. As a conveniently-priced car for running around town, it's perfect...just what I wanted as I sized-down...and it's cute! I'm very pleased with my purchase.
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Note that this is a budget car, but it also comes with Apple Play touch screen, which is great for beginner drivers or college students who need something that fits their daily budget. I personally bought this for my parents, who don't like fancy gadgets in today's vehicles. This was the best buy with fewer gadgets.
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Cool little car! It's fairly comfortable (even for me at 6'2
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2022 Kia Rio problems:
2022 Kia Rio Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2022 Kia Rio? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2022 Kia Rio Reliability - Consumer Reports
Reliability ... We expect the 2024 Rio to be more reliable than other new cars. This prediction is based on similar models, plus the Kia brand scores.
22' Kia Rio starts having computer system problems when it gets hot ...
May 11, 2022 ... 22' Kia Rio starts having computer system problems ... I just bought a 2022 Kia Rio Hatchback and ... known issue on the 22's or if I am ...
Kia Rio: Common Problems and Solutions | BreakerYard.com
Kia Rio Common Problems and Solutions · Bumpy Ride · Illuminated ABS Light · Excessive Vibration · Engine Misfire · Fuel Leak · Noisy Power Steering · Stalling ...
Kia Rio Reliability and Common Problems - In The Garage with ...
5 days ago ... RepairPal gave the sedan a score of 4.5 out of 5.0. This means that an owner of the Kia Rio will pay less on repairs per year on average and ...
Other years of Kia Rio
Are you having problems with your 2022 Kia Rio?
Lonzo Hyatt 2025-11-10
I hope you had a great experience driving the rental car! It's impressive that it got 44 mpg, which must have been a pleasant surprise. The air conditioning seemed to work well, which is always a plus. However, I understand that the noise level was a bit too high on some roads, especially compared to the Fiat. Additionally, it would have been nice to have a telescoping steering wheel. Overall, I hope you still enjoyed your time on the road!
Lafayette Carter 2024-10-26
I recently purchased the 2020 model, and while the trunk space is decent, the back seat is quite small. I've only driven it four times, and it was full on each occasion, but it still had more than half a tank of gas left. I do appreciate the sporty look of the car, especially in the blue color. However, I don't think I'll be purchasing this model again and will instead go back to the Kia Forte. The Forte rides great and is low to the ground. I'm also a bit confused about the advertised 52.0 mpg, which I don't think is accurate. I plan to fill up the tank when it's empty to get a better idea of the actual cost. For reference, it only cost $25.00 to fill up the Forte. I'll check back in a month to see how things are going.
Emerald Collier 2024-09-19
The car has a great gas mileage, as I was able to get almost 55 mpg on the highway during my drive from STL to Frankfort KY. However, I cannot recommend purchasing this car until the immobilizer problem is fixed, as it has been stolen twice due to the alarm system not being connected to the rear windows. The thieves were able to easily smash the windows and steal the car. It is important to prioritize safety and security when making a purchase like this.
Evan Runte 2024-07-06
I'm a bit confused as to why the manufacturer would put weak rims, flabby little tires, and tiny shocks that don't absorb any potholes on such a fast and sporty little car. In my opinion, 15-inch rims are the perfect size to fit right inside of a pothole and bend with perfect triangles in the rims. However, the car is otherwise awesome. One major flaw I left out is that when you open up the trunk after it rains or you wash your car, all the water jumps right into your trunk onto your carpet. This is a major flaw for a 2020 model and shouldn't have made it through. Another issue is that there is an option between good headlights and poor headlights, which shouldn't be the case. Quality should always come first, especially when it comes to safety. If you can't see, you can't drive. Overall, I believe that the manufacturer should prioritize quality and safety over anything else.
Monserrat Runolfsdottir 2024-04-19
It can be really tough to keep your vehicle on the road when it's windy.