Kia · Rio · 2012
2012 Kia Rio
1
Recall
50
Complaints
4/5
NCAP overall
The 2012 Kia Rio has 1 recall and 50 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. One stored NHTSA configuration has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars, not a rating for all versions. Most frequent stored component label: engine (11 reports).
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2012 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD NCAP Vehicle ID: 6127
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Source: NHTSA Public Records
NHTSA source checks for this vehicle year
- Complaints
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Recalls
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Safety ratings
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Investigations
- Separate successful check not recorded.
- Manufacturer communications
- Separate successful check not recorded.
Checks are recorded separately for each dataset, not for the whole page. Dates use UTC. A missing check date does not mean no records exist.
Vehicle import recorded: Apr 28, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.
Research Context
The 2012 Kia Rio page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most frequent complete stored component label is engine with 11 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2012 Kia Rio currently shows 1 NHTSA recall listed on this page and 50 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA rating for one stored configuration, not all versions.
- The most frequent complete stored component labels on this page are engine (11), vehicle speed control (4), fuel/propulsion system (4).
- Vehicle
- 2012 Kia Rio
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 50
- Stored Configuration Overall Rating
- 4/5. Stored NHTSA configuration: 2012 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD. NCAP Vehicle ID: 6127.
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Configuration Test Results
Stored NHTSA configuration: 2012 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD NCAP Vehicle ID: 6127
Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year. How this configuration is selected
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
No rollover risk estimate available in this dataset
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 23V652000September 25, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
50 totalENGINE
FIREJan 31, 2026
Waiting to get air in my tire. Car was turned off and the car started fire under the hood.
ENGINE
Oct 11, 2025
I brought my Kia in for a recall, and they determined the part was discontinued thus making my vehicle inoperable. When I brought my vehicle in, it was driveable-now I have been without my vehicle for over a month.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 30, 2025
I went to the Kia dealership in Laredo Texas and was told that they cannot fix the fault, that my vehicle has had an aftermarket parts, that they are not going to fix the HECU. That they don't fix vehicle with aftermarket parts.
ENGINE
Jan 1, 2025
The GDI 1.6L engines are manufactured with a flaw that affects piston rings and makes oil consumption go up which in turn can make the engine run dry and damage the engine, which if you're in a bad location could be dangerous. My car has been dealing with the issue and I searched...
Preview excerpt
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Jul 16, 2024
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. T...
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SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Apr 17, 2024
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 fo...
Preview excerpt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Feb 29, 2024
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 r...
Preview excerpt
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Jan 19, 2024
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 fo...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
FIREApr 13, 2023
Car started running oddly pulled over went to restart and Fire came up an engine compartment
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FIREJun 21, 2022
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 ...
Preview excerpt
Showing 10 recent complaints from 50 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2012 Kia models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Kia Rio Years
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Kia Rio have?
The 2012 Kia Rio has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2012 Kia Rio?
NHTSA has received 50 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Kia Rio.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2012 Kia Rio?
Our stored NHTSA record for the 2012 Kia Rio has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Stored NHTSA configuration: 2012 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD. NCAP Vehicle ID: 6127. Ratings describe one stored NHTSA configuration, not every trim, body style or drivetrain for this model year.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Rio?
The most frequent complete stored component labels for the 2012 Kia Rio are engine (11 reports), vehicle speed control (4 reports), fuel/propulsion system (4 reports). These are exact-label counts, not broader component-group totals or confirmed defects.
Does the 2012 Kia Rio have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2012 Kia Rio. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.