Problems · NHTSA complaints

2022 Kia Rio problems

Owners filed 12 complaints about the 2022 Kia Rio with NHTSA between Jan 2023 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is back over prevention (2).

Complaints
12
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Back over prevention2
  2. Service brakes2
  3. Latches/locks/linkages2
  4. Electrical system1
  5. Forward collision avoidance1
  6. Engine1
  7. Visibility/wiper1
  8. Exterior lighting1
  9. Steering1
  10. Fuel/propulsion system1
  11. Structure1
  12. Other / unknown3

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20233
20243
20253
20263

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Back over prevention

2 reports1 crash
“The rear camera fails to function most of the time. It is a safety issue because I am unable to see cars or objects behind me when I am backing up. I am also unable people passing behind me when I am backing out of a parking space in a parking lot.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026Electrical system, Back over preventionODI 11771738

Service brakes

2 reports
“My ABS system goes in and out making my breaks really unsafe especially going downhill. Cruise control goes at whatever speed it wants. I set it for 73 on the interstate which has a speed limit of 70 and I look down and my car is SET to 73 BUT my actual gage is going up into the 80's! I use my cruise to keep me from getting tickets... And my cruise in this car isn't helping. I selected other. Because sometimes my radio screen does not work. & Sometimes it comes on but when I put my car in reverse my screen goes off. I rely on my screen to hear my phone calls because I'm deaf & I also have dementia so it's mandatory that I can see my map in my car to know where I'm going. Sometimes I don't remember my way home. That's how important it is. Please look into these. Thank you Concerned customer. [XXX].”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 21, 2026Unknown or other, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11758462

Latches/locks/linkages

2 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2022 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the contact heard an abnormally loud bang and believed that the vehicle had been struck in the rear by an object. The contact opened the trunk and became aware that the trunk shocks had become detached from the latch. The contact was able to open and close the trunk lid, but the lid failed to remain open after being raised. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who advised the contact that the trunk latch spring had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was advised that the spring and latch mechanism were on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 10, 2026Latches/locks/linkagesODI 11723220

Electrical system

1 report

Forward collision avoidance

1 report

Engine

1 report
“When my car is running it makes a knocking noise from engine I have taken it th the dealer they heard it but said they can figure out where it's coming from. The engine runs hotter than normal. The rods I think are the cause”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 25, 2025EngineODI 11644932
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.