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Model year record

2008 Kia Rio recalls & problems

The 2008 Kia Rio has 1 safety recall and 46 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (27 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls
Complaints46filed by owners
Crashes · fires11 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths10 · 0reported in complaints
2008 Kia Rio in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Air bagsMay 31, 2012

Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive

Recall 12V24400072,568 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITH A CHILD IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY TO THAT CHILD.
Fix
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2008 Kia Rio 5-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

2008 Kia Rio 4-DR. w/SAB

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated
2008 Kia Rio NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Rio

29mpg combined
City / highway25 / 35 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Rio

29mpg combined
City / highway27 / 32 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Air bagsFrontal2780965,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal3000—
Service brakes, hydraulic310010,000 mi
Engine3000—
SuspensionFront › Control arm › Lower ball joint; Front › Wheel bearing2000—
Fuel system, gasoline2000—
Engine and engine cooling2000—
Power trainAutomatic transmission2000—
Service brakes2000—
Exterior lighting2000—
Visibility1000—
Steering1100—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.