2017 Kia Rio recalls & problems

Recent owner complaints

• May 29, 2026Engine
  The engine of my Kia Rio 2017 is the system that is failing it is sudden with no warning and has been diagnosed by Kia themselves stating that the engine will seize. My safety is put at risk because the car may seize while in traffic causing difficulty steering and breaking. This problem was first confirmed by an independent shop called Accurate transmission (1040 s Joliet st, Aurora CO, 80013 or call 3033646254) and following that I took it to Kia for a diagnostic where they confirmed what Accurate transmission stated. This vehicle has not been inspected by anyone currently. There were no warning lamps previous to current issue. Warning lights appeared upon incident.
• May 16, 2026 · fireEngine
  As my car was driving my vehicle encountered sudden changes and my engine light went on. As the vehicle stopped driving on its own there was smoke coming from the hood and a fire stared shortly after underneath the car.
• Mar 17, 2026 · fireEngine
  I was driving my 2017 Kia Rio at approximately 70 mph when the vehicle began shaking violently. I heard a loud mechanical sound from the engine compartment that sounded like something broke loose and was being thrown around. I immediately began pulling over as smoke started entering the cabin. As soon as I stopped, the car erupted into a fast-moving, intense fire originating in the engine compartment. The fire spread so quickly that the front of the vehicle and the passenger cabin were completely destroyed before the fire department arrived. The Austin Fire Department responded (Incident Type: Engine 2f) and the Travis County Sheriff's Office also opened a case (Case #[Insert Your Sheriff…
• Feb 6, 2025Unknown or other
  Unknown
• Jul 3, 2024 · fireService brakes
  My son and I were driving home from work on IH-35 and I noticed smoke coming from under my hood. Then within seconds, flames appeared moving quickly towards the windshield. I attempted to move to the shoulder and after doing so, I was unable to stop since the brakes were no longer working. I had to use the parking brake when it slowed down and then once stopped, my son and I jumped out of the vehicle and within 3-5 seconds, the entire car was overcome with fire which then exploded.
• May 21, 2024 · 190,000 milesLatches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Lock
  The contact owns a 2017 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while attempting to open the trunk with the key fob, the trunk failed to unlock or open. In addition, the contact engaged the emergency gear, and the trunk would not open. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
• Apr 12, 2024Electrical system
  No parts available to fix hydraulic electronic control unit HECU. Been told this since December 2023. Received another letter dated 4/10/3024. The remedy is now available. Being told again there are no parts. Went by another car insurance company. Being told I cannot get a quote because of repair problems with recalls.
• Nov 1, 2023Service brakes, hydraulic
  The contact owns a 2017 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 local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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

NHTSA defect investigations

• AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023 · openHyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
  The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements;…