Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2006 Kia Rio, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Air bags50
- Engine and engine cooling6
- Unknown or other4
- Steering4
- Structure3
- Electrical system3
- Fuel system, gasoline2
- Equipment2
- Power train2
- Service brakes, hydraulic2
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 14 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 16 2006 Rio vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 15 people died inside them, and 2 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2006 Kia Rio failed the safety check 4.19% of the time — 79% more often than the average 2006 passenger car (2.34%). Median odometer at inspection: 108,068 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Engines
The most common engines in 2006 Kia Rio cars on Dutch roads are the 1.4 petrol (71 kW, 95 hp), 1.6 petrol (82 kW, 110 hp) and 1.5 petrol (71 kW, 95 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 1.4 petrol | 71 kW 95 hp | 685 |
| 1.6 petrol | 82 kW 110 hp | 180 |
| 1.5 petrol | 71 kW 95 hp | 39 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
921 first registered in 2006 are on Dutch roads; 2% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €13,888.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde500
- Band onvoldoende profiel409
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt341
- Stadslicht werkt niet (goed)338
- Stuurkogel te veel speling310
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm238
- Overmatige vloeistoflekkage overige vloeistoffen232
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm224
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
599 cars built in 2006 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 227 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 1,146 of these cars first registered in 2006 took their annual MOT test. 52% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2006 the figure was 56%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2006 |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 22.3% | 21.5% |
| Suspension | 18.8% | 17.3% |
| Brakes | 16.8% | 13.1% |
| Steering | 11.3% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 9.9% | 7.3% |
| Tyres | 8.6% | 7.4% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
209 of these cars first registered in 2006 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 185,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
230 2006 cars are on the New Zealand register; 1% arrived as used imports, 98% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 2 variants: combined 8.1–8.2 L/100 km (about 29 mpg US), CO₂ 186–189 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rio · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.6 | 7.4 | 8.1 |
| Rio · Compact · Regular gasoline | 9.4 | 6.8 | 8.2 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kia told its dealers about the 2006 Kia Rio: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11000787 | This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. |
| 10226555 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2. |
| 10201529 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL |
| 10183431 | TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the sys |
| 10174520 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles on page 2. Refer to the shop manual on KGIS for the specific Kia model for the correct transmission fluid check/fill procedures. |
| 10133170 | PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine. |
| 10109812 | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only. |
| 10109777 | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? |
| 10091489 | TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL, THEN REFERENCE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SYSTEM/ REPAIR PROCEDURES/ INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT SECTION FOR THE CORRECT ATF CHECK/FILL PROCEDURES. |
| 10090713 | TSB: WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO POSSIBLE FOREIGN DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. OVER TIME, SOME KIA VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LIMITED APPLICATION OF WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID WHEN THE WASHER FUNCTION IS USED. LIMITED APPLICATION OF WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID CAN BE CAUSED BY FOREIGN DEBRIS ON THE WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, REPLACE THE WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER AND PERFORM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR FLUSHING PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS TSB. |
| 10089668 | QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC122 UNDERBODY ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT |
| 10089664 | OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (SC122) - DEAR KIA RIO OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO VEHICLES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES WHERE HEAVY AMOUNTS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED. |
| 10089662 | DEALER SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 MY SPECTRA, 2006-2010 MY OPTIMA, 2010-2013 MY SOUL, AND 2007-2010 MY RONDO VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ONE OF THE 21 SALT BELT STATES WHERE HEAVY AMOUNTS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED. THE 21 SALT-BELT STATES ARE: CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, WV. IN ADDITION TO THE SALT BELT STATES, THE FOLLOWING STATES HAV |
| 10089642 | DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. WILL BE CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN, AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE, TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 MY SPECTRA, 2006-2010 MY OPTIMA, 2010-2013 MY SOUL, AND 2007-2010 MY RONDO VEHICLES ORIGINALLY RETAILED AND/OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ONE OF THE STATES WHERE HEAVY AMOUNTS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED. |
| 10089618 | "TSB: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL (SC122) - TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, KIA IS LAUNCHING THIS BULLETIN TO APPLY ADDITIONAL ANTICORROSION PROTECTION TO VARIOUS VEHICLE UNDERBODY COMPONENTS OF SOME 2010~2013MY SOUL (AM), 2004~2009MY SPECTRA (LD), 2006~2010MY OPTIMA (MG), 2006~2011MY RIO (JB) AND 2007~2010MY RONDO (UN) VEHICLES. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES WERE ORIGINALLY RETAILED OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN STATES WHERE ROAD SALT IS HEAVILY USED. THE STATES ARE: CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, |
| 10058518 | KIA: AN ADDITIONAL APPLICATION OF ANTI-CORROSION PROTECTION WILL BE APPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES UNDERBODY COMPONENTS TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION. MODEL 2004-09 SPECTRA, 2006-10 OPTIMA, 2006-11 RIO 2007-10 RONDO AND 2010-13 SOUL. *PE |
| 10055390 | KIA: INFORMATION PROVIDED REGARDING THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SYSTEM UPGRADED SOFTWARE. MODEL 2006-2011 RIO. *PE |
| 10032713 | KIA: ECM UPGRADE-MIL ON WITH DTC P0300, P0128, P0140, P0442 & P0461. VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A ROUGH IDLE DURING INITIAL COLD START UP PERIOD AND/OR ILLUMINATE THE MIL. *PE UPDATED 10/29/10. *PE |
| 10026726 | KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE |
| 10023402 | RIO5 (JB) LEFT REAR SEATBACK CAN NOT BE RAISED FROM THE FOLDED POSITION. *NJ |
| 10022184 | POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAM - ROUGH IDLE DURING INITIAL COLD START/DTC P0300. *KB |
| 10021663 | AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WITH DTC'S B1362 OR B1368. *KB |
| 10021561 | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ADAPTIVE VALUE RESET/RELEARN. *KB |
| 10018512 | AIR BAG CONNECTOR LOCK TAB/SHORTING BARS. *TT |
| 10016745 | SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL SST UPDATE. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4. *TT |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)