Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2009 Kia Rio, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Air bags17
- Engine7
- Seats4
- Unknown or other3
- Structure3
- Suspension2
- Steering2
- Electrical system2
- Service brakes, hydraulic2
- Vehicle speed control2
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 6 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 24 2009 Rio vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 23 people died inside them, and 6 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 2009 Kia Rio failed the safety check 4.52% of the time — 79% more often than the average 2009 passenger car (2.52%). Median odometer at inspection: 110,617 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
In the Netherlands
421 first registered in 2009 are on Dutch roads; 14% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €13,444.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde284
- Band onvoldoende profiel183
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt182
- Stuurkogel te veel speling164
- Stadslicht werkt niet (goed)155
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld123
- Stuur- of fuseekogel met slijtage kleiner of gelijk 1,0 mm94
- Band beschadigd86
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
3,857 cars built in 2009 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 385 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, 5,253 of these cars first registered in 2009 took their annual MOT test. 56% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2009 the figure was 59%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 17.6% | 18.7% |
| Suspension | 14.2% | 16.4% |
| Steering | 13.9% | 2.9% |
| Brakes | 10.6% | 10.1% |
| Visibility | 9.5% | 6.5% |
| Tyres | 8.0% | 7.5% |
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
46 of these cars first registered in 2009 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 161,000 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
393 2009 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 7.9–8.0 L/100 km (about 29–30 mpg US), CO₂ 182–184 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rio · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.5 | 7.1 | 7.9 |
| Rio · Compact · Regular gasoline | 8.9 | 6.7 | 8.0 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
No recall campaigns cover the 2009 Kia Rio.
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 2009 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 |
| 10194563 | TSB_ENG063_CLOSED: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED |
| 10194554 | TSB_ENG056_CLOSED: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED |
| 10194507 | TSB_BOD043_CLOSED: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED |
| 10194505 | TSB_BOD042_CLOSED: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED |
| 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.? |
| 10094564 | "Q AND A: WTY002 - CERTAIN 2008-2011 MY KIA RIO VEHICLES AND ALL 2006-2010 MY KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION" |
| 10094563 | OWNER LETTER: WTY002 RIO - DEAR KIA RIO OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICAS HIGHEST COMMITMENT IS TO YOUR SAFETY. TO THAT END, KIA IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT TO 15 YEARS WITH UNLIMITED MILEAGE, STARTING FROM THE DATE OF FIRST SERVICE. THIS WARRANTY EXTENSION ADDRESSES FAILURES OF THE OCS SENSOR MAT AS REPORTED BY SOME VEHICLE OWNERS. THE SENSOR MAT IS INTENDED TO DETECT CHILD SEATS AND SMALL STATURE OCCUPANTS WHO COULD BE HARMED BY DEPLOYMENT OF THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAG. IF THE SENSOR MAT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THE O |
| 10094169 | REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM: WTY002 RIO - IF YOU HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT REPLACED, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR SOME OR ALL OF THAT EXPENSE. MAIL THIS COMPLETED REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM TO KIA, ALONG WITH DOCUMENTATION SPECIFIED BELOW, FOR REVIEW AND CONSIDERATION AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER, KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC., P.O. BOX 52410, IRVINE, CA 92619-2410 |
| 10094137 | DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: WTY002 - 2008~2011MY RIO PASSENGER SEAT OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY002) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT FOR CERTAIN 2008-2011 MY RIO VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER DECEMBER 8, 2007 AND ALL 2006-2010 MY OPTIMA VEHICLES TO 15 YEARS/UNLIMITED MILEAGE, STARTING FROM THE DATE OF FIRST SERVICE. THE WARRANTY EXTENSION WILL ADDRESS FAILURES OF THE OCS SENSOR MAT AS REPORTED BY SOME VEHICLE OWNERS. |
| 10094136 | DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: WTY002 - 2008~2011MY RIO PASSENGER SEAT OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY002) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT FOR CERTAIN 2008-2011 MY RIO VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER DECEMBER 8, 2007 AND ALL 2006-2010 MY OPTIMA VEHICLES TO 15 YEARS/UNLIMITED MILEAGE, STARTING FROM THE DATE OF FIRST SERVICE. THE WARRANTY EXTENSION WILL ADDRESS FAILURES OF THE OCS SENSOR MAT AS REPORTED BY SOME VEHICLE OWNERS. |
| 10094135 | WARRANTY BULLETIN: WTY002 - 2008~2011MY RIO PASSENGER SEAT OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY002) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT IN 2008~2011MY RIO (JB) VEHICLES. IF THE SENSOR MAT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON THE CLUSTER WILL ILLUMINATE AND DTC(S) B1447, B1448, B1449 AND/OR B1450 MAY BE STORED. IF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND ONE OR MORE THE ABOVE DTCS ARE STORED, FOLLOW THE REPAIR PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN TSB BOD 140 TO REPLACE THE OCS MAT. KIA IS EX |
| 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. |
| 10090625 | TSB: MUFFLER PIPE HANGER BRACKET REPLACEMENT - REVISED - SOME RIO VEHICLES, PRODUCED FROM FEBRUARY 25, 2008 TO JULY 10, 2011, MAY EXPERIENCE A RATTLING NOISE WHILE DRIVING, EMANATING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE TO DIAGNOSE. |
| 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. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)