Buying a used 2021 Kia RIO? Check these 2 recalls first
The 2021 Kia Rio has 2 recalls in this group, covering a brake master cylinder defect and a loose steering column bolt. Braking and steering therefore deserve specific repair-record checks alongside the usual inspection. NHTSA lists 15 unverified owner complaints: 6 involve unknown or other, 4 steering, 3 service brakes, and 2 power train. The supplied totals include 2 crashes and no fires or injuries. Complaint categories overlap the recalled systems, but the reports do not establish a common cause.
Before you buy
- Get the 17-character VIN from the seller and run it at nhtsa.gov/recalls. It shows which recalls are still unrepaired on that exact car.
- Verify completion of the brake master cylinder recall.
- Request proof of the steering column bolt recall repair.
- Ask about steering looseness, brake pedal changes, or power train faults.
- Open recalls are repaired free at any Kia dealer, whoever owns the car — an open recall is a to-do item, not a bill.
Recalls covering the 2021 Kia RIO
| Recall | Area | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Kia Rio Brake Master Cylinder Defect | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | high |
| Kia Forte and Rio Steering Column Bolt Loose | Steering | high |
What owners have reported to NHTSA
15 complaints filed for this model year, including 2 mentioning a crash, 0 a fire and 0 injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, and popular models collect more of them simply because more are on the road.
| Problem area | Complaints | Recall in this area? |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 4 | Yes |
| Brakes | 3 | Yes |
| Power Train | 2 | None found |
| Engine | 2 | None found |
| Electrical System | 1 | None found |
| Rear Camera | 1 | None found |