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Kia Rio reliability

The Kia Rio fails its MOT about as often as most cars 6 to 10 years old: 26% of 49,965 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.

Up to 5 years old
12.2% failed their MOT
About average
From 13,889 MOT tests of Kia Rios this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 2× as oftenWipers4.5% vs 2.1%
6 to 10 years old
26% failed their MOT
About average
From 49,965 MOT tests of Kia Rios this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 78% more oftenSuspension arms4.1% vs 2.3%
Fails 36% more oftenMechanical brake components3.8% vs 2.8%
Fails 36% more oftenTyre tread depth3.4% vs 2.5%Fix about £90
Fails 58% more oftenBrake performance3% vs 1.9%
Advised 32% more oftenSuspension arms7% vs 5.3%
Over 10 years old
42.9% failed their MOT
About average
From 34,832 MOT tests of Kia Rios this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 4× as oftenSteering linkage components9.6% vs 2.4%
Fails 61% more oftenSuspension arms8.2% vs 5.1%
Fails 54% more oftenWipers4% vs 2.6%
Fails 53% more oftenRigid brake pipes2.6% vs 1.7%Fix about £120
Advised 35% more oftenSuspension arms16.3% vs 12.1%
Advised 86% more oftenSub-frames7.8% vs 4.2%
Advised 48% more oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)7.7% vs 5.2%Fix about £30
Advised 2× as oftenSteering linkage components6.9% vs 2.8%
Safety recalls

4 DVSA recalls for the Kia Rio

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2024/4655 Dec 2024Built 2009–2017Kia HECU Fuse Replacement

The HECU hydraulic electronic control unit of affected vehicles equipped with Anti-lock Brake Systems ABS and Electronic Stability Control ESC could leak internally and cause an electrical short over time. In extreme cases the HECU could overheat with a possible risk of an under bonnet fire.

Fix: The recall will replace the fuses in the junction box with a lower rated version.

Recalled models: Rio JB · 2 vehicles

R/2018/12011 May 2018Built 2017Child locks on the rear doors may not operate

On some Rio models the child locks on the rear doors may not operate; this is caused by the incorrect length release lever cable being installed.

Fix: Replacement cable of correct length will be fitted to affected vehicles.

Recalled models: RIO · 2,300 vehicles

R/2004/10916 Aug 2004Built 2000–2004Potential fuel leak

The possibility exists that the inlet nipple on the fuel distribution rail may crack. Should this occur the potential exists for a fuel leak additionally the risk of fire.

Fix: Likely to be affected vehicles will be recalled at which time the distribution rail and the fuel supply pipe will be changed.

Recalled models: RIO · 17,764 vehicles

R/2003/16210 Nov 2003Built 2002–2003Reprogramming of abs ecm

An ABS programming error could cause reduced braking force at speeds under 40 kmh

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and reprogramme ABSECM and RDM data

Recalled models: RIO · 2,638 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Kia Rio before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

More Kia models
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Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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