2006 KIA Rio
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2006 KIA Rio. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2006 KIA Rio. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.
Remedy
KIA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ocs seat sensor mat, free of charge. the recall began on july 26, 2012. owners may contact KIA consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.
Owner complaints
74 complaints12 involved a crash14 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
srs light turned on and is illuminated when starting and driving the vehicle.
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
This man purposely rammed my car. He saw me in the lane but came over anyway and hit my car.
- Structure › Body · Suspension › Front › Control arm
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA rio. The contact stated that while in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered the front cradle and lower control arm had sustained severe rusting and corrosion. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer taylor KIA…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA rio. The contact stated that while in for routine maintenance, the mechanic discovered the front cradle and lower control arm had sustained severe rusting and corrosion. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer taylor KIA located at 7870 market st. Youngstown oh 44512, to be inspected. The contact was informed that the parts needed to repair the vehicle were no longer available. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 174,000.*dt consumer stated dealer has agreed to purchase vehicle from the consumer since frame IS rusted.*jb
- Unknown or other
Ignition wont turn when key IS in to start the car.at a stopped position. Happens when you try to start the car.
- Air bags
I was in an auto accident where I reneded two cars. My air bag sid not deploy. The vehicle was hydroplane on wet roads going about 55 when I hit the brakes.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA rio. While driving 50 mph, the contact had a seizure and crashed head on into a tree. The contact was injured and hospitalized. A police report was filed. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 189,000. *tr
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
My airbag light had come on. Then when I go to gasbuddy, it states that there IS a recall involving the airbag on a 2006 KIA rio that was made from february 20TH 2005 to 2007. However my vin number shows that there IS no recall on my car. I think it's more than a coincidence that there's a recall…
My airbag light had come on. Then when I go to gasbuddy, it states that there IS a recall involving the airbag on a 2006 KIA rio that was made from february 20TH 2005 to 2007. However my vin number shows that there IS no recall on my car. I think it's more than a coincidence that there's a recall and my sensor IS on. If someone IS killed because of this sensor oh, I will be suing KIA, and anyone else that blatantly disregarded my complaint
- Air bags
The airbag light never goes off
- Air bags
Air bag light on
- Service brakes
Brake lights in rear came on during driving and remained on. after becoming aware of the issue, and replacement of the stop light switch which did not fix the issue, and after further inspection the problem was a design defect. the stop light switch has a "button" which when depressed interrupts…
Brake lights in rear came on during driving and remained on. after becoming aware of the issue, and replacement of the stop light switch which did not fix the issue, and after further inspection the problem was a design defect. the stop light switch has a "button" which when depressed interrupts the flow of electricity, there IS an "ear" on the brake pedal which when your let off the brake pedal depresses the switch button and cuts the current. the problem IS the button on the switch IS around 1/16 in diameter, and for some strange reason KIA drilled a 1/4" hole on the "ear" of the brake pedal within 1/16 of an inch where the switch button contacts the ear, which allows only 1/16 of a inch of the ear to depress the pedal, which in this case with my car with 50 thousand miles, allowed the button of the stop light switch to enter the hole in the ear on the brake pedal and not depress the button on the switch, which then allowed the brake lights to constantly burn. I suspect that normal wear of the brake pedal bushing allowed this to happen, the strange thing IS there IS no reason for hole to be in the contact area where the ear and the switch button meet. and with only a minor amount of the switch button making contact and the rest over the hole in the brake pedal "ear" it IS not surprising that this would be the result. I have a manual transmission, and noticed the switch for the clutch pedal which requires the clutch be depressed in order to start the engine, it was set up with a hole very close to where the switch button makes contact. the above happened while was driving in heavy traffic on a highway on the way home from work.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA rio. The contact stated that the air bag indicator was illuminated. Additionally, while driving 20 mph, an unknown nissan vehicle crashed into the passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The driver was not injured. The passenger…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA rio. The contact stated that the air bag indicator was illuminated. Additionally, while driving 20 mph, an unknown nissan vehicle crashed into the passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The driver was not injured. The passenger sustained injuries to the rotator cuff and was provided medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the frame needed to be repaired. the vehicle was repaired. Months later, the vehicle was taken to a local dealer (southwest KIA located at 39650 lyndon b johnson fwy dallas, tx 75237 877-363-9542), but was not diagnosed due to diagnostic fees. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,486.
- Air bags
The passenger air bag sensor went out at 170000 miles and they replaced it free. Now the same sensor went out at 70000 miles and the car IS out of warranty and they won't replace it for free. The same sensor shouldn't go out twice in 10 years. There IS a problem with the sensors. None of the air…
The passenger air bag sensor went out at 170000 miles and they replaced it free. Now the same sensor went out at 70000 miles and the car IS out of warranty and they won't replace it for free. The same sensor shouldn't go out twice in 10 years. There IS a problem with the sensors. None of the air bags work if one sensor if broken. The repairs would be about $2000 and we don't feel we should have to pay if KIA has a safety issue.
- Air bags
I have a 2006 KIA rio . the occupant airbag light IS on again. this was fix long time ago. this needs to be repaired again . does KIA still honor there federal regulations and fix my car? [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA rio. The contact stated that after the vehicle was started, the passenger side air bag off warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 12v244000 (air bags). The failure mileage was 140,000.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA rio. After the vehicle was started, the passenger side air bag warning light illuminated. The failure occurred after the vehicle was serviced under nhtsa campaign number: 12v244000 (air bags). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
- Air bags
KIA sent me a recall notice for the passenger seat sensor to the srs air bag system. I brought the car to the dealer, and they performed the recall work, but the "air bag" lamp continued to illuminate. on further inspection they told me the air bag module was defective and estimated replacement…
KIA sent me a recall notice for the passenger seat sensor to the srs air bag system. I brought the car to the dealer, and they performed the recall work, but the "air bag" lamp continued to illuminate. on further inspection they told me the air bag module was defective and estimated replacement at $800 with labor. the module was not covered by the recall, nor by the extended bumper to bumper warranty I purchased from the dealer at the time the car was purchased. this IS a critical safety component and numerous other complaints have been filed with nhtsa. a recall should be issued and affected vehicles should be repaired at no cost to owners. *tr
- Air bags
I have only had this problem with my car after the airbag was repaired after the recall in 2012. The passenger airbag light stays on even when someone IS sitting in the seat. My boyfriend and I are the only ones that ever sit on the passenger side and both weigh more then the necessary weight. The…
I have only had this problem with my car after the airbag was repaired after the recall in 2012. The passenger airbag light stays on even when someone IS sitting in the seat. My boyfriend and I are the only ones that ever sit on the passenger side and both weigh more then the necessary weight. The car was taken in twice because the first time I took the car in they could not replicate the problem. The next day the airbags malfunctioned again. I took the car back in the following week and this time they kept it for the week and were able to get the light to stay on. They now claim that they need to replace the bottom half of the seat and it will cost almost $800. I feel that another recall IS needed. *tr
- Air bags
Nothing has happened yet but my airbag light IS on. garage says it's a dealer issue, however I am unable to pay for it nor should i. *tr
- Steering
When I make a right turn the bell ring and it stay on I am not sure if it IS in the door the right turn or steer wheel column. *tr
- Air bags
I was driving down the road in my 2006 KIA rio. ( never been in any auto accident or had front end damage) when my airbag light came on and stayed on.as to this complaint. KIA stated it IS approximately $ 400.00 to $ 800.00 dollars out of consumers pockets to fix. I feel KIA corp. Should cover…
I was driving down the road in my 2006 KIA rio. ( never been in any auto accident or had front end damage) when my airbag light came on and stayed on.as to this complaint. KIA stated it IS approximately $ 400.00 to $ 800.00 dollars out of consumers pockets to fix. I feel KIA corp. Should cover this part since its a safety issue. Or airbags will not deploy and there IS another case like gm . Let's get on this major issue and recall all KIA s.[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags
My airbag light came on for no reason. Did not have any sort of accident. Had it looked at by mechanic. Mechanic stated the crash sensor wad bad. KIA part only. Called KIA they said it would cost around $487.00to replace it. As a safety feature , they should replace it free. Now my airbags won't…
My airbag light came on for no reason. Did not have any sort of accident. Had it looked at by mechanic. Mechanic stated the crash sensor wad bad. KIA part only. Called KIA they said it would cost around $487.00to replace it. As a safety feature , they should replace it free. Now my airbags won't deploy in an accident. I'll never buy a KIA again. They need to fix the crappy safety parts they use for free. As a paramedic, airbags save lives. They need to fix this issue free. I have found numerous complaints about this same issue online. *tr
- Air bags · Structure › Body
I was driving approximately 60 mph and another vehicle merged into my lane. I was unable to avoid the vehicle but turned to the right and hit their rear end with my front passenger side. I was wearing my seatbelt but my face hit the steering wheel and my knee jammed under the wheel. The impact…
I was driving approximately 60 mph and another vehicle merged into my lane. I was unable to avoid the vehicle but turned to the right and hit their rear end with my front passenger side. I was wearing my seatbelt but my face hit the steering wheel and my knee jammed under the wheel. The impact knocked my car into neutral but no air bags deployed. The emts who responded to the accident were very surprised the air bags did not deploy and said they thought they should have. The car was bought new from the dealership in 2007 and had never been wrecked, so I don't see any reason why the air bags should have been defective. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA rio. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who stated that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 94,304.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA rio. The contact stated that while driving at 15 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. A local mechanic inspected the vehicle and stated that the engine belt tensioner bent and caused the belt to separate from the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 65,000.
- Air bags
To whom it may concern, I have a 2006 KIA rio LX and at about 60,000 miles the passenger side airbag light came on. My concern IS that the airbag will not deploy if there IS an accident. My father also has the exact same car and it had the same issue. After reviewing consumer reports on the…
To whom it may concern, I have a 2006 KIA rio LX and at about 60,000 miles the passenger side airbag light came on. My concern IS that the airbag will not deploy if there IS an accident. My father also has the exact same car and it had the same issue. After reviewing consumer reports on the vehicle, I noticed that it IS a common issue and it IS definitely something that should be recalled. I noticed there was a recall for the KIA optima airbags for that year but not for the rio LX. Please look into this issue and get back to me. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11000787This 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.
- 10226555TECHNICAL 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.
- 10201529TECHNICAL 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 NOT be necessary in most cases.
- 10183431TSB - 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 system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
- 10174520TECHNICAL 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.
- 10133170PITSTOP - 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.
- 10109812TSB: 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.
- 10109777TSB: 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.?
- 10091489Tsb: 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.
- 10090713Tsb: 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.
- 10089668Questions and answers for voluntary service campaign sc122 underbody additional anti-corrosion treatment
- 10089664Owner 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.
- 10089662Dealer 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 have substantially raised their use of road salt in recent years and are also part of this service campaign: ks, ky, ne, nd, sd, ut, and ak.
- 10089642Dealer 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, wv ks, ky, ne, nd, sd, ut, and ak. KIA believes that such additional protection can be helpful, especially in very high mileage situations. Please remind all customers of the instructions in their owners manual, as shown below, to regularly have the underbody of their vehicles washed when road salt IS being used in their area."
- 10058518KIA: 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.
- 10055390KIA: information provided regarding the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illumination with electronic control module (ecm) system upgraded software. Model 2006-2011 rio.
- 10032713KIA: 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. Updated 10/29/10.
- 10026726KIA: 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.
- 10023402RIO5 (jb) left rear seatback can not be raised from the folded position.
- 10022184Powertrain control module (pcm) reprogram - rough idle during initial cold start/dtc p0300.
- 10021663Air bag light illuminated, with dtc's b1362 or b1368.
- 10021561Automatic transmission adaptive value reset/relearn.
- 10018512Air bag connector lock tab/shorting bars.
- 10016745Special service tool sst update. KIA technician times. Volume 8, issue 4.
Every KIA Rio model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.