2007 KIA Rio
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2007 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 2007 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
46 complaints11 involved a crash1 involved a fire6 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
the engine has very bad Loss of oil pressure it consumption of a lot oil the engine knock very bad that engine has decreased its power the engine oil light always on so I stop driving the car and car blows white smoke from the engine my mechanic told he did not want to work on the car because…
the engine has very bad Loss of oil pressure it consumption of a lot oil the engine knock very bad that engine has decreased its power the engine oil light always on so I stop driving the car and car blows white smoke from the engine my mechanic told he did not want to work on the car because of the engine but I can get a invoice he quoted me 3,000 dollars for a new engine i have not even had this car for long could not even drive it around or get my child to school
- Air bags
The contact owns a 2007 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the occupant classification system (OCS) seat sensor needed to be replaced. The…
The contact owns a 2007 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the occupant classification system (OCS) seat sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V244000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 260,000.
- Tires
TL* the contact owns 2007 KIA rio equipped with bf goodrich tires, tire line: g-force sport, tire size: 195/55/r15, dot number: beln3p1107-15. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger's side front tires sounded like they were flat while driving. The contact inspected the tires and found…
TL* the contact owns 2007 KIA rio equipped with bf goodrich tires, tire line: g-force sport, tire size: 195/55/r15, dot number: beln3p1107-15. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger's side front tires sounded like they were flat while driving. The contact inspected the tires and found the tread and steel wires were separated from the sidewall of the tires. The contact stated that the tires were six years old. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 102,668.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
I driving up to wisconsin dells from illinois and the vit woulnt go over twenty miles per hr I hate this vehicle and a tune up was done before I left I have a 2007 KIA rio and vehicle just died and then started and had no power I had to have it towed back to illinois which cost me 300 dollars has anyone else had this problem only has 95.600 miles was
- Air bags · Seats
2007 KIA rio has an airbag light on all the time, with a code specifying the passenger seat mat sensor. When clearing the code for the airbag, the code IS rethrown after about 10 seconds. Nhtsa recall #12v244000 applied to certain models of the 2005-2007 model era, but didn't include all of them…
2007 KIA rio has an airbag light on all the time, with a code specifying the passenger seat mat sensor. When clearing the code for the airbag, the code IS rethrown after about 10 seconds. Nhtsa recall #12v244000 applied to certain models of the 2005-2007 model era, but didn't include all of them, as the vehicle has no open seat mat recall and none had been repaired in the past. Evidently the issue IS more widespread than the initial recall. The light stays on all the time.
- Air bags
I just recent had the battery put in my car. An now the air bag light stays on for the driver on that dash board. An don't know why it's on. The car has been driven in the past few months. So we are scared to be out on the road an it doesn't protect us if we get into an accident an someone gets killed.
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
TL* the contact owns a 2007 KIA rio. The contact stated that the instrument panel failed to function properly. Rally KIA (438 auto vista dr, palmdale, ca 93551, (818) 492-3800) was unable to provide a solution to repair the vehicle. The second dealer (galpin KIA, 8425 sepulveda blvd, north hills…
TL* the contact owns a 2007 KIA rio. The contact stated that the instrument panel failed to function properly. Rally KIA (438 auto vista dr, palmdale, ca 93551, (818) 492-3800) was unable to provide a solution to repair the vehicle. The second dealer (galpin KIA, 8425 sepulveda blvd, north hills, ca 91343) provided a specific diagnosis with instructions that the contact followed for more than a year, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that they would provide a follow-up response to determine a solution. The contact was waiting for a permanent remedy to repair the vehicle. The vin and failure mileage were not available. *Tt *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2007 KIA rio. While the contact's daughter was driving at an unknown speed, she attempted to apply the brakes, but applied the accelerator pedal by mistake. As a result, the contact's daughter crashed into the preceding vehicle. All the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle…
TL* the contact owned a 2007 KIA rio. While the contact's daughter was driving at an unknown speed, she attempted to apply the brakes, but applied the accelerator pedal by mistake. As a result, the contact's daughter crashed into the preceding vehicle. All the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The contact's daughter sustained a neck and back injury that did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
Electrical issues, constantly broken air conditioner, engine problems, spark plug issues, coil issues, 3 batteries in 2 years, loss of power in the middle of the freeway.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2007 KIA rio. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 mph, he fell asleep and the vehicle flipped over three times. None of the frontal air bags deployed. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed by the police…
TL* the contact owned a 2007 KIA rio. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 mph, he fell asleep and the vehicle flipped over three times. None of the frontal air bags deployed. A police report was filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was towed by the police department. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000. updated 05/11/16*lj *tr
- Service brakes · Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2007 KIA rio. The contact stated that the brake pedal was hard when applied and hesitated to respond. The contact also noticed that the vehicle had a drastic reduction in speed. The vehicle was not included in a manufacturers recall related to the failure. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2007 KIA rio. The contact stated that the brake pedal was hard when applied and hesitated to respond. The contact also noticed that the vehicle had a drastic reduction in speed. The vehicle was not included in a manufacturers recall related to the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed at an unknown location where it was diagnosed that the brake system had extensive rust and corrosion. The vehicle was not safe to drive and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was taken to two different repair facility's for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was not available.
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 KIA rio. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the airbag warning light illuminated indicating that the airbag was not activated. the failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 KIA rio. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the airbag warning light illuminated indicating that the airbag was not activated. the failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the coupling was loose. the vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Seats
The 'airbag' dash light illuminates and the dealership has determined the cause of the failure IS the sensor assembly located in the front passenger's seat cushion. this problem was addressed by a 'voluntary safety recall campaign' conducted by KIA affecting "2006-2008 my rio occupant…
The 'airbag' dash light illuminates and the dealership has determined the cause of the failure IS the sensor assembly located in the front passenger's seat cushion. this problem was addressed by a 'voluntary safety recall campaign' conducted by KIA affecting "2006-2008 my rio occupant classification system mat" but according to the local dealership my KIA rio manufactured in april 2007 was not included in this recall even though the problem/diagnosis/fix IS identical. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA rio. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the passenger front occupant sensor mat had failed. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2006 KIA rio. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the passenger front occupant sensor mat had failed. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number 12v244000 (air bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 23,400. updated 7/8/14*cn updated 07/14/2014 *js
- Service brakes
Brake lights do not come on when applying brakes. This IS an intermittent problem. also there IS intermittent problems of the gear shift to lock up and not be moved out of neutral. there were recall on other KIA makes of the same year but the did not include the rio, however I am having the same exact problem described in the KIA recall. *tr
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2007 KIA rio. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph and depressing the brakes, the brakes abnormally traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed a diagnostic test but could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken…
TL* the contact owns a 2007 KIA rio. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph and depressing the brakes, the brakes abnormally traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who performed a diagnostic test but could not determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice for the failure but was not repaired. Later, the contact was attempting to apply the brakes but the vehicle would not stop, causing her to drive over a grassy area and crash into the playground equipment. The contact was not injured. the front driver's side of the fender was damaged. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was left for over eleven days but the dealer was unable to determine the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 67,000.
- Air bags
My vehicle's air bag sensor has been on and the KIA manufacturer claims it not to be a recall since my warranty has expired this past november 2012. now my car temperature gauge goes from cold -0- to half on the gauge. It starts to shake and shuts down in the middle of me driving. Almost caused…
My vehicle's air bag sensor has been on and the KIA manufacturer claims it not to be a recall since my warranty has expired this past november 2012. now my car temperature gauge goes from cold -0- to half on the gauge. It starts to shake and shuts down in the middle of me driving. Almost caused me to have 2 accidents. I had it taken to take it to get a diagnostic test and this was in part of a recall that the manufacturer claims IS not their problem. *tr
- Power train
As I was backing out of my driveway, 6 months after I purchased my brand new 2007 KIA rio, I heard a loud noise and felt my car lurch simultaneously, as if I had been hit by a car. When I tried to resume backing up my car had popped out of reverse. Although it doesn't happen frequently, it does…
As I was backing out of my driveway, 6 months after I purchased my brand new 2007 KIA rio, I heard a loud noise and felt my car lurch simultaneously, as if I had been hit by a car. When I tried to resume backing up my car had popped out of reverse. Although it doesn't happen frequently, it does happen I have had people in the car when it happens. When I took it to the dealership, I was told they "couldn't duplicate it". *tr
- Air bags · Service brakes, hydraulic
Truck stopped at stop sign raining at the time 1304 pm got on brakes to slow down and stop and rain wet roads made the car slide into the trailer hitch of the tall 4X4 truck air bags did not go off on the rio car hit center on the front bumper over $3,000.00 in damage to car done to truck and no bags set off seems like a big things if the bags did not get set off. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch · Service brakes, hydraulic
TL* the contact owns a 2007 KIA rio. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and another driver alerted that the exterior brakes lights were inoperative. The contact sprayed a lubricant onto the brake lamp switch. Three years later the failure…
TL* the contact owns a 2007 KIA rio. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and another driver alerted that the exterior brakes lights were inoperative. The contact sprayed a lubricant onto the brake lamp switch. Three years later the failure recurred. The vehicle had not been repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. There was a recall issued for other 2007 KIA model vehicles under nhtsa campaign ID number 09v130000 (component: exterior lighting: brake lights: switch). The approximate failure mileage was 15,000...updated 01/04/13 *bf
- Electrical system · Visibility/wiper
No heat or air, at first I could bump the dash and it would come on, but now nothing. Purchased a new blower motor but still doesn't work. So has to be bad wires,because nothing has power to it. I have no way to defrost/unfog windshield and had to stop in the middle of the road because I could not see anything. *tr
- Air bags · Seats
Just after the warranty expired at 61, 230 miles we had to replace the front passenger side seat cushion because the air bag light came on and KIA would not cover it under their recall. Kia's safety recall campaign number IS sc097. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 2007 KIA rio. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. She received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign ID number: 12v244000 (air bags:frontal:sensor/control module). The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired; however, the…
TL* the contact owns a 2007 KIA rio. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. She received a recall notice for nhtsa campaign ID number: 12v244000 (air bags:frontal:sensor/control module). The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired; however, the failure recurred. The dealer stated she had to pay for a diagnostic test in order to see why the light remained illuminated on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
- Air bags
The dashboard airbag light came on approximately 1 year ago, and when I contacted the KIA dealership where I purchased the vehicle they advised me that they would have to charge me to search for the cause of the problem...i heard of a recall on the KIA rio airbags on nhtsa and I called KIA to ask…
The dashboard airbag light came on approximately 1 year ago, and when I contacted the KIA dealership where I purchased the vehicle they advised me that they would have to charge me to search for the cause of the problem...i heard of a recall on the KIA rio airbags on nhtsa and I called KIA to ask to bring my vehicle in so the problem could be fixed and the service department told me that they are unaware of any such problems with that vehicle and would not allow me to bring the vehicle in unless I paid to have it looked at!!! *js
- Tires
I purchased tires from manteca tires in may of 2010. The tires were yokohama prada tires for a total of 359.80. I had the tires balanced, aligned and rotated at regular intervals. the tires from day one were making extreme noise and I had notified manteca tires that the tires were causing noise.…
I purchased tires from manteca tires in may of 2010. The tires were yokohama prada tires for a total of 359.80. I had the tires balanced, aligned and rotated at regular intervals. the tires from day one were making extreme noise and I had notified manteca tires that the tires were causing noise. They suggested to rotate them and use them for a while to see if the tires continued to make noise. I did so and then also took them in later to be rotated again and had them check the noise. They stated that I should let some more time go on them and continue to drive to see if again the noise would go away. It did not and the noise was getting worse. I did not feel that these were safe. They said I should contact yokohama, which I did. they told me to take it to a local tire company and get it checked out. Yokohama was claiming that the tires are not covered under warranty because they stated there was some cupping. I told them how can that be, when I never had this road noise with my last tires and I had these tires rotated, aligned and balanced. They said they would offer a 25 % discount on new tires. That IS not honoring a warranty. A little over a year later, a person should not have to replace tires. Manteca tires then when on to fax them paperwork and talk to them, which it took yokohama three days to get back with them and then they only offered a 40% discount on new tires. If I have balanced my tires, rotated them and done everything I should as a car owner and those tires are still making noise, then it IS clearly the fault of the tires. What would make me buy yokohama tires again, even at a discount, when they do not honor the warranty they offered in the first place. These are obviously faulty tires and I am not the first one to complain of the extreme road noise from these tires. If you research on the internet, there are several other consumers that have experienced the same with yokohama tires. They too, have complained of yokohama not honoring warranties. *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.
- 10030290KIA: load carrying capacity label requirements and instructions to comply with fmvss 110. Providing information for the new requirements related to load carrying capacity (lcc) when certain accessories are added to a completed vehicle pri0r to first retail sale.
- 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.
- 10021561Automatic transmission adaptive value reset/relearn.
Every KIA Rio model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.