2019 Kia Rio problems and complaints
Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Kia Rio. The most-reported areas: Unknown Or Other (8), Engine (6), Air Bags (3).
Key takeaways
- 22 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 4 involve a crash, 1 a fire, 4 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 8 | 36% |
| Engine | 6 | 27% |
| Air Bags | 3 | 14% |
| Power Train | 2 | 9% |
| Steering | 2 | 9% |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 5% |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 5% |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 5% |
| Structure | 1 | 5% |
| Other/I Am Not Sure | 1 | 5% |
| Electrical System | 1 | 5% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 5% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Kia Rio 5 HB FWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
| 2019 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated | Not rated |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Exterior Lighting,lane Departure - filed 2026-10-08
The trunk latch is broken which is a known recall for KIA but not for my car model. There is no way to access the trunk otherwise. Now my tail light is out and cannot be fixed because I cannot access the trunk. There is NO OTHER WAY TO ACCESS THE TRUNK.
Unknown Or Other,back Over Prevention - filed 2026-06-14
There was no accident the radio/backup camera shuts down completely on the inside of the car when the car is too hot inside
Structure - filed 2026-04-21
2019 Kia Rio Hatchback trunk latch failure buzzing actuator but won't open emergency release does not work dealer says not covered under recall #21V622000 which covers the trunk for 4 door 2019 Kia Rio and this appears to be the same or similar issue with the trunk emergency release not opening creating a safety ri...
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More for the 2019 Kia Rio
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.