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2022 Kia Rio
Limited data: few reports on file, read the verdict loosely
Too few owner complaints are on file to affirm this car. Treat it as unproven, not endorsed, and lean hard on a professional pre-purchase inspection.
10 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 14, 2026 · source: NHTSA
What the record shows so far
Only 10 owner complaints on file for this exact model year, too few to judge long-term reliability. Treat this as unproven, not endorsed, and lean on a professional inspection.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
NHTSA crash-tested this model year but didn’t publish an overall star rating for it.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2022 Kia Rio, plotted where owners report it happening.
Latches & locks
20%2 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“A deer ran out in front of me. I hit it head on. My hood unlatched and flew up and the hinges cut into the very top of the fenders. I don’t think a hood is supposed to…”
Backup camera & sensors
10%1 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“The contact owns a 2022 Kia Rio. The contact stated that the rearview camera would intermittently turn on while driving at various speeds. The contact also stated that…”
Engine
10%1 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“When my car is running it makes a knocking noise from engine I have taken it th the dealer they heard it but said they can figure out where it's coming from. The engin…”
Brakes
10%1 complaints · 1 in the last 2 years
“When traveling 60 mph and slowing to try to stop, brake pedal went all the way to the floor and vehicle would not brake. Had to engage emergency brake to stop vehicle …”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Steering · 22V304000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
Risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2022 Kia RIO beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2022? See how every Rio model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2022 Kia Rio against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.