CarComplaints.com Notes: The only reason we don't give the 2011 Kia Rio our top award is because of mediocre crash test ratings.

3.7

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
33,920 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Kia Rio electrical problems

electrical problem

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2011 Kia Rio Owner Comments

problem #4

Apr 012019

Rio

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The engine and all electrical shuts down without warning. This happened three times in heavy traffic and nearly caused an accident. The engine stops running and the electrical components turn off which shuts down power steering and power brakes. Each time this has happened the electrical is disabled and the car is completely dead with zero response when the ignition key is turned; no dash lights, no starter, no power. After the first incident the plugs and coil packs were changed out. After the second incident the fuse block was changed out which was said to have been overheating. After the third incident the car was parked and has not been driven since. After the "dead" car is towed and it sits for a couple of hours it will start again and run for indeterminable amount of time before shutting down.

- Snellville, GA, USA

problem #3

Aug 072015

Rio

  • 70,000 miles
Everything seemed okay while driving then suddenly car began to shake, sputter, and did not want to accelerate. Loses power sometimes when stopped. Check engine light flashed then stayed on. Car unsafe and unable to be driven. After 4 weeks, 2 tune ups including new plugs, coil packs checked although two were recently replaced, fuel injetors checked, fuel system flushed, and throttle body cleaned. When checked diagnostic code keeps reading random misfire. Car has been at the shop (not dealership) for 2 days when they finally figured out the problem and its relating to the technical service bulletin affecting the electrical system. This shop has done all the work and feels that since Kia is aware of the tsb they should fix the problem. However the Kia dealership that I purchased the car from states they need to look at it and if its electrical its $100 an hour. Very frustating because of all the money I have put in this car since I drove it off the lot 1 year ago. Called Kia's 800 customer service number and they also state that I need to have it checked out by Kia despite knowing the issue. Car will be towed back to my home for now.

- Bartlett, TN, USA

problem #2

Feb 112014

Rio 4-cyl

  • 62,000 miles
Ignition switch locked up and wouldn't let the key out. Had six mechanics try to get the key unstuck and a Kia personal(over the phone), with no success. Had to tow my car 20 miles paid $165 to tow it, then Kia service center charged me another $430 to fix the problem. Got the car back with an extra set of keys. One set to open the doors and one set to start the car. Guess what else...now the car ignition dings like the keys are still in it even when no keys are in ignition and because of that I can't lock my car! unless however I act like that fonzfrom happy days and give the steering wheel a little tap then magically the dinging stops and I'm able to lock my car. I told a Kia dealer from the same office where my car was serviced why my car had two sets of keys and he chuckled and ask who did that? when I said his dealership service center he just gave me a sad face and excused himself. The car is only 3 years old and this is not my only complaint.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

problem #1

Sep 012011

Rio 4-cyl

  • 3,679 miles
First the car was pulling to the driver side went to the local Firestone shop and they told me the air was too low. It was only 25psi they fixed all my tyres and checked all the tire pressure then the car started pulling on the passenger's side suddenly. Started getting jerks on the steering wheel. Went to the dealer and told the alignment was off. This was a brand new Kia Rio 2011 not even 6 months old. Also the didn't show me any indication that my drivers side front wheel has less air. The tire was at 25psi and it didn't show me any indication on my speed odometer nor the TPMS light turned one nor the low pressure light cam up.

- Skokie, IL, USA

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