Most common 2007 Kia Rio problems
Share of the 46 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Rio complaints by model year
Best Rio years: 2011, 2022, 2010. Years to avoid: 2013, 2016, 2001, 2002, 2003. Compare all years →
2007 Kia Rio recalls (1)
Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive
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.
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.
What 2007 Kia Rio owners say
Air bags all 21 →
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.
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
Electrical system
Tl contact owns a 2007 Kia Rio. While driving 40 MPH, the check engine light began blinking. The following day, the check engine light illuminated permanently. The vehicle began to hesitate intermittently and began to have a chemical burn smell 30 days later. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that there was a computer glitch, but found nothing wrong with the vehicle. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 1,900 and failure mileage was 80. Returned usps, 2nd attempt made 06/08/07 failed .
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
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 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.
Tl contact owns a 2007 Kia Rio. While driving 50 MPH, the contact applied the brakes many times, but the vehicle would not stop. Finally, the brakes locked up and the contact rear ended the preceding vehicle. The front end of his vehicle sustained over $5,000 in damages. None of the air bags deployed and the front passenger seat belt did not work. The front passenger was injured. A police report was filed. The contact has pictures available. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 13,000.
2007 Kia Rio engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 25 / 35 / 29 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 27 / 32 / 29 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2007 Kia Rio a good car?
Based on 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2007 Rio rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Rio at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2007 Kia Rio?
The air bags — 21 complaints, 46% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal. Next are the electrical system (8) and brakes (8).
How many recalls does the 2007 Kia Rio have?
There is 1 recall for the 2007 Kia Rio, the most recent from May 31, 2012 (sensor/control module-inactive). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Rio?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2022 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2016, 2001, 2002 and 2003. See the full Kia Rio years comparison.
At what mileage do 2007 Kia Rio problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 44% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.