Most common 2014 Kia Rio problems
Share of the 52 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 →
2014 Kia Rio recalls (1)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2014 Kia Rio:
Engine Fires
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando.
What 2014 Kia Rio owners say
Engine & cooling all 24 →
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, she noticed a burning odor and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she made a U-turn and drove back to the residence. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,362. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal knocking noise would emit from the engine. The contact stated that she was uncertain if any warning lights had appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who informed her that there may be a recall on her vehicle. The contact then took the vehicle to a dealer where they informed her that she needed a new engine and diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Brakes
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Rio. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). After the recall remedy was completed, the dealer provided documentation indicating that engine rods #3 and #4 were failing and could soon cause the engine to explode if not immediately repaired. Approximately 2 weeks later while the daughter was driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle began to decelerate and emit smoke from underneath the hood. The driver was able to coast to the side of the road and safely exit the vehicle as it caught on fire. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled since the fire consumed it. A dealer was contacted. …
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after inflating the tires, the ABS warning light disappeared and then later reappeared. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the parts to complete the recall repair were unavailable. The contact was informed that there would be a service fee to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. …
Air bags
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Rio. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming approximately 1/2 to 1 quart of oil per day. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact the catalytic convertor was not operating as designed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Unresponsive braking and airbags have not deployed in two separate collisions where I ran into the back of another vehicle that was stopped on city streets where I was driving 25 MPH in the first collision and 35 MPH in the second.
2014 Kia Rio engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | FWD | 27 / 36 / 31 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | FWD | 27 / 36 / 30 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2014 Kia Rio a good car?
Based on 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2014 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 2014 Kia Rio?
The engine & cooling — 24 complaints, 46% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (10) and air bags (7).
How many recalls does the 2014 Kia Rio have?
There is 1 recall for the 2014 Kia Rio, the most recent from September 25, 2023 (control unit/module). 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 2014 Kia Rio problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 33,000 miles; 55% 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.