Used Kia Rio Hatchback 2011 - 2017 reliability

Category: Small car

The Kia Rio helped to shrug off the company’s dowdy image with its stylish looks and low running costs.

Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
  • Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)
Used Kia Rio Hatchback 2011 - 2017 review
Star rating

What should I look for in a used Kia Rio hatchback?

As the Kia Rio is primarily used in towns and cities, you should be checking the bodywork carefully for parking damage and scrapes to the alloy wheels.

Many first owners will have purchased a Rio for the excellent claimed economy, especially for the 1.1 diesel. However, because this engine is equipped with a diesel particulate filter it’s worth checking that it has been taken on occasional longer journeys for the filter to regenerate.

Kia Rio Hatchback (11 - 17)

What are the most common problems with a used Kia Rio hatchback?

Generally speaking, the Rio is liked by owners, but some have complained of annoying squeaks and rattles from the cockpit, mainly centred around the dashboard and A pillars, so make sure you road test the car over a variety of surfaces to check it isn’t affected.

Other than that, there are few common ailments that afflict the Rio, although some owners have experienced failures with the ESP stability system and the hill-hold function.

While the gearbox is praised for its ease of use, a few owners have reported that they find it awkward to engage reverse gear on occasion.

Is a used Kia Rio hatchback reliable?

Modern Kias are proving to be durable cars, and the Rio is no exception. It achieves a well above average score in the What Car? Reliability Index, as does Kia itself.