NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD
2021 Kia Rio Safety Record
The 2021 Kia Rio has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its federal safety record shows 2 recalls and 15 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
CRASH
DATANot crash-tested
The 2021 Kia Rio has not undergone federal crash testing; consequently, NHTSA has published no star ratings for this model year. This absence of data means the vehicle carries no Safety Index score from our publication. Its record does show a light burden of post-sale issues. NHTSA has logged two recall campaigns for the 2021 Rio, addressing steering and braking components. Furthermore, owners have filed 15 complaints with the agency. Without crash-test results, no federal assessment of its crashworthiness is available.
The 2021 Kia Rio was not crash-tested by NHTSA, carries two federal recall campaigns, and falls within a Light recall and complaint burden band, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA crash test | Not crash-tested |
|---|---|
| Recall and complaint burden | Light |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 15 (unverified allegations) |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Kia Rio?
The 2021 Kia Rio presents an unusual case in federal safety assessment, as NHTSA produced no crash-test data for this model year. This absence means a comprehensive crash-safety rating is unavailable. Consequently, our safety evaluation relies solely on the vehicle's recall and complaint history. Two recalls were issued for the 2021 Rio. Both address critical vehicle control systems: steering column fastening and brake master cylinder manufacturing. These are not minor issues; they directly affect the driver's ability to steer and stop the vehicle. The Rio accumulated 15 owner complaints, placing it in the Light burden band. While this volume is modest, the nature of these complaints aligns directly with the recall subjects. Steering and Service Brakes are the top complaint categories, mirroring the identified recall issues. This correlation between recalls and owner-reported problems warrants careful consideration from prospective buyers. Without crash-test results for this specific model year or comparable data from other Rio model years in our guide, assessing its crashworthiness remains impossible on the published federal record.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Kia Rio have any recalls?
The 2021 Kia Rio is covered by two federal recall campaigns. The first addresses the steering column: a bolt may not be properly secured, which is a direct steering-control concern. The second addresses the brake master cylinder, which may have been manufactured with sharp edges that could affect braking performance. Neither recall carries an explicit park-outside or do-not-drive advisory in the data provided, but owners should verify current remedy status by VIN at nhtsa.gov.
STEERING:COLUMN22V304000
Risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-05-05
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER21V936000
Risk: Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC223.
Reported 2021-12-01
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Kia Rio?
NHTSA records 15 unverified owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Kia Rio. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other components (6 reports), Steering (4 reports), and Service Brakes (3 reports), followed by Power Train, Engine, and Electrical System. Two complaints involve crash events. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established findings.
15 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Kia Rio?
For the 2021 Kia Rio, the steering column and brake master cylinder recalls warrant attention. Any prospective buyer should verify, using the vehicle's VIN on nhtsa.gov, that the necessary remedies have been performed. Unresolved recalls indicate critical safety components remain unaddressed.
- NHTSA has not crash-tested the 2021 Kia Rio, so no federal star ratings or Safety Index score exists for this specific model year.
- Two recall campaigns affect this model year: one for a potentially unsecured steering column bolt and one for a brake master cylinder that may have been manufactured with sharp edges, both of which are primary vehicle-control systems.
- Of the 15 unverified consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year, Steering and Service Brakes are the second and third most reported categories, which mirrors the subjects of the two active recalls.
- Shoppers and current owners should verify open-recall status for their individual 2021 Kia Rio by VIN at nhtsa.gov, since recall completion varies by vehicle and is not automatic.
FAQ2021 Kia Rio safety questions
Was the 2021 Kia Rio crash-tested by NHTSA?
No. NHTSA has not run a New Car Assessment Program crash test on this configuration, so it carries no Safety Index. Its safety record here is built from 2 recalls and 15 owner complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Rio have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Kia Rio. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Kia Rio?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 15 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Kia Rio. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Rio 2021.
- SCORE This configuration was not crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. We report its recall and complaint record only.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.