2007 Kia Rio Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Kia Rio has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake light and stoplamp switch failure.” Kia uses Hyundai Motor Group's powertrains, so service intervals mirror Hyundai's. Kia Promise covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Kia owners with the Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Optima, Sorento, Sportage 2011-2019) should adhere strictly to oil intervals due to known oil-consumption issues in Kia TSBs.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Kia Rio.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake light and stoplamp switch failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2010-09 → 2013-06

“BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH STOPPED WORKING ON 2007 KIA RIO5. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10411611
“I WAS DRIVING MY 2007 KIA RIO TODAY AND SOMEONE TOLD ME MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. I REPLACED ALL THE FUSES ONLY TO FIND OUT THE STOPLAMP SWITCH IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I COULD OF BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10356209
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND ANOTHER DRIVER ALERTED THAT THE EXTERIOR BRAKES LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE CONTACT SPRAYED A LUBRICANT ONTO THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH. THREE YEARS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10486345

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door latch and lock mechanism failure

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2009-10 → 2010-01

“MY REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, EVEN WITH FORCE. I NOTICED THIS ABOUT A MONTH AGO WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO OPEN IT TO PUT IN PACKAGES. PRIOR TO THAT I DO NOT KNOW HOW LONG THE PROBLEM OF THE STUCK DOOR EXISTED SINCE I AM A SINGLE PERSON AND RARELY USE IT. I BROUGHT IT TO PHIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10297822
“LEFT FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR INSIDE LATCH RELEASE HANDLE SUDDENLY FAILED TO RELEASE THE DOOR LATCH, THE DOOR WAS UNLOCKED AT THE TIME. THIS OCCURRED AT 0445 HOURS ON 30 OCT 2009 WITH APPROXIMATELY 62,200 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. A NEW PART HAS BEEN ORDERED FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10290465

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission gear-shift malfunction

POWER TRAIN

2 NHTSA complaints · 2007-10 → 2012-12

“AS I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, 6 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY BRAND NEW 2007 KIA RIO, I HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND FELT MY CAR LURCH SIMULTANEOUSLY, AS IF I HAD BEEN HIT BY A CAR. WHEN I TRIED TO RESUME BACKING UP MY CAR HAD POPPED OUT OF REVERSE. ALTHOUGH IT DOESN'T HAPPEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10487506
“DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 75 AT 70 MPH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY DOWNSHIFTED FROM OVERDRIVE INTO 3RD GEAR. THE SUDDEN SURGE ALMOST SENT ME INTO THE MEDIAN. THIS HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE SPEED SENSOR UNIT TWICE AND PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10206032

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2008-10 → 2018-01

“MY MOM WAS KILLED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON 8/24/09 IN A 2007 KIA RIO. SHE WAS HIT BROADSIDE FROM A GMC YUKON AND THE SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. SHE DIED FROM INJURIES FROM THE NECK, SHE HAD NO INJURIES FROM THE SHOULDERS DOWN!!! *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10288617
“ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 10, 2009 I WAS IN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT. THE FRONT END OF MY 2007 KIA RIO SX WAS HIT. MY CAR WAS EQUIPPED WITH 3 AIR BAGS. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10273616
“ON OCTOBER 8, 2008. I WAS INVOLVED IN A MAJOR FOUR CAR ACCIDENT. HOWEVER, MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED IN MY VEHICLE. MY CAR WILL NOT BE REPAIRABLE IT WILL BE A TOTAL LOSS VEHICLE. IT WAS A 2007 KIA RIO, AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10245113

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light from occupant classification sensor

AIR BAGS

11 NHTSA complaints · 2009-08 → 2023-05

“AIR BAG LIGHT DOES NOT GO OUT ALL THE TIME WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE PASSERGER SEAT. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10280770
“JUST AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 61, 230 MILES WE HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT CUSHION BECAUSE THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND KIA WOULD NOT COVER IT UNDER THEIR RECALL. KIA'S SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS SC097. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10483318
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V244000 (AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10475710

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake failure while driving

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2007-12 → 2015-10

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD WHEN APPLIED AND HESITATED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURERS RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10779802
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10490192
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 50-55 MPH DOWNHILL, THE BRAKES AND STEERING WHEEL FAILED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 45-47 MPH WHEN THE PAVEMENT IS WET OR DURING A SUDDEN STOP, THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10211578

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and loss of power while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2007-10 → 2020-02

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11308013
“ELECTRICAL ISSUES, CONSTANTLY BROKEN AIR CONDITIONER, ENGINE PROBLEMS, SPARK PLUG ISSUES, COIL ISSUES, 3 BATTERIES IN 2 YEARS, LOSS OF POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10992172
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS THEN RETRIEVED BY KIA. AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2007, THE CAUSE OF FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10204570

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L on Optima, Sorento, Sportage (2011-2019): full synthetic only, never extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Telluride and Sorento AWD owners benefit from rotation every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads and rotors every 7,500 miles. Forte and Soul front pads typically last 40,000-55,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required for ABS and ESC pump longevity.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Kia SP-IV — same as Hyundai.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped plugs rated 105,000 miles on most Kia engines. 1.6T (Forte GT, Soul Turbo): 60,000 miles. 3.5L Lambda II V6 (Telluride, Sorento): 105,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Kia Long-Life Coolant (pink, same as Hyundai): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Optima, Forte, and Sportage; behind the dashboard panel on Telluride.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

65 crashes 1990–2024

How the 65 occupant deaths break down

49

driver deaths

16

passenger deaths

65

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

11

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Kia Rio reflects Kia's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.