The vehicle dossier US · 2006

2006 Kia
RIOProblems & recalls

74 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Air bags appears in 50 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 74 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Air bags50 reports
Other components11 reports
Engine8 reports
Steering4 reports
Brakes3 reports
Fuel system3 reports
Electrical system3 reports
Body & structure3 reports
Transmission & drivetrain2 reports
Suspension1 reports
See original component labels
AIR BAGS38
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL7
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
STEERING4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM3
STRUCTURE:BODY3
ENGINE2
TIRES1
SEATS1
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:DRUM1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM1
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
EQUIPMENT1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
SERVICE BRAKES1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: May 25, 2026
Mileage, where supplied

64,000 miles is the median among 55 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 36,000–89,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

1 recall campaign on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

May 31, 2012 Safety recallAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVECampaign 12V244000

Reported concern

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. IF SUFFICIENT CRACKING OCCURS, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) WILL CEASE TO FUNCTION SUCH THAT THE SYSTEM WILL NOT BE ABLE TO DETECT WHETHER A CHILD PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT AND THE AIRBAG WILL DEPLOY DURING A CRASH NECESSITATING DEPLOYMENT.

Manufacturer’s stated response

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.

Manufacturer campaign: SC097

Read campaign 12V244000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

26 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Apr 17, 2025 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_TRA046_R5TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bu…NHTSA ID 11017172

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11017172 at NHTSA
May 16, 2024 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_TRA046_R4This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.NHTSA ID 11000787

This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 11000787 at NHTSA
Nov 18, 2022 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_TRA046_R3TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY wh…NHTSA ID 10226555

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10226555 at NHTSA
Sep 13, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_BOD055_R1TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin…NHTSA ID 10201529

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10201529 at NHTSA
Apr 24, 2020 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_TRA046_R1TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill …NHTSA ID 10174520

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles on page 2. Refer to the shop manual on KGIS for the specific Kia model for the correct transmission fluid check/fill procedures.

Components: POWER TRAIN. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10174520 at NHTSA
Mar 2, 2018 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPS539PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.NHTSA ID 10133170

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10133170 at NHTSA
Jan 18, 2017 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-GEN085R1TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.?…NHTSA ID 10109812

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.

Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10109812 at NHTSA
Nov 4, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-GEN085TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft …NHTSA ID 10109777

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?

Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10109777 at NHTSA
Apr 4, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPS443TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their …NHTSA ID 10183431

TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10183431 at NHTSA
Jul 16, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsQASC122QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC122 – UNDERBODY – ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENTNHTSA ID 10089668

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC122 – UNDERBODY – ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10089668 at NHTSA
Jul 16, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOWNERSC122RIOOWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (SC122) - DEAR KIA RIO OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO VEHICLES THAT WERE O…NHTSA ID 10089664

OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (SC122) - DEAR KIA RIO OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO VEHICLES THAT WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES WHERE HEAVY AMOUNTS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10089664 at NHTSA
Jul 16, 2015 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDEALERPSMSC122DEALER SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 M…NHTSA ID 10089662

DEALER SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 MY SPECTRA, 2006-2010 MY OPTIMA, 2010-2013 MY SOUL, AND 2007-2010 MY RONDO VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN ONE OF THE 21 SALT BELT STATES WHERE HEAVY AMOUNTS OF ROAD SALT ARE USED. THE 21 SALT-BELT STATES ARE: CT, DC, DE, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT, WI, WV. IN ADDITION TO THE SALT BELT STATES, THE FOLLOWING STATES HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY RAISED THEIR USE OF ROAD SALT IN RECENT YEARS AND ARE ALSO PART OF THIS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: KS, KY, NE, ND, SD, UT, AND AK.

Components: EQUIPMENT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10089662 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

No investigation records matched this model-year in the snapshot.

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