2008 Kia Rio problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: What gas mileage does the 2008 Kia Rio get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Kia Rio at about 29 mpg combined (26 city / 34 highway).

Q: How much is a 2008 Kia Rio worth?

Comparable 2008 Kia Rio listings run roughly $1,400–$5,000, typically around $3,164 (from 62 vehicles).

2008 Kia Rio at a glance

Safety recallsNone

Owner complaints49

Combined29 mpg

Typical price$3,164

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Kia Rio recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2008 Kia Rio.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Kia Rio common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags

Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Vehicle Speed Control

Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

Power Train

Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Seat Belts

Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

2008 Kia Rio MPG & running costs

Combined29 mpg

City26 mpg

Highway34 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$2,100

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Kia Rio worth?

Low

$1,400

Typical price

$3,164

High

$5,000

From 62 comparable 2008 Kia Rio listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Kia Rio costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,500

Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,150

Total$12,650

Per mile$0.17

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($3,164) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,033), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.