2010 Kia Rio problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: What gas mileage does the 2010 Kia Rio get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2010 Kia Rio at about 31 mpg combined (28 city / 35 highway).

Q: How much is a 2010 Kia Rio worth?

Comparable 2010 Kia Rio listings run roughly $3,100–$6,500, typically around $4,374 (from 60 vehicles).

2010 Kia Rio at a glance

Safety recallsNone

Owner complaints26

Combined31 mpg

Typical price$4,374

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

2010 Kia Rio recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2010 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.

2010 Kia Rio common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 26 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.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

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.

Fuel/propulsion System

Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

Service Brakes

Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Power Train

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

2010 Kia Rio MPG & running costs

Combined31 mpg

City28 mpg

Highway35 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$2,025

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

What's a 2010 Kia Rio worth?

Low

$3,100

Typical price

$4,374

High

$6,500

From 60 comparable 2010 Kia Rio listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2010 Kia Rio costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,125

Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,750

Total$12,875

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 ($4,374) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,614), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.