Model year guide

2012 Kia Rio

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Kia Rio is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 127 on record.

2012 Kia Rio — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Kia Rio at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints52
Combined32 mpg
Typical price$8,342

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

2012 Kia Rio recalls 1

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #23V652000 · 25/09/2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, …

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.

2012 Kia Rio common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

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.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
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.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.

2012 Kia Rio MPG & running costs

Combined32 mpg
City29 mpg
Highway37 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,950

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

What's a 2012 Kia Rio worth?

Low
$6,600
Typical price
$8,342
High
$10,000

From 127 comparable 2012 Kia Rio listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Kia Rio costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$9,750
Depreciation (5 yrs)$5,500
Total$15,250
Per mile$0.20

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 ($8,342) with the same model 5 model-years older ($2,841), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Kia Rio trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · EX · SX · GL · GLS
Engines
1.6L

2012 Kia Rio vehicles on record

2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM5A38C6080948 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM4A35C6088175 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM4A31C6093132 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM5A31C6083206 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio SXKNADN4A39C6059937 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM4A34C6048136 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio EXKNADN4A39C6044628 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM4A37C6091577 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM5A37C6017551 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM5A34C6058803 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM5A33C6035223 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM5A31C6014984 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio EXKNADN4A33C6046567 2012 Kia Rio EXKNADN5A34C6012188 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM5A31C6022843 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM4A38C6051041 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM4A30C6089847 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM5A34C6014008 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM4A39C6051050 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM5A32C6020079 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM4A34C6057094 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM5A34C6062186 2012 Kia Rio LXKNADM4A30C6061031 2012 Kia Rio 2012 Kia Rio SXKNADN4A39C6087477

Other Kia Rio model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

2012 Kia Rio — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Kia Rio have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2012 Kia Rio. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Kia Rio?

Based on 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, service brakes, hydraulic.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Kia Rio get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Kia Rio at about 32 mpg combined (29 city / 37 highway).

How much is a 2012 Kia Rio worth?

Comparable 2012 Kia Rio listings run roughly $6,600–$10,000, typically around $8,342 (from 127 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.