DecodedCars2012 Kia Rio
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan FWD LX/LX+/EX/EX Luxury, 5dr Hatchback FWD LX/LX+/EX/EX Luxury
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 29 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 159.4–171.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,599 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 25% better than the average 2012 compact car (25.6 MPG).
- Few owner complaints46 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 137 for similar models.
Watch out for
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Kia Rio is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 172 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,599 lb (4dr Sedan FWD LX/LX+/EX/EX Luxury).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (29 city / 37 highway), 25% better than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
- New body dimensions: 4.8 in longer, wheelbase +2.8 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Best combined MPG up from 30 to 32
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Rio →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan FWD LX/LX+/EX/EX Luxury | 171.7 in | 67.7 in | 57.5 in | 101.2 in | 59.4 / 59.1 in | 2,599 lb | 63/37 |
| 5dr Hatchback FWD LX/LX+/EX/EX Luxury | 159.4 in | 67.7 in | 57.5 in | 101.2 in | 59.4 / 59.4 in | 2,599 lb | 63/37 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 37 / 32 | +25% | $2,100 | 278 |
| Rio | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 36 / 31 | +21% | $2,150 | 287 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Kia Rio.
Similar 2012 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Kia Rio (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Sep 25, 2023 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 1,730,192 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- 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, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Not every 2012 Kia Rio is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Kia Rio buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 22 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 11 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 7 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 87,233 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Kia Rio. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Rio years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Rio | 36 | 160.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 12 |
| 2022 Rio | 36 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 12 |
| 2021 Rio | 36 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 2 | 15 |
| 2020 Rio | 36 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 27 |
| 2019 Rio | 32 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 22 |
| 2018 Rio | 32 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 28 |
| 2017 Rio | 31 | 171.7 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 31 |
| 2016 Rio | 31 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 2 | 79 |
| 2015 Rio | 31 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 52 |
| 2014 Rio | 31 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 47 |
| 2013 Rio | 32 | 171.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 134 |
| 2011 Rio | 30 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 13 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →