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Electrical system

2011 Kia Rio Electrical problems

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2011 Kia Rio's electrical system with NHTSA - 21% of all its complaints, most recently on September 3, 2023. Dead batteries, warning lights, wiring, alternators, infotainment and electronic module failures.

Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Electrical complaints

Electrical systemEngine & cooling

The engine and all electrical shuts down without warning. This happened three times in heavy traffic and nearly caused an accident. The engine stops running and the electrical components turn off which shuts down power steering and power brakes. Each time this has happened the electrical is disabled and the car is completely dead with zero response when the ignition key is turned; no dash lights, no starter, no power. After the first incident the plugs and coil packs were changed out. After the second incident...

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the fuse block was changed out which was said to have been overheating. After the third incident the car was parked and has not been driven since. After the "dead" car is towed and it sits for a couple of hours it will start again and run for indeterminable amount of time before shutting down.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11542347
Electrical system

Everything seemed okay while driving then suddenly car began to shake, sputter, and did not want to accelerate. Loses power sometimes when stopped. Check engine light flashed then stayed on. Car unsafe and unable to be driven. After 4 weeks, 2 tune ups including new plugs, coil packs checked although two were recently replaced, fuel injetors checked, fuel system flushed, and throttle body cleaned. When checked diagnostic code keeps reading random misfire. Car has been at the shop (not dealership) for 2 days when...

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they finally figured out the problem and its relating to the technical service bulletin affecting the electrical system. This shop has done all the work and feels that since kia is aware of the tsb they should fix the problem. However the kia dealership that I purchased the car from states they need to look at it and if its electrical its $100 an hour. Very frustating because of all the money I have put in this car since I drove it off the lot 1 year ago. Called kia's 800 customer service number and they also state that I need to have it checked out by kia despite knowing the issue. Car will be towed back to my home for now.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10761064
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 kia rio. While driving 15 mph, the vehicle sputtered, vibrated, and the engine revved. The vehicle stalled and the check engine indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred six times. The dealer stated that the factory ignition coils failed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vin was unknown. The failure mileage was 30,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10631575
SteeringElectrical system

Ignition switch locked up and wouldn't let the key out. Had six mechanics try to get the key unstuck and a kia personal(over the phone), with no success. Had to tow my car 20 miles paid $165 to tow it, then kia service center charged me another $430 to fix the problem. Got the car back with an extra set of keys. One set to open the doors and one set to start the car. Guess what else...Now the car ignition dings like the keys are still in it even when no keys are in ignition and because of that I can't lock my car!...

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Unless however I act like that fonzfrom happy days and give the steering wheel a little tap then magically the dinging stops and I'm able to lock my car. I told a kia dealer from the same office where my car was serviced why my car had two sets of keys and he chuckled and ask who did that? When I said his dealership service center he just gave me a sad face and excused himself. The car is only 3 years old and this is not my only complaint. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical systemNHTSA 10610218
SteeringElectrical systemWheels & tires

First the car was pulling to the driver side went to the local firestone shop and they told me the air was too low. It was only 25psi they fixed all my tyres and checked all the tire pressure then the car started pulling on the passenger's side suddenly. Started getting jerks on the steering wheel. Went to the dealer and told the alignment was off. This was a brand new kia rio 2011 not even 6 months old. Also the didn't show me any indication that my drivers side front wheel has less air. The tire was at 25psi and it didn't show me any indication on my speed odometer nor the tpms light turned one nor the low pressure light cam up. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Electrical system · WheelsNHTSA 10424339

Kia Rio electrical complaints by year

Rio electrical problems, every year

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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