How do I know if a recall applies to my 2021 KIA RIO?

Recalls are matched by make, model and model year, but many cover only certain VIN ranges. Confirm with your manufacturer or dealer using your full VIN, or use the official Transport Canada or NHTSA lookup.

Are recall repairs free?

Yes. In both Canada and the United States the manufacturer must fix a recalled defect at no charge, through a franchised dealer.

RECALLS — MAKE · MODEL · YEAR

2021 KIA RIO recalls

Q: Does the 2021 KIA RIO have any recalls?

Transport Canada lists 2 campaigns and the U.S. NHTSA lists 2 for the 2021 KIA RIO. Matched by make, model, and model year. Many recalls affect only specific VIN ranges — confirm with your dealer using your full VIN.

4 safety recall campaigns have been filed for the 2021 KIA RIO with Transport Canada and the U.S. NHTSA. Here is what both agencies say.

Canadian recalls: 02
U.S. recalls: 02
Total campaigns: 04

Transport Canada recalls

Steering#2022238May 6, 2022
6 units affected
Issue: On a small number of vehicles, the bolt connecting the lower steering column universal joint may not have been properly tightened. If the bolt loosens, you could lose steering control. Safety Risk: A loss of steering control could create a risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to bring your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and tighten the lower steering column universal joint bolt, as necessary.
Brakes#2021730December 2, 2021
29 units affected
Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake master cylinder could fail and cause reduced braking. If this happens, the driver may experience increased brake pedal travel and a change in brake pedal feel (soft or low pedal). Safety Risk: Reduced brake performance can cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the brake master cylinder.

Canadian data updated August 24, 2026

U.S. NHTSA recalls

STEERING:COLUMN#22V304000May 5, 2022
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
Risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER#21V936000December 1, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
Risk: Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC223.

Does this recall apply to my vehicle?

Matched by make, model, and model year. Many recalls affect only specific VIN ranges — confirm with your dealer using your full VIN.

What to do

Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer in both countries. To confirm a recall applies to your specific vehicle, or to book the work, contact your manufacturer or dealer with your full VIN, or use the official channel:

NHTSA recall lookup (search by VIN) — U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Defects and recalls database — Transport Canada

Check a 2021 KIA RIO VIN

A VIN decode confirms your vehicle's exact model year, trim and assembly plant, then runs this same recall check against it.

Data sources and coverage limits →