KNOWN FAULTS · Kia

Known faults for the Kia Rio (IV).

2017–2023 · Petrol / Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

4 known faults with sources

Engines: 1.25 (Petrol) · 1.0 T-GDi / 48V (Petrol) · 1.4 CRDi (Diesel)

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

Clutch, lights and campaigns on the Rio IVKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: Kia Rio IV (petrol and diesel)
Period mentioned: 2017–2023
Symptoms: A juddering clutch, navigation faults, carbon on the 1.0 T-GDI at high mileage; at the roadworthiness test, lights and sometimes joints and brakes.
Possible cause described: The ADAC sees no breakdown hotspots for 2017 and 2018. Recalls: a child-lock cable that was too short (built 10/4 to 5/6/2017) and the airbag module (up to the 2019 model year, update or replacement).
Check for the garage: Check the campaigns by VIN; test the clutch; check lights before the roadworthiness test.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 1.0 T-GDi / 48V (Petrol)

Applies if: Same type of direct-injection turbo engine (T-GDi).

Carbon on the injectors and intake of the T-GDi petrol enginesInjection / turbo

Engine / equipment: Hyundai and Kia 1.0 and 1.6 T-GDi direct-injection turbo petrol engines
Period mentioned: 2015 onwards
Symptoms: Loss of power, higher consumption, hesitation or rough idle, usually at high mileage.
Possible cause described: With direct injection, petrol does not wash the intake valves and carbon builds up on the injectors and intake. German guides mention it for the i20 III, Tucson IV and Picanto III (dirty injectors).
Check for the garage: Read misfire and fuel-trim codes; inspect the injectors and valves with a borescope; clean the intake if there are deposits.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 1.0 T-GDi / 48V (Petrol)

Applies if: Only with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (7DCT). Confirm the gearbox type.

Judder on the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (7DCT)Automatic gearbox

Engine / equipment: 7-speed dry dual-clutch automatic (7DCT)
Period mentioned: Approx. 2015–2021
Symptoms: Abnormal vibration or shudder when pulling away and at low speed, especially in traffic.
Possible cause described: Dual-clutch behaviour at low speed; Hyundai and Kia issued technical bulletins with new gearbox software (anti-judder logic) and, if that is not enough, a clutch replacement.
Check for the garage: At the dealer: run the judder test with the diagnostic tool, install the latest gearbox software and replace the dual clutch only if the judder remains.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 1.4 CRDi (Diesel)

Applies if: U-family CRDi diesel; the specific points were documented on other models with the same engine.

Weak points of the small CRDi diesels (U family) from Hyundai and KiaInjection / turbo

Engine / equipment: 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.7 CRDi diesels (U family): Rio, Venga, Soul, Stonic, Cee'd, Carens, Optima, i20, ix20, i30, i40, ix35, Tucson, Accent, Matrix
Period mentioned: Approx. 2005 onwards
Symptoms: At high mileage or with short trips: carbon in injectors and EGR, a clogged particulate filter, dual-mass flywheel and turbo; isolated cases of a stretched chain (1.7) and cracked heads (early 1.6); a clutch that wears early; on some cars, a cracked silencer (1.1) or the brake-servo vacuum pump (1.7 campaign).
Possible cause described: German guides rate these engines as robust if maintained: the faults are the typical wear of a modern diesel. Specific points: a stretched chain on some 1.7s (ix35), cracked heads cited by the TÜV on the i30 I, the 1.1 silencer (Rio III), diesel clutches at 60,000–100,000 km (Cee'd I) and a recall of the 1.7 CRDi vacuum pump (5/10/2010–30/4/2011).
Check for the garage: Drive long trips to regenerate the filter; listen to the chain when cold; test injectors and EGR; check the vacuum-pump campaign by VIN on the 1.7.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.