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Kia · Supermini · 2011–2017

Kia Rio UB

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Body Variants

The Kia Rio UB is available as Schrägheck and Limousine — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Schrägheck
2 Engines
view Schrägheck →
Limousine
2 Engines
view Limousine →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Kia Rio UB is available with 2 engine variants — from 90 to 136 hp.

1.4 CRDi · Diesel· 90 PS
2011 2017
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
1.4 · Benziner· 109 PS
2011 2017
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

The Kia 1.4 CRDi (Diesel, 90 PS) has the D4FB (1.6L CRDi (U2)) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Kia 1.4 (Benziner, 109 PS) has the G4FA (1.4L (Gamma)) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●Central locking fails

Doors won't open or close via remote, often affecting the driver's door first. Worn switches or poor contacts in the wiring are the most common causes.

Symptoms: Remote doesn't respond, individual doors won't open, interior locking still works.
from 80,000 km
Ad doorschloss Kia Rio UBZentralverriegelung relay Rio UB
 Low
iRear lights and indicators — MOT advisory

According to the MOT report, the Rio UB's rear lighting fails above average from the second inspection onwards. Turn signal LEDs and rear light elements fail prematurely.

Symptoms: Turn signal or rear light doesn't illuminate; MOT advisory for defective lighting.
from 70,000 km
Ad Kia Rio UB tail lightKia Rio UB turn signal rear
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
432 complaints · 2011–2017
Engine
176
Brakes
85 ⚠ 5
Airbags
68 ⚠ 29
Electrical
63
Hydraulic
58

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Engine (176 complaints)
⚠ Brakes (85 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (68 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 19 weaknesses have been documented for the Kia Rio UB (2011–2017) — 11 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Other, Brakes.

Rio (D4FB, 2011–2017) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretches and skips, EGR valve blocked by soot deposits, DPF blockage in short-trip use. Power: 90 PS.

Rio (G4FA, 2011–2017) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretches prematurely, Oil consumption from valve stem seals and piston rings, Timing chain tensioner wear. Power: 109 PS.

What to watch out for with the Kia Rio? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Kia Rio UB have? +
The Kia Rio UB has 11 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Kia Rio UB? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: G4FA (1.4L (Gamma)), D4FB (1.6L CRDi (U2)). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the G4FA (1.4L (Gamma)).
Which Kia Rio UB engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Kia Rio UB — rated: "Decent". {description} 99 hp in the compact Rio JB is enough for smooth driving, nothing more. An honest everyday engine without surprises.
Is the Kia Rio UB worth buying used? +
The Kia Rio UB requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Kia Rio UB? +
The Kia Rio UB is available with engine variants from 90 to 136 hp. Petrol: G4FA (1.4L (Gamma)). Diesel: D4FB (1.6L CRDi (U2)).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee