MotorDeets

2006 Kia Rio: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2006 Kia Rio: 1 recall, 74 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
74owner complaints
12mention a crash
29best combined mpg
2006 Kia Rio
Photo: OSX · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #12V244000 · 2012 · 72,568 vehicles

What's wrong: The front passenger seat occupant sensor mat can experience fatigue cracking. If sufficient cracking occurs, the occupant classification system (ocs) will cease to function such that the system will not be able to detect whether a child passenger is in the seat and the airbag will deploy during a crash necessitating deployment.

Why it matters: Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.

The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ocs seat sensor mat, free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2012.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags50
Engine & cooling6
Steering4
Other / unknown4
Electrical3
Body & structure3
Equipment2
Brakes (hydraulic)2

What owners describe

The 2006 Kia Rio has 74 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 24 Rio model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 54). Complaints peaked in 2011 (15 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 63,495 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (37 complaints, 1 recalls), 2007 (46 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.6 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive253529Regular
1.6 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive273229Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 Kia Rio.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2006 Kia Rio manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2006 Kia Rio manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2006 Kia Rio manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2006 Kia Rio manual

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FAQ

Does the 2006 Kia Rio have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2006 Kia Rio. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2006 Kia Rio problems?

Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (50), engine & cooling (6), steering (4).

What gas mileage does the 2006 Kia Rio get?

EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (1.6 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2006 Kia Rio repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Rio years

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