Ford Fiesta vs Kia Rio: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2019, owners filed an average of 353 complaints per model year about the Ford Fiesta and 52 about the Kia Rio.
Side by side
| Ford Fiesta | Kia Rio | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2019 | 2006-2019 |
| Owner complaints | 3,175 | 727 |
| Complaints per model year | 353 | 52 |
| Recalls | 12 | 4 |
| Years to avoid | 2011201220132014 | 20132016 |
| Best years | None stand out | 2019 |
| Most common problem | Transmission | Engine |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 28-31 mpg combined (2019) | 32 mpg combined (2019) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Fiesta | Rio | |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 1,498 | 30 |
| Engine | 545 | 242 |
| Body | 409 | 27 |
| Electrical | 340 | 88 |
| Acceleration | 198 | 28 |
| Locks | 184 | 8 |
| Airbags | 102 | 206 |
| Brakes | 86 | 111 |
| Fuel system | 159 | 41 |
| Steering | 73 | 31 |
Questions about the Ford Fiesta vs Kia Rio
Which is more reliable, the Ford Fiesta or the Kia Rio?
Between 2006 and 2019, the Ford Fiesta has 4 years to avoid and the Kia Rio 2. The Kia Rio has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Kia Rio drew fewer complaints per model year (52 vs 353), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Fiesta or the Kia Rio?
From 2006 to 2019, the Ford Fiesta was covered by 12 recalls and the Kia Rio by 4.
What years of the Ford Fiesta and Kia Rio should you avoid?
Ford Fiesta: 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Kia Rio: 2013 and 2016.
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