2008 Kia RIO
KNADE221296459810
Vehicle history report for the 2008 Kia RIO (VIN KNADE221296459810). Gray, sedan, gasoline / lpg. 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN KNADE221296459810
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
What's a 2008 Kia RIO worth?
What comparable 2008 Kia RIO vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2008 Kia RIO.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Kia RIO.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2008 Kia Rio 5-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2008 Kia RIO costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($3,164) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,033), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2008 Kia RIO. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 36
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 36.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relat…
Bulletin TSB_TRA046_R5 · Power Train · Apr 2025This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
Bulletin TSB_TRA046_R4 · Power Train · May 2024TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, re…
Bulletin TSB_TRA046_R3 · Power Train · Nov 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides inf…
Bulletin TSB_BOD055_R1 · Structure, Exterior Lighting · Sep 2021TSB_ENG066_CLOSED: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED
Bulletin TSB_ENG066_CLSD · Electrical System, Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia…
Bulletin TSB_TRA046_R1 · Power Train · Apr 2020PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
Bulletin PS539 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2018TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nu…
Bulletin TSB-GEN085R1 · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Jan 2017TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pi…
Bulletin TSB-GEN085 · Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Nov 2016WARRANTY BULLETIN: WTY002 - 2008~2011MY RIO PASSENGER SEAT OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY002) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT IN 2008~2011MY RIO (JB)…
Bulletin WTY002BULLETINRI · Air Bags, Equipment, Seats · Jun 2016Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RIO FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the Kia RIO
The Kia Rio is a subcompact car manufactured by Kia, produced from 1999 to 2023.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
KIA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2008 RIO VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 20, 2005, THROUGH DECEMBER 9, 2007. 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 …
Remedy: KIA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE OCS SEAT SENSOR MAT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 26, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AT 1-800-333-4542.
NHTSA Campaign #12V244000 · manufacturer #SC097 · 31/05/2012Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2008 Kia RIO, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 13 involved a crash 🚑 11 reported injuries
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 49
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2008 Kia RIO.
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD IS ALLWAYS ON EVER SENS THE CAR WAS PURCHASED.
NHTSA ODI #11442672POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE AND CLUTCH CEASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PROVIDED A COST ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO THE MANUFACTURER TO FIND OUT WHAT TYPE OF CLUTCH WAS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.…
NHTSA ODI #11267065VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
TAKATA RECALL. THE COMPUTER THAT TELLS THE TRANSMISSION TO SWITCH GEARS IS STUCK AND DOASNT WORK. MY CAR WILL ONLY STAY IN 3RD GEAR AND REVERSE. IT HAS NO POWER AND GOES IN LIMP MODE. I HAVE 3 SMALL KIDS AND IT IS VERY DANGEROUS FOR ME TO DRIVE WITH IT LIKE THIS SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. PLZ HELP ME.
NHTSA ODI #11181015AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
FOLLOWING A TIRE BLOWOUT THE VEHICLE WENT INTO THEN OUT OF A DITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45-50MPH. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT FRONT END DAMAGE. THE DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT OPERATE.
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #11001621SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY AND MADE A LOUD NOISE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING FAILED. THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SI…
NHTSA ODI #10926412AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SKIDDED AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INSURANCE COLLISION LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILUR…
Crash · NHTSA ODI #10914494AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNEDA 2008 KIA RIO5. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO PARK, IT ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING.AS A RESULT, THE TIRES SPUN AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD AND OVER A CURB, SLIGHTLY STRIKINGTHE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL.THEAIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO IN…
Crash · NHTSA ODI #10892180ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO BLINK AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN IGNITION COIL FAILED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MIL…
NHTSA ODI #10864025+ 41 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Are there safety recalls on the 2008 Kia RIO?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2008 Kia RIO model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
What is a fair price for a 2008 Kia RIO?
Comparable 2008 Kia RIO listings run roughly $1,400–$5,000, typically around $3,164 (from 62 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.
What is the 2008 Kia RIO safety rating?
NHTSA gives the 2008 Kia RIO crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).
What fuel economy does the 2008 Kia RIO get?
The 2008 Kia RIO has a U.S. EPA estimate of 29 mpg combined (26 city / 34 highway).
Recall data checked 7 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.