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Service bulletins for the 2012 Kia Rio

A bulletin is a manufacturer's communication to its dealers, as NHTSA indexes it. The summary is NHTSA's. The document is the manufacturer's: read it at NHTSA. A bulletin is not a recall, and listing a model year does not mean every vehicle of it is concerned.

122 on file from NHTSA, as of 2026-10-19.

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Bulletins, newest first
TSB-ELE091R12017-08-31. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - Identifying Head Unit Software Version For Direct Exchange (ELE091) (Rev 1) - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations. This procedure will now be required when ordering head units through the Direct Exchange Program (see Parts Bulletin 91-961-0005).
TSB-CHA066R12017-08-31. Service bulletin. SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR. TSB: FRONT STABILIZER LINK REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the front stabilizer links of some Optima (TF/QF), Optima Hybrid (TF HEV) and Rio (UB) vehicles, which may experience an abnormal noise emanating from the front of the vehicle when going over bumps or uneven pavement. To resolve the noise concern, perform the procedure outlined in this bulletin to replace the front stabilizer links with the improved parts.
PS4742017-08-25. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PITSTOP: TPMS SENSOR POSITION - When diagnosing TPMS-related DTCs, make sure you are investigating the correct sensor. The TPMS positioning from the manufacturer may be different from the positioning shown on a KDS.
TSB-ENG1642017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. COMBINATION TSB / SERVICE ACTION: ECU UPGRADE ? DTC P0441 LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA280) - This bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software upgrade for some 2012-2016MY Rio (UB), 2014-2016 Soul (PS), and 2012-2013MY Soul (AM) vehicles, which may have a MIL on with DTC P0441: Evaporative Emissions System Incorrect Purge Flow. To correct this condition, the ECU should be reprogrammed using the KDS download as described in this bulletin.
TSB-ENG164R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: SERVICE ACTION: ECU UPGRADE - DTC P0441 LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA280) - This bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software upgrade for some 2012-2016MY Rio (UB), 2014-2016 Soul (PS), and 2012-2013MY Soul (AM) vehicles, which may have a MIL on with DTC P0441: Evaporative Emissions System Incorrect Purge Flow.
PS4692017-08-02. Service bulletin. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL. PITSTOP: MANUAL EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS TEST FOR HARD TO FIND/SMALL LEAKS - If the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated with DTC(s) P0442, P0455, P0456, or P0457 (Evaporative Emissions System-Leak detected) and the evaporative (EVAP) leak self-test resulted in NTF, a manual EVAP test is recommended.
TSB-GEN085R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: 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 nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
TSB-ENG131R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: ECM UPGRADE ? KNOCK IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides information related to an ECM software upgrade for all 2012-2013MY Rio (UB) 1.6L vehicles which may exhibit a knocking or pinging concern under moderate or heavy acceleration, especially while driving on an inclined road.
TSB-ELE067R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STEERING. TSB: IN PANEL MODULE (IPM) REPLACEMENT - DTC C1611 - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the In-Panel Module (IPM) of some Rio (UB) vehicles produced from November 7, 2011 through July 10, 2013, which may experience a momentary decrease in power steering assist, at times accompanied by a flashing ESC lamp and DTC C1611(MDPS CAN communication Error to ECU).
TSB-TRA0552017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. TSB: INHIBITOR SWITCH DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION - This bulletin gives information regarding the steps to take regarding the diagnosis of the Inhibitor Switch.
TSB-ELE0672017-08-02. Service bulletin. STEERING; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: IN PANEL MODULE (IPM) REPLACEMENT - DTC C1611 -This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the In-Panel Module (IPM) of some Rio (UB) vehicles produced from November 7, 2011 through October 30, 2012, which may experience a momentary decrease in power steering assist, at times accompanied by a flashing ESC lamp and DTC C1611(MDPS CAN communication Error to ECU).
TSB-GEN0852017-08-02. Service bulletin. LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. TSB: 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 pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
TSB-CLI020R12017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. TSB: PASSENGER FLOOR WET DURING A/C OPERATION - This bulletin provides information relating to the possible presence of moisture on the passenger side floor during A/C operation on some Rio (UB) vehicles, produced from June 21, 2011 to March 10, 2016.
PS2962017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; ENGINE. PIT STOP: OCV DAMAGE WHEN INSTALLING ENGINE COVER - When re-installing the engine cover on vehicles equipped with a 1.6L GDI engine, make sure not to apply any downward pressure in the area around the Oil Control Valve (OCV) to prevent causing damage to the valve.
TSB-ENG118R22017-08-02. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: COMBINED TSB/SERVICE ACTION ? RIO, SOUL 1.6 GDI MIL ON WITH DTCS P0456/P0461/P050A/P2188/P2192/P0128 (SA152) - This bulletin provides information related to the ECM software upgrade for some 2012-2013MY Rio (UB) and some 2012-2013 Soul (AM) vehicles which may experience a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated with the Electronic Control Module (ECM) system-related DTCs; P0456, P0461,P050A, P2188, P2192, P0128.
PS3152017-08-02. Service bulletin. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS. PIT STOP: GDI INJECTOR SPRAY TIP DEPOSITS - A design feature of vehicles equipped with a Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) system is the placement of each fuel injector directly into the engine cylinder head assembly. Therefore, it is completely normal for the combustion process to create deposits on the injector spray tip surfaces.
TSB-TRA0512017-08-02. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL. TSB: 6 SPD A/T SOLENOID REPLACEMENT ? DTC P0741 - This bulletin provides information relating to the replacement of the Damper Clutch (D/C) Solenoid on 6-speed automatic transaxles with DTC P0741 (active or history), instead of replacing the transaxle. To reduce vehicle repair time, this procedure can be performed with the transaxle installed in the vehicle.
TSBTRA051R12017-02-17. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. TSB: 6 SPD A/T SOLENOID REPLACEMENT – MULTIPLE DTCS - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE REPLACEMENT OF VARIOUS SHIFT SOLENOIDS ON 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES WITH DTCS P0741, P0743, P0748, P0753, P0758, P0763, P0768, P0773, P1778 AND P2709. REPLACE THE SOLENOIDS IF CURRENT OR HISTORY CODES ARE PRESENT; DO NOT REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE. TO REDUCE VEHICLE REPAIR TIME, THIS PROCEDURE CAN BE PERFORMED WITH THE TRANSAXLE INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE. REFER TO KGIS FOR SOLENOID PACK REMOVAL AND REINSTALLATION PROCEDURES FOR THE SPECIFIC YEAR AND MODEL OF THE VEHICLE.
TSBENG146R12017-02-17. Service bulletin. ENGINE; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. TSB: ECM UPGRADE – RIO, SOUL MIL ON WITH DTC(S) P0456/P0461/P050A/P2188/P2192/P0128/P0326/P0441 - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE ECM SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR SOME 2012~2014MY RIO (UB), SOME 2012~2013 SOUL (AM) AND SOME 2014MY SOUL (PS) VEHICLES, WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SYSTEM-RELATED DTCS; P0456, P0461, P050A, P2188, P2192, P0128, P0326, P0441. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, THE ECM SHOULD BE REPROGRAMMED USING THE GDS DOWNLOAD AS DESCRIBED IN THIS BULLETIN. BEFORE PERFORMING THIS PROCEDURE FOR A SPECIFIC DTC CONCERN, VERIFY THE VIN AND DTC FALL WITHIN THE PRODUCTION RANGES, BY CONSULTING THE TABLE ON PAGE 10. FOR CONFIRMATION THAT THE LATEST REFLASH HAS BEEN DONE TO A VEHICLE YOU ARE WORKING ON, VERIFY ROM ID USING THE TABLES IN THIS TSB.
TSBENG131R12017-02-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: ECM UPGRADE KNOCK IMPROVEMENT - TSB-ENG131 IS CLOSED. REFER TO TSB-ENG146
TSBENG1462017-02-17. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE. TSB: ECM UPGRADE – RIO, SOUL MIL ON WITH DTC(S) P0456/P0461/P050A/P2188/P2192/P0128/P0326/P0441 - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE ECM SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR SOME 2012~2013MY RIO (UB) AND SOME 2012~2013 SOUL (AM) VEHICLES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) SYSTEM-RELATED DTCS; P0456, P0461, P050A, P2188, P2192, P0128, P0326, P0441. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, THE ECM SHOULD BE REPROGRAMMED USING THE GDS DOWNLOAD AS DESCRIBED IN THIS BULLETIN. BEFORE PERFORMING THIS PROCEDURE, VERIFY THE VIN FALLS WITHIN THE PRODUCTION RANGES BY CONSULTING THE TABLE ON PAGE 10. FOR CONFIRMATION THAT THE LATEST REFLASH HAS BEEN DONE TO A VEHICLE YOU ARE WORKING ON, VERIFY ROM ID USING THE TABLES IN THIS TSB.
TSBTRA0462017-02-14. Service bulletin. POWER TRAIN. TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL, THEN REFERENCE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SYSTEM/ REPAIR PROCEDURES/ INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT SECTION FOR THE CORRECT ATF CHECK/FILL PROCEDURES.
TSBELE046R12017-02-13. Service bulletin. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. TSB: SERVICE ACTION - UVO SOFTWARE UPGRADE (SA137A) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE FOR UPGRADING THE 2013 MY RIO UVO SYSTEM. KIA IS REQUESTING THE COMPLETION OF THIS SERVICE AQCTION ON ALLAFFECTED 2013 MY RIO VEHICLES PRIOR TO DELIVERY.
PS266R12017-02-08. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER. PITSTOP: HVAC RECEIVER/DRYER - DESICCANT REPLACEMENT - IN THE EVENT OF A HVAC SYSTEM CONCERN IN WHICH METAL PARTICLES OR SHARDS HAVE CONTAMINATED THE SYSTEM, THE DESICCANT OR THE ENTIRE A/C RECEIVER/DRYER ASSEMBLY MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT MAY BE IMPOSSIBLE TO REMOVE ALL METAL CONTAMINANTS FROM THE RECEIVER/DRYER DURING THE A/C FLUSHING PROCEDURE. REFER TO THE INCLUDED TABLE FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON COMPONENT REPLACEMENT BY MODEL. IF YOU SUSPECT A PLUGGED EXPANSION VALVE, THE INLET SCREENS CAN BE CLEANED. IF THE VALVE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN INLET SCREEN AND IS RESTRICTED, THE EXPANSION VALVE MAY ALSO NEED TO BE REPLACED.
TSBBOD0952017-02-07. Service bulletin. EQUIPMENT; VISIBILITY/WIPER. TSB: WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO POSSIBLE FOREIGN DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. OVER TIME, SOME KIA VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LIMITED APPLICATION OF WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID WHEN THE WASHER FUNCTION IS USED. LIMITED APPLICATION OF WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID CAN BE CAUSED BY FOREIGN DEBRIS ON THE WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, REPLACE THE WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER AND PERFORM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR FLUSHING PROCEDURE OUTLINED IN THIS TSB.

The summaries are NHTSA's. Each bulletin's page links NHTSA's copy of the manufacturer's document.