2022 Kia Rio Lug Nut Torque & Bolt Specs

The 2022 Kia Rio lug nut torque is 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm), tightened with a 21mm socket on M12x1.5 studs. Torque in a star pattern in two passes (snug, then final), and re-check after the first 50–100 miles of driving. Use a calibrated torque wrench — not an impact gun — for the final pass.

Lug nut torque: 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) · Socket size: 21mm · Thread: M12x1.5.

This page is the OEM-referenced fastener summary for the 2022 Kia Rio. Use it before any maintenance or repair job where torque values matter — brake work, wheel changes, suspension service, engine teardowns, or oil changes. Specs are pulled from manufacturer service literature, cross-checked against community data, and updated as new chassis variants become available.

Hyundai/Kia lug-nut torque is 79-88 ft-lbs on nearly all passenger models, M12x1.5 thread, 21mm socket. The Tucson, Sportage, and Santa Fe all use the same fastener spec. Hyundai's oil drain plug threads are unusually fine-pitch and strip easily — always use a torque wrench, not feel.

Common fastener categories on the 2022 Kia Rio

Wheel / lug nut torque and thread spec (covered above)
Brake caliper bracket bolts (typically 80-130 ft-lbs) and slide/guide pins (18-35 ft-lbs)
Engine oil drain plug torque — rarely above 30 ft-lbs; always use a new crush washer
Transmission pan, valve cover, and intake manifold bolts (low torque, often 89-106 in-lbs)
Suspension control arm, sway bar, tie rod end and ball joint torque
Spark plug torque (typically 10-15 ft-lbs on aluminum heads — do not exceed)
Differential cover bolts (RWD/4WD only) and transfer case fasteners

Repair guidance for this model year

For 2022 late-model work: Modern vehicles increasingly use aluminum body and suspension components. Aluminum fastener torque is typically 60-70% of equivalent steel torque, and aluminum threads strip easily. Use a calibrated torque wrench and apply anti-seize on any steel fastener threading into aluminum.

Tools you will need

Metric socket set (8mm-22mm), 6-point impact-rated
Calibrated torque wrench (10-150 ft-lbs covers most automotive jobs; add a 0-250 ft-lbs wrench for truck lug nuts)
Breaker bar (24" minimum) for initial loosening
Penetrating oil (PB Blaster or Kroil) for any fastener over 5 years old
Anti-seize on stainless or dissimilar-metal threads; thread-locker (Loctite blue) on critical reassembly

Frequently asked questions

What is the lug nut torque on a 2022 Kia Rio?

The OEM-specified lug-nut torque for the 2022 Kia Rio is 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm), using a 21mm socket on M12x1.5 thread studs. Use a calibrated torque wrench in a star pattern, in two passes (50% and 100%), and re-check after 50-100 miles of driving.

What socket size do I need for the 2022 Kia Rio lug nuts?

The 2022 Kia Rio uses a 21mm socket. A 6-point impact-rated socket is recommended over a 12-point chrome socket — 12-points round off lug nuts under impact-driver use.

Are the 2022 Kia Rio fasteners metric or SAE?

Metric is the standard for this vehicle. Most fasteners on this vehicle are metric (M6, M8, M10, M12, M14). Bring a full metric set; SAE substitutes can round the head. Bolt-head markings are the fastest way to confirm grade and material at the bench.

Other Kia Rio years

Same model, different model year — fastener spec may change. Always confirm against the year for your VIN.

→ 2022 Kia Rio oil drain plug torque & size

→ 2022 Kia Rio suspension & steering torque specs (control arm, ball joint, tie rod)

All 53 2022 Kia Rio fastener specs

Per-bolt torque, wrench size, and thread spec for the 2022 Kia Rio, sourced from OEM service literature and verified against community shop data. Values pair imperial (ft-lb) and metric (Nm) where the manufacturer publishes both. 8 of the 53 fastener specs on this page are independently verified against OEM service manuals and manufacturer torque data (last reviewed June 2026).

Wheels — 2022 Kia Rio

Wheel and lug nut spec for the 2022 Kia Rio. The lug nut uses a 21mm drive on a M12x1.5 thread, torqued to 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) at the all four wheels. This figure is independently verified against OEM service data.

Brakes — 2022 Kia Rio

Brake fasteners on the 2022 Kia Rio — caliper bracket, slide pins, and banjo bolt torque follow. At the front caliper, the front brake caliper slide pin torques to 20 ft-lb (12mm hex drive, M10 thread).

Engine — 2022 Kia Rio

Engine bolt-by-bolt torque for the 2022 Kia Rio, including the long block, valve covers, and intake. For the oil system, plan for a 10mm tool on a M6 x 1.0 stud; final torque is 8.5 ft-lbs (11.5 N·m) (oil pan bolts). Intake manifold bolts tightens to 13 ft-lbs (17.5 N·m), takes a 13mm driver, runs on M8 x 1.25 threads, located at the intake and exhaust. The oil drain plug uses a 21mm drive on a M14 x 1.5 thread, torqued to 29 ft-lbs (39 Nm) at the oil system. OEM-verified spec. The valve cover bolt torques to 7-10 ft-lbs (M6x1.0 thread). For the crankshaft and bearings, plan for a 17mm tool on a M12 x 1.5 stud; final torque is 64.5 ft-lbs (87.5 N·m) (main bearing bolts). Cylinder head bolts tightens to Step 1: 18 ft-lbs (25 N·m), Step 2: 22 ft-lbs (30 N·m), takes a 14mm driver, runs on M10 x 1.25 threads, located at the cylinder head. The flywheel bolts uses a 14mm drive on a M10 x 1.25 thread, torqued to 57.5 ft-lbs (78 N·m) at the crankshaft and bearings. At the timing system, the camshaft sprocket bolt torques to 39 ft-lbs (53 N·m) (14mm drive, M10 x 1.25 thread). For the cylinder head, plan for a 10mm tool on a M6 x 1.0 stud; final torque is 5.5 ft-lbs (7.5 N·m) (valve cover bolts). Exhaust manifold bolts tightens to 24.5 ft-lbs (33 N·m), takes a 13mm driver, runs on M8 x 1.25 threads, located at the intake and exhaust. The spark plug is a M14x1.25 thread, torqued to 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm). This figure is independently verified against OEM service data. The alternator mounting bolt torques to 30-40 ft-lbs (M10x1.25 thread). For the timing system, plan for a 13mm tool on a M8 x 1.25 stud; final torque is 18.5 ft-lbs (25 N·m) (timing belt/chain tensioner bolt).

Drivetrain — 2022 Kia Rio

Drivetrain and driveline fasteners for the 2022 Kia Rio — axle, transmission, and differential plugs. Front axle hub nut tightens to 185 ft-lb, takes a 32mm hex driver, runs on M24x1.5 threads, located at the front hub. The transmission mount bolt is a M12x1.25 thread, torqued to 55-70 ft-lbs. The axle nut rear torques to 170-200 ft-lbs (M24x1.5 thread). plan for the right driver on a M24x1.5 stud; final torque is 170-200 ft-lbs (axle nut front).

Suspension — 2022 Kia Rio

Suspension and chassis fastener torque for the 2022 Kia Rio — strut, control arm, and sway bar values. The tie rod end nut uses a 17mm drive on a M12 x 1.5 thread, torqued to 33 ft-lbs (45 N·m) at the suspension and steering. At the suspension and steering, the sway bar link nut torques to 35 ft-lbs (47 N·m) (17mm drive, M12 x 1.5 thread). For the suspension and steering, plan for a 17mm tool on a M12 x 1.5 stud; final torque is 35 ft-lbs (47 N·m) (strut/shock absorber mounting bolts). Stabilizer bar link nut front tightens to 25-35 ft-lbs, runs on M10x1.25 threads. The front lower control arm front bolt is a M12x1.25 thread, torqued to 70-85 ft-lbs. The rear shock absorber lower bolt torques to 85-100 ft-lbs (M14x1.5 thread). For the suspension and steering, plan for a 21mm tool on a M14 x 1.5 stud; final torque is 75 ft-lbs (102 N·m) (control arm bolts). Rear shock absorber upper nut tightens to 35-45 ft-lbs, runs on M12x1.25 threads. The front lower control arm rear bolt is a M12x1.25 thread, torqued to 70-85 ft-lbs. At the suspension and steering, the ball joint nut torques to 45 ft-lbs (61 N·m) (24mm drive, M16 x 1.5 thread). For the suspension and steering, plan for a 21mm tool on a M14 x 1.5 stud; final torque is 75 ft-lbs (102 N·m) (steering gear/rack bolts). Front strut top mount nut tightens to 30-40 ft-lbs, runs on M14x1.5 threads.

Steering — 2022 Kia Rio

Steering linkage fasteners on the 2022 Kia Rio. The power steering pump bolt torques to 22-30 ft-lbs (M10x1.25 thread). plan for the right driver on a M16x1.5 stud; final torque is 30-38 ft-lbs (steering wheel center bolt).

Body — 2022 Kia Rio

Body fasteners on the 2022 Kia Rio. plan for the right driver on a M8x1.25 stud; final torque is 15-20 ft-lbs (hood hinge bolt). Fender bolts tightens to 17 ft-lbs (23 N·m), takes a 10mm driver, runs on M6 x 1 threads, located at the body and frame. The hood hinge bolts uses a 10mm drive on a M6 x 1 thread, torqued to 17 ft-lbs (23 N·m) at the body and frame. At the body and frame, the bumper mounting bolts torques to 22 ft-lbs (30 N·m) (13mm drive, M8 x 1.25 thread). For the body and frame, plan for a 21mm tool on a M14 x 1.5 stud; final torque is 45 ft-lbs (61 N·m) (body mount bolts).

Oil Drain Plug — 2022 Kia Rio

Oil Drain Plug fasteners on the 2022 Kia Rio. Engine oil drain plug tightens to 29 ft-lbs (39 Nm), takes a 16mm driver, runs on M14x1.5 threads, located at the oil pan. OEM-verified spec.

Transmission — 2022 Kia Rio

Transmission fasteners on the 2022 Kia Rio. The valve body bolts uses a 14mm drive on a M10 x 1.25 thread, torqued to 15 ft-lbs (20 N·m) at the valve body. At the transmission oil pan, the transmission oil pan bolts torques to 71 in-lbs (8 N·m) (14mm drive, M10 x 1.25 thread). For the transmission mounting, plan for a 21mm tool on a M14 x 1.5 stud; final torque is 47 ft-lbs (64 N·m) (transmission mounting bolts). Transmission cooler line fittings tightens to 12 ft-lbs (16 N·m), takes a 14mm driver, runs on M10 x 1.25 threads, located at the transmission cooler lines. The transmission fluid drain/fill plug uses a 17mm drive on a M12 x 1.5 thread, torqued to 29 ft-lbs (39 N·m) at the transmission fluid drain and fill. At the transmission case, the transmission case bolts torques to 40 ft-lbs (54 N·m) (24mm drive, M16 x 1.5 thread). For the torque converter, plan for a 21mm tool on a M14 x 1.5 stud; final torque is 30 ft-lbs (41 N·m) (torque converter bolts). Transmission drain and fill plugs tightens to 27 ft-lbs (37 N·m), takes a 17mm driver, runs on M12 x 1.5 threads, located at the transmission fluid drain and fill.

Lug Nut — 2022 Kia Rio

Lug Nut fasteners on the 2022 Kia Rio. At the wheel, the wheel lug nut torques to 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm) (17mm drive, M12x1.5 thread). This figure is independently verified against OEM service data.

Brake — 2022 Kia Rio

Brake fasteners on the 2022 Kia Rio. plan for the right driver on a M10x1.25 stud; final torque is 20-28 ft-lbs (rear brake caliper guide pin bolt). Front brake caliper guide pin bolt tightens to 20 ft-lbs (27 Nm), runs on M10x1.25 threads. Confirmed against manufacturer service literature. The rear brake caliper bracket bolt is a M12x1.25 thread, torqued to 50-65 ft-lbs. The front brake caliper bracket bolt torques to 65 ft-lbs (88 Nm) (M12x1.25 thread). OEM-verified spec.

Wheel — 2022 Kia Rio

Wheel fasteners on the 2022 Kia Rio. Wheel lug nuts tightens to 80 ft-lbs (108 Nm), takes a 17mm driver, runs on M12x1.5 threads. Confirmed against manufacturer service literature.

New to torquing wheels? Read our How lug nut torque works — the complete guide for star-pattern sequence, re-torque intervals, and how to read a lug spec — then use the 2022 Kia Rio numbers above.

Loading the interactive 2022 Kia Rio fastener lookup with per-bolt filtering, part links, and torque tools…