Engine
1.5L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 192 of 223 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 74 of 223 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
56 complaint records6 fire reports
"WHILE DRIVING ,ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE, AND 10 MINUS LATER CAUGHT ON FIRE. DEALER CONTACTED.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Air bags
33 complaint records14 crash reports
"WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. MR SCC..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Wheels
31 complaint records2 fire reports2 crash reports
"CRACKS HAVE ACCUMULATED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER RIM. *JB ALL FOUR ORIGINAL RIMS ALONG WITH ONE REPLACEMENT RIM CRACKED. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse wheels parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA04020 opened Jul 2004 | closed Apr 2005 | Wheels | STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE - led to recall 05V159000 ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-030) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED... |
| PE04030 opened Mar 2004 | closed Jul 2004 | Wheels | STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MAY... |
| EA03015 opened Aug 2003 | closed Apr 2004 | Fuel System, Gasoline | FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE - led to recall 04V179000 ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN... |
| PE03016 opened Apr 2003 | closed Aug 2003 | Fuel System, Gasoline | ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 22 NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES OF ANY OR UNSPECIFIED CAUSE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NINE FIRES (OF WHICH 4 WERE ALSO REPORTED TO ODI) ARE IDENTIFIED AS BEING DUE TO A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK ORIGINATING BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE FUEL... |
| EA02009 opened Jul 2002 | closed Jul 2003 | Air Bags | AIR BAG NON DEPLOY THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 82 REPORTS ALLEGING NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DUAL FRONT AIR BAGS.OF THE 82 REPORTS, ONLY ONE INCIDENT, THE FATAL CRASH THAT WAS THE BASIS FOR OPENING THE INVESTIGATION, HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A MODERATE TO SEVERE CRASH IN... |
Show 1 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE02022 opened Feb 2002 | closed Jul 2002 | Air Bags | AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT FRONTAL CRASH IN ADDITION TO THE DECEMBER 2001 FATAL CRASH REPORTED TO ODI THAT PROVIDED THE BASIS FOR OPENING PE02-022, KIA PROVIDED ODI 29 ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF ALLEGATIONS OF NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG IN A CRASH.NO ADDITIONAL FATAL CRASHES ARE REPORTED.AN... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05V159000 | Wheels | CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT COULD CAUSE THE WHEELS TO CRACK UNDER LONG TERM DRIVING FATIGUE. | Normally free |
| 04V179000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE OF THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE OR CRACKING DURING REMOVAL OF THE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING SECURING THE MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY TO THE FUEL INTAKE... | Normally free |
| 03V352000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUEL LEAKS MAY DEVELOP AT THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY BECAUSE OF QUALITY DEVIATIONS. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005161 2005-05-20 | Wheels | 5,690 | Certain vehicle may have a manufacturing flaw that could cause the wheels to crack under long term driving fatigue. If cracks occur, wheel noise and vibration will result, becoming progressively worse. |
| 2003279 2003-11-12 | Fuel System | 40,943 | On certain vehicles, the fuel intake nipple of the fuel distributor is subject to fracture or cracking during removal of the quick connect coupling securing the main fuel tube assembly to the fuel intake nipple, or when force is... |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB_BOD055_R1 Sep 2021 | Exterior Lighting | TECHNICAL 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. | |
| PS539 Mar 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | PITSTOP - 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. | |
| TSB-GEN085R1 Jan 2017 | Equipment | 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.? | |
| TSB-GEN085 Nov 2016 | 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?. | |
| PS443 Apr 2016 | Equipment | TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. |
Show 15 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSBTRA046 Dec 2013 | 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. | |
| KT-2008082201 Aug 2008 | Parking Brake | KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE | |
| 106 Dec 2007 | Power Train | RIO (BC) ENGINE HARD TO START, RUNS ROUGH AND STALLS -- WHAT TO CHECK -- CRANK POSITION SENSOR (CKP) TONE RING. *NJ | |
| 046 Jun 2005 | Wheels | STEEL WHEEL REPLACEMENT. SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE STEEL WHEELS MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT COULD CAUSE THE WHEEL TO CRACK UNDER LONG-TERM DRIVING FATIGUE. *TT | |
| 82 Jan 2005 | Engine And Engine Cooling | IMPROVED TIMING BELTS FOR THE KIA RIO AND OPTIMA. *TT | |
| 84 Jan 2005 | Unknown Or Other | TECHLINE FAQS. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4. *TT | |
| 04132004 Apr 2004 | Fuel System | PENDING RECALL RELATING TO THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR AND FUEL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES. KIA HAS EXPANDED THE RANGE OF AFFECTED VEHICLES. *TT | |
| 034R Feb 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | THIS REVISED BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPROGRAM THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) ON CERTAIN MODELS PRODUCED FROM 5/4/00 THROUGH 10/31/02. *TT | |
| 034 Jan 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC034 TO REPROGRAM THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM). VEHICLES EXPERIENCING STALLING DURING IDLING OR AT NEAR STOPPING CONDITIONS. LETTERS TO KIA SERVICE MANAGERS, DEALERS AND QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SHEET. *TT | |
| 76 Jan 2004 | Fuel System | VACUUM LEAK AFTER TSB SC036. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. *TT | |
| 007 Dec 2001 | Power Train | A LOGIC CHANGE IN THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM). *TT | |
| 011200 Dec 2000 | Wheels | SUBJECT REGARDING 14 INCH ALLOY WHEEL OPTION. *TT | |
| 005 Nov 2000 | Power Train | A LOGIC CHANGE IN THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM). *TT | |
| 018 Oct 2000 | Power Train | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO INSTALL A REVISED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COOLER HOSE ON SOME MODELS. *TT | |
| 01011901 | Service Brakes | REAR BRAKE NOISE. *JB |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Check for a TPMS light and look at each wheel rim.Bent or corroded rims and sensors that will not clear are this vehicle's wheel complaints.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Kia Rio →