2001 KIA Rio
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2001 KIA Rio. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2001 KIA Rio. Newest first.
Certain passenger vehicles 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 and become progressively worse over time.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the crack IS severe, the wheel could separate from the vehicle and possibly result in loss of vehicle control and a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace all four wheels free of charge. the recall began on june 22, 2005. Owners may contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.
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 nipple, or when force IS accidentally applied to the intake nipple during the vehicle assembly process or during engine compartment repairs.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel distributor and main fuel tube assemblies. the recall began june 18, 2004. owners should contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.
On certain passenger vehicles, fuel leaks may develop at the fuel distributor assembly because of quality deviations.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel distributor and fuel connector assemblies. owner notification IS expected to begin during the first quarter of 2004. owners should contact KIA at 1-800-333-4542.
Owner complaints
223 complaints21 involved a crash14 involved a fire12 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
Door locks on both front doors stuck in the locked position.
- Engine · Latches/locks/linkages · Structure › Body
Parked car at work came back out and the door lock was down tried to pull up but IS stuck or caught on something. The way the screws are in the door 2 of them cannot be taken out without having the door open. With long legs its very difficult to get in and out of vehicle!!! Also trouble with the engine misfiring of sparkplug with some loss of power. *tr
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Electrical system › Starter assembly · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Latches/locks/linkages
It IS difficult to enter the car with the key and when I pull the door handle the lock drops down to the close position and I can't get out this happens on the driver's side and the front passenger side,i have to hold the lock on the up position with a piece of metal or leave the rear doors…
It IS difficult to enter the car with the key and when I pull the door handle the lock drops down to the close position and I can't get out this happens on the driver's side and the front passenger side,i have to hold the lock on the up position with a piece of metal or leave the rear doors unlocked in case I have to jump out..this car IS a lemon I have replaced sensors alternator, starter, ac parts and many other parts the only thing good IS the transmission and the engine... *js
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline · Steering · Tires · Wheels
Consumer complaint: odi case number: 10136024 component: wheels gas ignition? You tell me? when are these people going to be compensated for their lemons kia-2001 details: dt: the consumer was involved in an accident and a tire blew out. After the vehicle stopped spinning, the consumer got…
Consumer complaint: odi case number: 10136024 component: wheels gas ignition? You tell me? when are these people going to be compensated for their lemons kia-2001 details: dt: the consumer was involved in an accident and a tire blew out. After the vehicle stopped spinning, the consumer got out of the vehicle and it burst into flames, the fire department came and they said fire started from heat of power equipment and the ignition burned. This happened on august 6, 2005. *Ak the consumer stated she was not informed about the recall regarding the wheels. The consumers daughter complained that the steering wheel vibrated from the time the vehicle was purchased. The same tire that the blew out was the same one that had been replaced numerous times. *Jb occurrences: 1 injuries: 0 fail date: 08/06/2005 deaths: 0 date added to database: 9/9/2005 [file] your own complaint on this model car. *tr
- Wheels
I was on a major interstate doing the speed limit of 65 mph when I heard a loud pop sound. the car started to shake and I thought I had a flat tire. I immediately put on my hazard lights and slowed down to reach the nearest exit ramp. I was alone in the car and thank god I had no children in the…
I was on a major interstate doing the speed limit of 65 mph when I heard a loud pop sound. the car started to shake and I thought I had a flat tire. I immediately put on my hazard lights and slowed down to reach the nearest exit ramp. I was alone in the car and thank god I had no children in the car and as soon as I reached the exit ramp I got off the exit and called aaa. they sent a tow truck but when the driver went to put the car up he noticed the right back wheel was extremely loose and then called for a flat bed. while being towed to my mechanic with the car on the flat bed the wheel came completely off. I looked online for recalls on my car and there was one issued in 4/20/2005 and I was never notified by KIA or the dealer where I purchased the car about this issue when the recall began on 6/22/2005. I am worried now that I may have to pay out of pocket for this repair which KIA motors should have notified me on. *js
- Latches/locks/linkages
Both door locks get stuck on both the passenger side and drivers side. We have had to climb in the back seat to exit the car. This IS very dangerous and could cause death or injury if a fire and could not exit the car. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
I bought a 2001 KIA rio in 2007 and within 8 months my fuel pump had to be replaced. A year later my car started sputtering and shutting off randomly while I drove it. I ended up having to replace the fuel pump two more times. I recently took it to the dealership were they informed me I needed…
I bought a 2001 KIA rio in 2007 and within 8 months my fuel pump had to be replaced. A year later my car started sputtering and shutting off randomly while I drove it. I ended up having to replace the fuel pump two more times. I recently took it to the dealership were they informed me I needed another fuel pump. Im sorry but there IS something wrong if I have to replace the fuel pump and filter 4 times in a 2 year time span. Now my car does not even run, and I refuse to replace the fuel pump again when I know it wont do anything. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Ref 2001 KIA rio. perpetual intermittent failure of fuel pump to operate. fuel pump replaced, relay replaced, and ecm replaced. pump won't turn on at start up and periodically, the pump stops operating after it does come on while driving. no warning. causes safety problem on road by not having any power to move car off road. *tr
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA rio. the contact stated was driving approximately 60 mph and attempting to switch lanes when she heard an unusual noise similar to rumbling metal, followed by a loud clunk. The contact was barely able to maintain control of the vehicle yet was able to maneuver the…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 KIA rio. the contact stated was driving approximately 60 mph and attempting to switch lanes when she heard an unusual noise similar to rumbling metal, followed by a loud clunk. The contact was barely able to maintain control of the vehicle yet was able to maneuver the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where she was advised that the wheel bearing spacer would need replacing. The dealer made repairs to the vehicle yet the failure recurred within six months. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired eight times for the failure since purchase. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 45,000 and the current mileage was 81,000.
- Electrical system
This IS a KIA rio 4 dr. 2001 ..with 12,000 aprox miles when the ecu fuse broke, on hwy 127 near death valley ..had to get towed into my destination.it took about 5 days to get a part from calif,ups to me from a friend, I changed the fuel level sensor,,which I thought was the problem...the nearest…
This IS a KIA rio 4 dr. 2001 ..with 12,000 aprox miles when the ecu fuse broke, on hwy 127 near death valley ..had to get towed into my destination.it took about 5 days to get a part from calif,ups to me from a friend, I changed the fuel level sensor,,which I thought was the problem...the nearest KIA dealer was 80 miles away in las vegas,,,i later discovered that it was a blown ecu fuse..not a sensor..i then drove the car aptrox 500 miles back to caloif,when it blew again on the hwy 15 near fontana,...i took the car to KIA dealer in ontario calif, they only did 2 warranty items on the CAR.#1 was an upgrade of the ecm.and #2 replaced a fuel dist sensor////the dealer said it would fix the fuse issue,,,which I told them up front. they returned the car I was going back to nevada it blew a fuse ecu on hwy 15 had it towed home again,,,,the dealer picked up the car from rialto 10 miles away from my parents....they had the car 4 days and told me it would take aprox 600$ to get under the dash where they believe there IS a short that IS causing this ecu to blow,,i had the car returned on my aaa again took it for a second opinion,,,again they also said it could be under the dash and the amount they wanted to fix it and keep the car for about 3 or 4 days to make sure the problem was fixed. the dealer never test drove the car after the warranty work..as per the invoice mileage in and mileage out...they said they could not duplicate the problem...again...after the 2ND opinion..i had to tow it again when I was driving it home on the streets..that was 55 miles from my parents house... I have all the aaa records on towing ...i'm out of tows... this car could cause an accident ....only because the car will stop running with out any notice and so far I was lucky that nothing went wrong. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
I was involved in a 45mph head on collision. The other car was a chevy cobalt. She had run a stop sign and hit us in the front. I was the passenger in the KIA both me and the driver of the KIA were forced into the windshield and he hit his off the steering wheel as well. Neither of the airbags in…
I was involved in a 45mph head on collision. The other car was a chevy cobalt. She had run a stop sign and hit us in the front. I was the passenger in the KIA both me and the driver of the KIA were forced into the windshield and he hit his off the steering wheel as well. Neither of the airbags in my car went off. But both the airbags in the cobalt did. My car was also called a total with damage done to the front bumper and framing. Two mechanics that looked at the car could not believe that the airbags did not deploy. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
Tl*the contact owned a 2001 KIA rio. While pulling out of the drive way, another vehicle was approaching at 50 mph, crashed into the driver who was ejected from the vehicle, run over by the other vehicle and IS deceased. The driver tried to engage reverse and the vehicle unintentionally…
Tl*the contact owned a 2001 KIA rio. While pulling out of the drive way, another vehicle was approaching at 50 mph, crashed into the driver who was ejected from the vehicle, run over by the other vehicle and IS deceased. The driver tried to engage reverse and the vehicle unintentionally accelerated. The driver's side door was opened after the vehicle was struck. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report and pictures are available. The mileage was unavailable.
- Equipment · Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
I purchased new tires around february 2007 from sears at the virginia center commons store location. Within three weeks between april and may of 2008 I experienced three flats. Two of the flats were on the same day within 2 hours of each other. I had the fourth one replaced at this time. All three…
I purchased new tires around february 2007 from sears at the virginia center commons store location. Within three weeks between april and may of 2008 I experienced three flats. Two of the flats were on the same day within 2 hours of each other. I had the fourth one replaced at this time. All three flats were because of faulty valve stems. Recently I read about a 6 million recall of tr413 valve stems from tech international a distributor of shanghai baolong. I believe my problem IS part of the recall which notified the clients but not the public. Fortunately none of the flats occurred at high speed while on the highway but on secondary roads at speeds of 45mph or less. I did complain to sears on their feedback survey but received no reply. I had purchased road hazard with the tires so I was not charged for any of the repairs but am upset about the lack of reply and the lack of notice to the public. I am unsure if any tire damage resulted from the flats. sincerely denise barwick *tr
- Power train › Axle hubs · Suspension
Vehicle started to vibrate like wheels were out of balance. Turned into driveway driver side rear wheel fell off with brake drum still attached to wheel . Vehicle came to stop. KIA customer service line contacted, because there was no active service bulletin offered no help. Vehicle repaired at local firestone tire store. Wheel spindle and inner and outer bearings replaced. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Dash lights will not work. Come off and on. Check engine also comes off and on. Repaired twice, still comes on after short drive. Warned by police for dash lights. Car will be towed because unsafe driving condition. Can not afford costly repair to wiring system at this time. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Aside from the fact that we have never received one recall notice from KIA or the dealer, on september 12, 2007, my 2001 KIA rio (which we bought new in 1/2001) engine light came on after the car engine had warmed up, and the car began to lurch and chug. It stalled at a light and restarted when I…
Aside from the fact that we have never received one recall notice from KIA or the dealer, on september 12, 2007, my 2001 KIA rio (which we bought new in 1/2001) engine light came on after the car engine had warmed up, and the car began to lurch and chug. It stalled at a light and restarted when I turned the key. I applied the accelerator and it revved to a higher gear and lunged forward then immediately tried to stall in the intersection. I nursed the vehicle back home. It was taken to a mechanic where the code claimed an O2 censor was bad. What was found was a plug missing from a panel area (?). Thought car was fixed. Went to drive it home and again the same identical problem only this time the engine light did not come on, my only indication of the problem was the attempt at stalling again! This happened after the engine was warmed up. Same symptoms and problems only no warning engine light. This IS a life threatening danger since it happens with no warning and KIA has failed to notify us of any recall notices they have issued concerning our vehicle even though they had our address from us paying them for the car note each month! Something needs to be done about their lack of notice to owners and warm engine stalling problems. I have no way of getting the car to a dealer since it will not stay running! *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module · Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
My car had a recall because of stalling issues before also again when I had this problem the fuel injector was unplugged now it stalls all the time engine check light comes on had a airflow sensor light changed and it IS still stalling even more check engine light comes on but goes off before I can…
My car had a recall because of stalling issues before also again when I had this problem the fuel injector was unplugged now it stalls all the time engine check light comes on had a airflow sensor light changed and it IS still stalling even more check engine light comes on but goes off before I can get it checked and so I am getting nowhere and I am scared too death off having a accident because of this issue I think this IS a real safety issue it IS a 2001 KIA rio can you help me I have contacted KIA already. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 KIA rio. while driving 40 mph, the contact heard a squeaking noise coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. the brakes were replaced five times. the dealer stated that the noise was not coming from the brakes. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa recall # 05v159000 (wheels). the current mileage IS 54,527 and failure mileage was 30,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Front driver's side door would not unlock in 2004. Repaired at dealership at cost to me of $300. Driver's side door will not unlock in 2007. The driver's side door IS rarely used as there IS only one driver of the vehicle. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Two years ago when trying to get into my 2001 rio the drivers side door lock stuck. I took it to the dealership and waited 2 weeks for the replacement part. Now I am having the same problem with my passenger door. car IS no longer under warranty, so I am unable to use my passenger side door. Also…
Two years ago when trying to get into my 2001 rio the drivers side door lock stuck. I took it to the dealership and waited 2 weeks for the replacement part. Now I am having the same problem with my passenger door. car IS no longer under warranty, so I am unable to use my passenger side door. Also car stalls when it rains and shakes really bad when it does run. I have to get a ride when it rains, interior lights don't work, bumper has come loose....continual problems with spark plugs, and leaks oil. *Jb
- Structure › Frame and members
I have a KIA rio. Stock #06520901,case 0067, model K32B na3,year 2001, vinknadc1234165xxxxx ra, motor asd21403 color bi. The compact base that holds the radiator split at the center. The two sides of this base broke in two. my husband talked to various persons who also have a KIA. to his…
I have a KIA rio. Stock #06520901,case 0067, model K32B na3,year 2001, vinknadc1234165xxxxx ra, motor asd21403 color bi. The compact base that holds the radiator split at the center. The two sides of this base broke in two. my husband talked to various persons who also have a KIA. to his surprise, they all told him, "these cars must have come with a defect because the same base IS also broken on my car". so far, 4 persons owing a KIA have had this problem . I felt I should report this because as I was running on the highway the car started to make a cackling sound. I stopped the car and called my husband. he arrived and checked the car and showed me the broken base. it split at the center and broke off of both sides of the base. I was really hair raised because if any the parts involved would had come down, definitely, it would have cause a terrible accident. please let me know because my husband sent the part to be soldered but I feel unsecured. *nm
- Fuel system, gasoline · Power train › Automatic transmission · Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing · Visibility · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Driving in traffic, made right turn into driveway at 30 mph and the engine died, steering was now unassisted. I rolled the car into a parking spot. the car started upon my return to the car. this has happened at least 6 other times since I've owned the vehicle. the car has less than 60, 000…
Driving in traffic, made right turn into driveway at 30 mph and the engine died, steering was now unassisted. I rolled the car into a parking spot. the car started upon my return to the car. this has happened at least 6 other times since I've owned the vehicle. the car has less than 60, 000 miles and has amassed numerous repair issues: failure of automatic transmission; rear wheel bearing replacement; defective side mirror that screams at high speeds/freeway driving w/windy conditions; sun visors which do not adhere to placement; and windshield washer pump failure. upon acquiring the vehicle this was the first problem I took the car in for repair. and on subsequent visits, it has been an issue, but the problem persists. *Nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
2001 KIA rio with engine failure**nar**cc *jb
- Power train › Clutch assembly
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph and depressing the clutch pedal, the gear shifter would not change gears and control of the vehicle was lost. it crashed into a curb and the engine stalled. the vehicle was restarted and the engine stalled again. the vehicle was towed to an…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 mph and depressing the clutch pedal, the gear shifter would not change gears and control of the vehicle was lost. it crashed into a curb and the engine stalled. the vehicle was restarted and the engine stalled again. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where the clutch plate was replaced and to another independent repair shop, who determined the clutch assembly was detached from the fire wall. there were repairs made to reattach the clutch assembly. the dealer was not contacted.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Suspension · Vehicle speed control
01 rio IS a lemon & safety hazard. many major repairs done including the timing belt & valves rebuilt, new cooling system, both control arms & boots. wheel defect recently recalled caused excess wear/ tear on control arms, boots, alignment, tires, costing thousands of avoidable repairs. Fuel…
01 rio IS a lemon & safety hazard. many major repairs done including the timing belt & valves rebuilt, new cooling system, both control arms & boots. wheel defect recently recalled caused excess wear/ tear on control arms, boots, alignment, tires, costing thousands of avoidable repairs. Fuel intake did come lose, nearly causing an engine fire due to defective part which was recalled. it continuously misfires, engine knocks, stalls. ecm was recalled but didn't fix the problem. replaced spark plugs & wires (3 times in 6 months), ignition coil, sensors (oxygen, knock, crankshaft, temp). it stops for a 1-2 days, then comes back. annoying & dangerous. also has acceleration problem. at times, it won't go over 40 mph & also accelerates by itself. brakes have completely failed, though there's no crack in the line, no leaking fluid. The car IS a complete lemon. online, there are hundreds of similar complaints. dealers are aware but conveniently can't seem to diagnose the problems especially misfiring. consumers get nickel & dimed doing needless repairs that don't fix the problem. The optima had similar problems w/crankshaft pos. Sensor which was recalled, but dealer denies any relation to problems with the rio. Another problem - lack of availability & high cost of parts. its bait/switch to sell a car with known problems, then guess at needless repairs & sell parts at an astronomical markup. it's cheap to buy, but repair costs make it very expensive. research shows misfiring/engine knock has also led to engine fires. also problems with air bags. my airbag light has been on since purchased, but dealer has yet to fix it. Also door locking problems, people being locked in vehicles. my drivers door locks by itself (manual locks). In case of engine fire or accident, a lock malfunction could cause unnecessary death/injury. These are known problems with hundreds of complaints, yet KIA has done nothing to address them. the 01 rio IS a lemon and safety hazard. *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Steel wheel fracture
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 from may 12 through october 17, 2000.wheels were manufactured…
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 from may 12 through october 17, 2000.wheels were manufactured during this period using a tool (ring die) that had improper surface treatment.this allowed tool damage to develop with accumulated use and resulted in an irregular shaped stamping on the wheel disc at the hat area.the irregular shaped hat area creates a stress riser that may lead to the formation of cracks.odi IS aware of 40 non-duplicative consumer reports alleging wheel fracture, 6 of which alleged wheel separation incidents on the subject vehicles.as of march 31, 2005, KIA motors america, inc. (KIA) has paid 535 warranty claims for the replacement of one or more wheels on the subject vehicles due to fracture.by letter dated april 18, 2005, KIA has notified odi that it will conduct a safety recall (nthsa recall no. 05V-159) to replace defective wheels in approximately 24,119 subject vehicles.kia will replace all four steel wheels free of charge.the action taken by KIA IS sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.
- 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 12 and october 18, 2000.wheels were manufactured during this…
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 12 and october 18, 2000.wheels were manufactured during this period using a tool (ring die) that had improper surface treatment.this allowed tool damage to develop with accumulated use and resulted in an irregular shaped stamping on the wheel disc at the hat area.the irregular shaped hat area creates a stress riser that may lead to the formation of cracks.odi IS aware of 30 non-duplicative consumer reports alleging wheel fracture and 3 alleged wheel separation incidents on the subject vehicles.kia has paid 576 warranty claims for wheel replacement on the subject vehicles.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea04-020) to further study the scope and safety consequences of this issue.
- Fuel rail leakage
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 engineering analysis on august 28, 2003.on september 22, 2003…
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 engineering analysis on august 28, 2003.on september 22, 2003, the manufacturer notified the agency that it would conduct a safety recall (03v-352) to inspect the subject vehicles for fuel leaks.an information request (ir) letter was submitted to the manufacturer on november 17, 2003 to obtain additional information so that the office could evaluate the defect as reported by kia.the ir letter also addressed other KIA vehicles not subject to this investigation that use fuel delivery system components identical to the subject vehicles but were not included in recall 03v-352.kia?s september 22, 2003 defect notification letter identified quality deviations in the subject components that could result in fuel leakage.during my 2001 production, the supplier of the fuel rail (fuel distributor assembly) identified quality issues that affected the integrity of plastic welds at the service port and/or fuel intake nipple.fuel leakage could also occur if the brass service port (schrader) valve was not properly installed into the valve receptacle.the supplier adopted changes to remedy the problem and instituted a 100% inspection procedure.subsequent to this investigation, KIA also conducted performance testing and analysis of warranty and complaint data.kia determined that the fuel rail IS subject to fracture at the intake nipple during the assembly process or vehicle servicing.damage may occur when the flexible fuel line (main fuel tube assembly) quick connect coupling IS improperly attached or removed from the fuel rail, or when excessive force IS otherwise applied.odi IS aware of 9 non-duplicate, non-crash engine compartment fires caused by fuel system leaks and an additional 14 fires of unknown cause that may be related to the defect in the subject vehicles.odi IS also aware 6 fires in my 2002 and 3 fires in my 2003 rio/rio cinco vehicles that may be related to the defect.to reduce the possibility of fuel rail damage, KIA has redesigned the fuel rail to include a steel intake nipple, and the attaching fuel line quick connect coupling has been changed to facilitate easier servicing.on april 7, 2004, KIA notified the agency that it would conduct a safety recall (04v-179) to replace these two components free of charge for owners of all my 2001-2004 KIA rio and rio cinco vehicles produced from may 4, 2000 through march 31, 2004.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.
- 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 injector rail (p/n 0k30e 13 150) in the passenger side area of…
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 injector rail (p/n 0k30e 13 150) in the passenger side area of the engine compartment.the remaining fires were due to varied or unknown causes.all 9 fires caused by a fuel system leak sustained severe and total damage.analysis indicates that 1 fire was caused by a failed quick connect between the flexible high-pressure fuel supply line (p/n 0k32a 13 49XB) and the rigid line mounted to the firewall; 5 fires were caused by a failure of the flexible high-pressure fuel supply line itself or its related connectors; the remaining 3 fires were caused by unspecified fuel leaks in the vicinity of the fuel injector rail, flexible high-pressure fuel supply line, and the rigid line mounted to the firewall.kia reports that neither the fuel injector rail nor the flexible high-pressure fuel supply line has been substantially modified since their introduction in the 2001 model year.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea03-015) so that odi may collect additional information and conduct further study of this issue.
- 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 which the automotive restraint controller issued a command…
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 which the automotive restraint controller issued a command to deploy but the air bags did not deploy.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See attached summary report
- 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 engineering analysis has been opened to conduct further analysis of the subject vehicle's air bag system.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201529TECHNICAL 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 information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
- 10183431TSB - 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. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device
- 10133170PITSTOP - 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.
- 10109812TSB: 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.
- 10109777TSB: 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.?
- 10091489Tsb: 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.
- 10026726KIA: 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.
- 10024032Rio (bc) engine hard to start, runs rough and stalls -- what to check -- crank position sensor (ckp) tone ring.
- 10016737Techline faqs. KIA technician times. Volume 8, issue 4.
- 10015755Vacuum leak after tsb sc036. KIA technician times.
- 10015272Improved timing belts for the KIA rio and optima.
- 10015255Steel 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.
- 10013878Rear brake noise.
- 10007265Pending recall relating to the fuel distributor and fuel connector assemblies. KIA has expanded the range of affected vehicles.
- 10005653This 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.
- 10005649Voluntary 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.
- 10005614This 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.
- 632302A logic change in the transmission control module (tcm).
- 615654Subject regarding 14 inch alloy wheel option.
- 615646This bulletin provides information on a service campaign to install a revised automatic transmission cooler hose on some models.
- 615645A logic change in the transmission control module (tcm).
Every KIA Rio model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.