2002 KIA Rio
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2002 KIA Rio. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2002 KIA Rio. Newest first.
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.
Owner complaints
128 complaints25 involved a crash6 involved a fire27 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Wheels
I have had the berings replaced 2 times in the passenger side two times now and its doing it again the other side was done first . The car just stopped dead in the road and I could not get it to move before I got it fixed the time before this . I dont have the money to keep fixing this same problem…
I have had the berings replaced 2 times in the passenger side two times now and its doing it again the other side was done first . The car just stopped dead in the road and I could not get it to move before I got it fixed the time before this . I dont have the money to keep fixing this same problem the car has been sitting for months now . I got the car to finally move backwards so I drove it backwards to the spot its in got it fixed . And for the third time its happening again.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2002 KIA rio. While driving 30 mph, the vehicle was involved in a front end crash. The front driver side air bag deployed aggressively and metal fragments struck the contact's face. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a head laceration that required stitches, a…
TL* the contact owned a 2002 KIA rio. While driving 30 mph, the vehicle was involved in a front end crash. The front driver side air bag deployed aggressively and metal fragments struck the contact's face. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a head laceration that required stitches, a broken nose, and a hand injury. Medical attention was required. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the salvage yard and deemed destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown. ...updated 7/19/16*bf *js
- Engine
I just got my car fixed on mon. 8/25/14. I took it in because it was idling rough. The shop put in new spark plugs and wires. It cost me $180. I drove it home. It was smooth. Then I drove to downtown akron, about 15 miles, to a hike. When I was almost there, my car just went dead while I was…
I just got my car fixed on mon. 8/25/14. I took it in because it was idling rough. The shop put in new spark plugs and wires. It cost me $180. I drove it home. It was smooth. Then I drove to downtown akron, about 15 miles, to a hike. When I was almost there, my car just went dead while I was driving. I pulled over and parked off the busy road onto a parking lot (part of/by akron university). The car was dead. It made a clicking noise when I tried to start it. I called aaa and they didn't know what was wrong (it had a brand new 6 year battery in it). They towed me back to the shop that had worked on it earlier that day - 15 miles. the next day, 8/26/14, the shop told me the timing belt broke and it ruined the engine. They said kia's have an interference motor. When the belt breaks, it breaks off all the pistons (something like that) and ruins the motor. It can't be fixed. I have to buy a new motor $2000 apprx, or a new car. I live alone and don't have the money for either. I was counting on this car to last me 2-3 more years. A couple of different garages told me it looked good and should last that long at least. I was going to start saving for a new car. this IS very unethical of KIA. They should not be allowed to make/sell a car that has a motor that self-destructs. I've had other cars and the timing belt broke, but it did not ruin the motor. They just replaced the timing belt. This IS horrible! I had no idea, no warning! All the shop I took it to never said a thing! KIA should not be allowed to do this. They should at least have to warn you about it! I have a manual and I never saw anything about it in there. My chevy manual had the miles and what you need to do at those miles. The KIA book does not. I had no idea!! This should be illegal! Total rip off! *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
Slowing to turn into gas station, rear axle broke do to excessive rust rot. The body on this car had stated to rust at 8000 miles, rear frame has excessive rust rot also. Numerous other KIA rio owners are reporting this issue this IS alarming I could have slammed into the gas pumps as the brakes locked do to severing a brake line. *tr
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA rio. The contact stated that the rear driver and passenger's side seat belts would not retract. The contact inspected the seat belts and discovered that part of the seat belt was disintegrated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA rio. The contact stated that when refueling the vehicle, fuel would spew back out from the filler neck. In addition, the contact stated that a strong gasoline fuel odor was constantly present within the vehicle after refueling. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA rio. The contact stated that when refueling the vehicle, fuel would spew back out from the filler neck. In addition, the contact stated that a strong gasoline fuel odor was constantly present within the vehicle after refueling. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 04v179000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery) but was advised by the dealer that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall prior to the purchase of the vehicle. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 107,000. updated 03/16/12 *bf updated 03/30/12
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
2002 KIA rio. Consumer states timing belt failed *tgw the consumer stated the timing belt failed for a second time at 59,059 and destroyed the second engine. the consumer was informed the vehicle would not be covered under warranty, because the original timing belt was not replaced at the proper…
2002 KIA rio. Consumer states timing belt failed *tgw the consumer stated the timing belt failed for a second time at 59,059 and destroyed the second engine. the consumer was informed the vehicle would not be covered under warranty, because the original timing belt was not replaced at the proper mileage. The consumer stated the original timing belt was replaced at 53,668 and the replacement belt failed at 59,059 before the recommended 60,000. A KIA representative informed the consumer the warranty only extended to the original engine, not the replacement engine. *Jb
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA rio. The contact noticed that the rear seat belt was fractured. The dealer informed the contact that it was her responsibility repair the vehicle. The manufacturer had not been notified. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 93,458 and the current mileage was unknown. The vin was unavailable. Updated 09/01/2011 *ln
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2002 KIA rio. The contact stated that the rear seat belts were failing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that they could repair the seat belts at the contact's expense. There were no recalls for the vehicle and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,458.
- Engine and engine cooling
We were just 10 minutes driving from home, when we saw the smoke coming from front of the car. We were approaching the light so the speed was about 10 miles . Within 5/6 meters we stopped in turn line and turned off the engine. The smoke got more and more. So we get out of the car and we were just…
We were just 10 minutes driving from home, when we saw the smoke coming from front of the car. We were approaching the light so the speed was about 10 miles . Within 5/6 meters we stopped in turn line and turned off the engine. The smoke got more and more. So we get out of the car and we were just shocked. Somebody told us call 911 and we did and we called fire fighters as well. During that period fire was coming out of the bonnet and other cars were around us. I was just afraid of explosion . In couple of minutes police came and block the road. Then fire fighters came and put the fire out. But our car was totally damaged and out of order. We towed it to the auto body and some days later they told can't do anything with it.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I got the second hand 2002 KIA rio 4 months ago . Me and my wife were driving for 1 mile when the smell of smoke came and in the couple of seconds there was smoke came from the bonnet. I switched off and tried to open the bonnet but the smoke got more and more ,so we left the car immediately and…
I got the second hand 2002 KIA rio 4 months ago . Me and my wife were driving for 1 mile when the smell of smoke came and in the couple of seconds there was smoke came from the bonnet. I switched off and tried to open the bonnet but the smoke got more and more ,so we left the car immediately and we saw flames came from right part of the bonnet. We were just shocked and scared of fire. We called 911 and firefighters and in less than ten minutes front part of the car was totally ruined. Looking optimistically there was no injury at all . But how about the next one! Can everybody be lucky as we were?! We were just in the middle of the turn line in middle of the street , so other cars were around us I can not imagine what could happened if I was in freeway or if my wife was alone!? *Tr
- Latches/locks/linkages
Drive side door will not unlock, and therefore, will not open. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 KIA rio. While the contact was driving approximately 2-5 mph in the residence driveway, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where they informed that the failure was related to the timing belt. The technician advised that the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 KIA rio. While the contact was driving approximately 2-5 mph in the residence driveway, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where they informed that the failure was related to the timing belt. The technician advised that the engine would need to be replaced. Also, previously the spark plugs, and crank shaft position sensor were replaced by the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the compliant. The failure mileage was 103,000. updated 01/14/11 *bf updated 03/01/11 updated 04/1511
- Latches/locks/linkages · Seat belts
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 KIA rio. The contact stated that the driver side front seat belt would not buckle and the passenger side front seat belt anchor fell apart. The driver side front door lock would not unlock with the key or from the inside of the door. KIA was contacted and stated that…
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 KIA rio. The contact stated that the driver side front seat belt would not buckle and the passenger side front seat belt anchor fell apart. The driver side front door lock would not unlock with the key or from the inside of the door. KIA was contacted and stated that there was nothing they could do. the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000. The current mileage was approximately 182,000. The vin was unknown. updated 11/05/10. *Lj
- Service brakes, hydraulic
T proportioning valve IS leaking on my 2002 KIA, loosing all brake fluid. KIA dealer said this IS a common problem they can repair for $230.00. the proportioning valve should not fail on any car. has this been reported before? I feel this should be a warranty item and possibly a dealer recall, what can you tell me? *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
While my daughter was driving her 2002 KIA rio, all of a sudden the car just stopped running and would not start up. There was no prior indication that anything was wrong - no light or indicators on. Had it towed to our mechanic - engine was locked up. He didn't know for sure why - oil and coolant…
While my daughter was driving her 2002 KIA rio, all of a sudden the car just stopped running and would not start up. There was no prior indication that anything was wrong - no light or indicators on. Had it towed to our mechanic - engine was locked up. He didn't know for sure why - oil and coolant were fine. We didn't want to pay to have the reason diagnosed, as it doesn't really matter what caused it - the motor IS shot. This car has been regularly maintained - oil change every 3000 miles, regular service as recommended in the book. We had to have the transmission replaced two years ago, as it just decided to die also. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
KIA rio 2002 the check engine light will not go out I took it to get check out.everything IS fine.there IS nothing wrong.they reset the check engine light and it came back on.i was told buy a KIA dealer ship it IS a manufacturer defect. And nothing can be done.this IS been going on for four years now. I have to get the check every time the inspection IS do and have the light reset. So I can pass the inspection. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
The car began to run hot when I would be briefly stopped for instance in a drive through restaurant or a longer traffic light. Once the car began to move the car cooled down. I had a mechanic friend do a tune up on my car. He said the fan has no blades they have disintegrated. This was of concern due to the fact there has been no injury to my car such as an animal in the engine. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Going at 80KM an hour in peak friday afternoon traffic on the highway I rear ended another car and my airbag did not deploy. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Original owner of 2002 KIA rio - timing belt failed at 93,000 miles causing total engine failure (interference engine). timing belt IS covered under warranty for 100,000 miles for original owner according to the manual. KIA would not honor warranty. several thousand dollars later, I had a…
Original owner of 2002 KIA rio - timing belt failed at 93,000 miles causing total engine failure (interference engine). timing belt IS covered under warranty for 100,000 miles for original owner according to the manual. KIA would not honor warranty. several thousand dollars later, I had a replacement engine installed. it failed 2,300 miles later due to the camshaft shearing and the interference problems. again, not covered under warranty. *tr
- Suspension
My car pulls hard to the right when I press the gas pedal and I have to turn the steering wheel to the left to compensate for that. As soon as I pull my foot from the gas pedal, the car immediately goes to the left and I have to bring the steering wheel to the normal position. This happens 100% of…
My car pulls hard to the right when I press the gas pedal and I have to turn the steering wheel to the left to compensate for that. As soon as I pull my foot from the gas pedal, the car immediately goes to the left and I have to bring the steering wheel to the normal position. This happens 100% of the time. I feel this IS a potentially dangerous situation since I have to pay close attention to the timing in order to keep the car straight at higher speeds. I am the first owner of the car and the car was properly maintained by my local mechanic (i have records of even oil changes) and even after alignment and tire change for the problem by a KIA dealer, the problem IS still there. I've been to 2 different KIA dealers and I was told this IS a "normal" situation in these kinds of cars and it happens to "all of them at high mileage". I also tried to reach the regional office and after numerous phone calls I didn't get a response from there yet. the car IS at 98,000 miles and I've had the problem for about more than 3 months. I believe KIA either should honor their 100K mile warranty or if it IS happening to "all of them" and it IS "normal" they should move their official warranty lower (for example 80K miles etc.) or they should warn the consumer about this "normal" situation with big letters in their advertisements and manuals. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I have taken my 2002 KIA rio to a certified reputable mechanic. his determination of the faulty engine was due to the fact of a inferior timing belt. his statement was that the timing belt gave out and the engine IS designed so that basically when this happens the crankshaft and valves ruin…
I have taken my 2002 KIA rio to a certified reputable mechanic. his determination of the faulty engine was due to the fact of a inferior timing belt. his statement was that the timing belt gave out and the engine IS designed so that basically when this happens the crankshaft and valves ruin itself due to the broken timing belt. this happening leaves me with basically a $2,000 dollar loss all because of maybe a $100 part. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Our KIA rio was involved in a front end collision where the air bags failed to deploy at over 40 miles an hour. It's by the grace of god we didn't find this out in a faster collision costing someone their life. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Module · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
2002 KIA rio, purchased new and maintained in excellent condition with regular maintenance. Had 61,000 miles and while driving, my daughter smelled something burning, engine light came on and at the same time, smoke was coming in through the air vents. she immediately pulled over, stopped the car…
2002 KIA rio, purchased new and maintained in excellent condition with regular maintenance. Had 61,000 miles and while driving, my daughter smelled something burning, engine light came on and at the same time, smoke was coming in through the air vents. she immediately pulled over, stopped the car and removed her keys. the ignition started on its own and the car engine erupted into flames. The car IS totally destroyed. fire and highway patrol reports were taken at the scene and car was towed to KIA dealership in clovis ca. service manager stated he had taken pictures and became investigation. When I went in to see the car and take pictures, the service team was completely apathetic and rude. I made a call to KIA consumer affairs, and found that the report had not been submitted. the individual at KIA consumer affairs was extremely helpful and attempted to call the dealership as well. her calls were not returned. my daughter was extremely lucky and only suffered first degree burns to the face, and smoke inhalation that exacerbated her asthma. according to the fire investigator, the fire was caused by an over-filling of transmission fluid by 1 quart. The consumer stated when she saw the vehicle the day after, there was no fluid anywhere. the consumer believed there was a defect with the vehicle possibly related to a recall, which was supposedly had been taken care of at the dealership. *jb updated 06/21/07. *Jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 KIA rio. the contact smelled something burning and noticed the vehicle was on fire while parked. the fire was contained to underneath the hood and was extinguished by the contact. the vehicle was destroyed. no police report was filed. the vehicle was not diagnosed by the dealer/manufacturer. the purchase date and engine size were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 60,000.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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
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.
- 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.
Every KIA Rio model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.