2004 KIA Rio
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2004 KIA Rio. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2004 KIA Rio. Newest first.
Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, 'child restraint anchorage systems.' certain child restraint anchors will not fully latch onto the lower latch anchors located between the rear seat back and rear seat cushion because of interference between the child seat anchors and a metal…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, if the child seat IS not properly installed, personal injury or death could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the lower anchors free of charge. the recall began on january 30, 2006. 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.
Owner complaints
38 complaints4 involved a crash2 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
I bought this car used a little less than a week ago. There was a thumping noise under the hood so I took the car to the dealer twice for this issue. I looked under the hood tonight and found a bunch of pieces that are not bolted down and the battery is completely unsecured and can move around…
I bought this car used a little less than a week ago. There was a thumping noise under the hood so I took the car to the dealer twice for this issue. I looked under the hood tonight and found a bunch of pieces that are not bolted down and the battery is completely unsecured and can move around freely. It’s horribly unsafe because the battery being loose can affect the entire car and the parts that aren’t bolted in place are causing major issues with the AC and other systems.
- Unknown or other
My wife got locked in her car in the garage at home. there IS a spring on the door latch that holds up a lever, that broke, causing the lever to drop and jam the lock lever. when she tried to unlock her door it would not release and the auto lock function kept the other doors locked too. we…
My wife got locked in her car in the garage at home. there IS a spring on the door latch that holds up a lever, that broke, causing the lever to drop and jam the lock lever. when she tried to unlock her door it would not release and the auto lock function kept the other doors locked too. we were able to use my key to quickly unlock and open the passenger side door and get out by crawling over the center console. a simple google search found a few thousand entries showing this same issue with other KIA rios and optimas where people are getting stuck in their cars.
- Unknown or other
Takata recall 2004 KIA rio locks in car broken unable to unlock and get out the car I don't know if there IS something wrong with the locking system and it has become a major problem
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA rio. While driving various speeds, there was an abnormal noise underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to multiple independent mechanics and a dealer on numerous occasions where it was diagnosed that the front driver side wheel bearing needed to replaced. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA rio. While driving various speeds, there was an abnormal noise underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to multiple independent mechanics and a dealer on numerous occasions where it was diagnosed that the front driver side wheel bearing needed to replaced. The wheel bearing was replaced multiple times; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Wheels
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA rio. While driving approximately 50 mph, the wheel bearing and the hub from both rear wheels detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA rio. While driving approximately 50 mph, the wheel bearing and the hub from both rear wheels detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the rear tire bearings were previously replaced multiple times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 163,000.
- Latches/locks/linkages
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA rio. the contact stated that the drivers side door failed to open when using the key or by manually pulling the lock. The contact mentioned that in order to enter the vehicle she had to do so through the front passengers door. The manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 84,000.
- Visibility/wiper
Tl-the contact ct owns a 2004 KIA rio. The contact stated that the windshield defroster and heating system failed. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the windshield defroster and heat button had to be held in to be able to have the windshield defrost and heat system operate. the…
Tl-the contact ct owns a 2004 KIA rio. The contact stated that the windshield defroster and heating system failed. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the windshield defroster and heat button had to be held in to be able to have the windshield defrost and heat system operate. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was not available. the failure and current mileage was 87,050. Li
- Latches/locks/linkages
TL* the contact owns a 2004 KIA rio. The contact stated that the manual door locks on both the interior and exterior front driver's side doors would not release. The contact had to enter the vehicle through the front passenger side door and exit in the same manner. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 21,599.
- Power train
Vehicle was purchased used approximately 2 years ago. On the approximate incident date, the clutch pedal failed to actuate the clutch after producing a loud noise. Inspection at a repair facility revealed failure in several clutch components and a metal fatigue failure in the clutch and brake pedal…
Vehicle was purchased used approximately 2 years ago. On the approximate incident date, the clutch pedal failed to actuate the clutch after producing a loud noise. Inspection at a repair facility revealed failure in several clutch components and a metal fatigue failure in the clutch and brake pedal support bracket. I am filing this complaint on behalf of my daughter for the failed support bracket, which I have in my possession.
- Fuel system, gasoline
The car caught on fire, KIA says they sent a notification to the original owner, years ago. we feel that we were entitled to a recall notice before the car burned down. we feel this IS not a small recall, it was a fire, a fire IS very dangerous and can burn and kill people. we had 22 kias rios…
The car caught on fire, KIA says they sent a notification to the original owner, years ago. we feel that we were entitled to a recall notice before the car burned down. we feel this IS not a small recall, it was a fire, a fire IS very dangerous and can burn and kill people. we had 22 kias rios in our fleet and never received recall notices on any of them. KIA did send notices to the original owner however they had the information as to which cars received the recommended repairs and which cars never came in, there needs to be some follow up. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Our car caught on fire. KIA says that recall notices were sent out to the previous owner to take the car to a KIA dealer for repairs. notice was sent out years ago (2002). KIA knew that the repairs were never done because no dealership had billed KIA for repairs. for nine (9) years this car was…
Our car caught on fire. KIA says that recall notices were sent out to the previous owner to take the car to a KIA dealer for repairs. notice was sent out years ago (2002). KIA knew that the repairs were never done because no dealership had billed KIA for repairs. for nine (9) years this car was on the road without a safety recall being performed for fire. for nine years we registered this car and KIA made no attempt to find out who owns the vehicle. KIA IS being very unethical because they say that a notice was sent out (one notice) and now they have done their obligation. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
I was at a stop sign and my 2004 KIA rio died , I pushed it to the mechanic and was told the timing belt lost its teeth and there IS now no compression in 3 and 4 , the mileage on car IS 68040. I was told basically the engine IS toast and I wasn't even moving ,i was told by a couple of mechanics…
I was at a stop sign and my 2004 KIA rio died , I pushed it to the mechanic and was told the timing belt lost its teeth and there IS now no compression in 3 and 4 , the mileage on car IS 68040. I was told basically the engine IS toast and I wasn't even moving ,i was told by a couple of mechanics that the belt that KIA used IS faulty . The owners manual says replace 60,000 miles but replace it 105,000 in california. How would a belt be bad in 49 states except california. I found on auto md .com nhtsa action #10015272 service bulletin # 289221 report dating jan 1 2005 improved timing belts for 04 rio and optima . *tr
- Electrical system
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 KIA rio. The contact was driving at various speeds. The engine completely stalled and the entire electrical system failed without warning. The engine would restart after waiting for approximately one minute. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 KIA rio. The contact was driving at various speeds. The engine completely stalled and the entire electrical system failed without warning. The engine would restart after waiting for approximately one minute. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to locate the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
- Suspension
The left lower control arm came loose from the car, pulling the cv axle out of place. the left lower control arm was bolted back into place and the cv axle shaft was repaired. *Tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 KIA rio. When the contact approached a stop light, the vehicle began accelerating and a noise was present in the front of the vehicle. The transmission was replaced on three occasions within the last 1000 miles. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The current mileage was 55700 and the failure mileage was 30000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 KIA rio. while pulling up to a parking lot at 20 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. the contact attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. she was near a tire shop at the time and the mechanic stated that the timing belt failed. She had the vehicle towed to…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 KIA rio. while pulling up to a parking lot at 20 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. the contact attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. she was near a tire shop at the time and the mechanic stated that the timing belt failed. She had the vehicle towed to an auto repair shop and was informed that the timing belt failed and the engine valves needed to be replaced. the manufacturer stated that she would be responsible for the repairs. the vehicle IS in the process of being repaired, but the contact believes that the timing belt should not have failed within five years. the vin was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 80,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I have a 2004 KIA rio. I had no problems with this vehicle till the month of october when it failed inspection for emissions. I took it to the shop and it took a while before they found out it was a sensor. so then I had the car back for a week and my husband who drives the car everyday was…
I have a 2004 KIA rio. I had no problems with this vehicle till the month of october when it failed inspection for emissions. I took it to the shop and it took a while before they found out it was a sensor. so then I had the car back for a week and my husband who drives the car everyday was driving home from work heard a loud noise and the car died. come to find out the timing belt went on the vehicle. which come to find out you are suppose to change these at 60,000 according to their book. when we bought the rio we also bought a KIA spectra. so of course we took the spectra in right away to get a new belt so we wouldn't have 2 cars down. that cost 677.00. I had 78,000 on the spectra and there was 83,000 on the rio. I investigated this problem come to find out alot of people had this problem so KIA knows about it. I then checked the technical bulletins and found that in january 0F 2005 there was a bulletin item number 10015272. it says they improved the timing belts for the KIA rio and optima. well they didn't improve it for my car. when the timing belt went it blew the engine. we are so made and when we took my spectra in to be done and told them what happened to the rio they said that's to bad. we now have our car at another garage and are trying to get KIA to pay for another engine. what do you think my chances are? I am at work now and I do not have the vin number, if you email me then later tonight I can forward the vin number to you. *Tr
- Power train › Manual transmission
On friday, 8/22/08, the vehicle stalled after being driven for less than a quarter of a mile from my home and in a 25 m.p.h. Zone. on monday 8/25/08, I had the vehicle towed to the dealership where I purchased the vehicle. there I met with the service technician. the service technician felt that…
On friday, 8/22/08, the vehicle stalled after being driven for less than a quarter of a mile from my home and in a 25 m.p.h. Zone. on monday 8/25/08, I had the vehicle towed to the dealership where I purchased the vehicle. there I met with the service technician. the service technician felt that the timing belt may have failed and that the event would likely not be covered under my warranty because, as the customer, I should have had the timing belt replaced at 60,000 miles. my vehicle had 79,418 miles at the time the vehicle stalled. my 2004 KIA rio has an interference engine and no adequate warning of the probability of a timing belt failure was expressed or posted by KIA. my engine has completely failed because the timing belt stripped. it will cost $1,200.00 to $2,000.00 to replace the motor in this automobile. *Tr
- Suspension › Front › Stabilizer bar
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 KIA rio. while driving between 50-55 mph uphill, the vehicle began weaving, vibrating, and shaking. the failure recurred the same day. the dealer confirmed that the lateral stabilizer bar failed. the vehicle IS currently at the dealer, awaiting the parts to arrive. the contact has pictures. the current and failure mileages were 76,243.
- Air bags
The car was in an accident and the air bags never deployed on the driver side or the passenger side. Nothing was done to fix it .the car now has to have the whole front end fixed and need to have them checked to see why they didn't deploy. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Service brakes, hydraulic
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 KIA rio cinco. while driving 30, 45, or 55 mph, the vehicle stalled and shut off without warning. the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and the diagnostic showed that nothing was wrong. the manufacture stated that the investigation was closed since the dealer…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 KIA rio cinco. while driving 30, 45, or 55 mph, the vehicle stalled and shut off without warning. the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and the diagnostic showed that nothing was wrong. the manufacture stated that the investigation was closed since the dealer could find no failure with the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 53,015. updated 01-14-08. *kb the rotors were resurfaced and the drums were rotated. Updated 12/12/07. *Jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 KIA rio. the contact was involved in a head-on crash while driving 25 mph. the air bags failed to deploy. the vehicle was destroyed. the contact sustained major injuries while wearing his seat belt. a police report was filed. no other vehicle information was available.
- Engine and engine cooling
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70 mph on normal road conditions a lost of engine power was noticed. There were no engine warning lights to alert the contact of an engine problem. the vehicle was taken to an independent certified mechanic who determined the engine blew out due to the…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70 mph on normal road conditions a lost of engine power was noticed. There were no engine warning lights to alert the contact of an engine problem. the vehicle was taken to an independent certified mechanic who determined the engine blew out due to the presence of coolant mixed with the engine oil and recommended engine peplacement. The dealership and manufacturer have not been contacted. the vehicle remained inoperable. the contact was concern because the vehicle has been under regular maintenace since the purchase date
- Engine and engine cooling
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle continuously stalled. the vehicle was taken to the service dealer six times but the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. updated 12/01/06. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
Dt*: the contact stated the engine's timing belt chipped and dented an engine piston. the service dealer determined the engine needed to be replaced.
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.
- 10007265Pending recall relating to the fuel distributor and fuel connector assemblies. KIA has expanded the range of affected vehicles.
Every KIA Rio model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.