2005 KIA Rio
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
These records cover every 2005 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 2005 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.
Owner complaints
37 complaints4 involved a crash4 involved a fire8 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
On [XXX], while driving my 2005 Kia Rio northbound on [XXX] across the [XXX], I was coming from a meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, and heading toward Jeffersonville, Indiana. While I was driving, the hood (bonnet) of my vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly flipped up and slammed into the windshield.…
On [XXX], while driving my 2005 Kia Rio northbound on [XXX] across the [XXX], I was coming from a meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, and heading toward Jeffersonville, Indiana. While I was driving, the hood (bonnet) of my vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly flipped up and slammed into the windshield. The hood struck the windshield with such force that it completely shattered the windshield and became lodged against it, completely obstructing my forward view. The impact was also severe enough to bend and break the hood at multiple points around its hinges. I have never experienced or seen anything like this before. Despite having my forward view completely obstructed, I was able to use my side mirrors and rearview mirror to navigate the vehicle onto the shoulder of the highway/bridge and bring it to a stop. The [XXX] is a major, multi-lane highway with significant traffic. Because the hood suddenly obstructed my view while I was driving on the bridge, the incident created an extremely dangerous situation and could have resulted in a catastrophic multiple-vehicle accident. Immediately following the incident, I was in a state of shock and remained gripping the steering wheel, unable to move. Shortly thereafter, a man driving a van pulled over onto the shoulder and asked whether I was okay. He then helped by lowering the hood of my vehicle back down from where it was stuck against the windshield. Following the incident, I took my 2005 Kia Rio to the Kia Store dealership in Clarksville, Indiana, where the service manager oversaw the inspection of my vehicle. I have also reported the incident directly to Kia America. Kia America is currently reviewing my complaint, and I have provided Kia with videos showing the vehicle and the incident. At the time of submitting this report, several weeks have passed and Kia’s review is still ongoing. Video: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Air bags · Power train · Steering
I was driving on public street loss control due to a pot hole in the street the car lost control flipping sliding then flip up right till it came to a stop on apt wall then when it was all over and done the airbag deployed go off on my arm right arm giving me second to third degree burns the…
I was driving on public street loss control due to a pot hole in the street the car lost control flipping sliding then flip up right till it came to a stop on apt wall then when it was all over and done the airbag deployed go off on my arm right arm giving me second to third degree burns the purpose of the air bag ? I have broken back car was totaled now I got chronic pain everyday I lost my car am limited on mobilebility was going get screws placed on my back and un able to set walk or stand do to chronic pain
- Air bags · Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA rio. The contact stated that the air bag and seat belt warning lights randomly flashed. The vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 12v244000 (air bags); however, the contact did not receive a recall notification. The vehicle was to be taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
When the car IS exposed to moisture, either from underneath by driving through a small puddle or from above in a rainstorm, the engine compartment gets wet and causes the serpentine belt to slip. This results in sudden loss of power steering and alternator failure, which can lead to the car's power…
When the car IS exposed to moisture, either from underneath by driving through a small puddle or from above in a rainstorm, the engine compartment gets wet and causes the serpentine belt to slip. This results in sudden loss of power steering and alternator failure, which can lead to the car's power cutting out in the middle of the road. this IS an obvious driving hazard, but I am told that this IS a common issue due to the construction of the engine compartment in KIA vehicles rather than a precipitating mechanical failure causing it.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA rio. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact had to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road to a complete stop. The vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA rio. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact had to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road to a complete stop. The vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing belt fractured and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact also stated that the vehicle was inspected and tagged with license plates one hour before the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 65,125.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
The blower stopped blowing air. For a short while it would come on, rare occasions and eventually stopped working. Changed the blower motor and resistor, still didn't work. Pulled the dash apart to change the blower switch and found that it had melted the plastic connector. Not sure what caused the malfunction, however once the new switch was put it the blower worked. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel/propulsion system
Not really a safety issue but maybe you can help, please. I check engine light came on telling me I'm at less than 90% efficiency relative to pollution. When the mechanic checks the CO2 and other pollution requirements I'm ok. I still get great mileage and good power. the problem IS the computer…
Not really a safety issue but maybe you can help, please. I check engine light came on telling me I'm at less than 90% efficiency relative to pollution. When the mechanic checks the CO2 and other pollution requirements I'm ok. I still get great mileage and good power. the problem IS the computer says the converter IS off and hence can't get a sticker but the car IS not polluting ?? If I lived out side a big city where they do not track this stuff there would be no problem. Ps the cost to replace the cat converter IS over $1400.00. While it us still 90% effective??? What gives please help. thanks, *tr
- Structure › Body › Door
KIA rio 2005 IS a very poorly built car. the passengers door will not open, a mechanism in the door IS broken. since the door won't open no one seems to know how to repair this problem. the door panel can not be removed from the door without the door being open. never again will I buy a KIA of any kind. *tr
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
I have a 2005 KIA rio (vin provided later) purchased 2006, low miles. Summer 2011 car stalled, stopped & check engine light came on & had it towed to the nearest shop, ntb. Replaced timing belt & no damage to my motor. I found out the timing belt needed changing at 60K miles (mine was lower). The…
I have a 2005 KIA rio (vin provided later) purchased 2006, low miles. Summer 2011 car stalled, stopped & check engine light came on & had it towed to the nearest shop, ntb. Replaced timing belt & no damage to my motor. I found out the timing belt needed changing at 60K miles (mine was lower). The mechanic wasn't able to determine a reason for the check engine light. Another suggested a bad sensor & wiped something off under the hood. The light went off after driving less than 5 miles. Replaced the alternator april 2013 (new alternator, belt & parts still under warranty). June 2013 the check engine light started coming on when parked upward on an steep hill, esp when outside temp was very hot (tx). The light would remain on until after parking it in a covered garage & driving hrs later. July 2013 mandatory car inspection. Week or 2 later, problems w/ rpm started; during take after idle. About 2WKS later, ac speed suddenly slowed & became warmer. 2Days later check engine light on & a strange noise near the driver's side. Again, towed to the nearest shop, the same ntb. All electrical components was still working. At the shop the car started but not long. They were puzzled. After 2days I was told my motor was bad & needed replaced. No one had an explanation.i had to have my car, only transportation for me & my kids towed home. I talked to different mechanics that agree I have a bad sensor & catalyst which caused my motor to lock (pre-ignition). There are several blogs/articles w/this same problem. However, KIA has never said anything about the 2005 rio fuel problems, only the 2004 & supposedly correcting it. But it wasn't & mechanics can't diagnose it. Something IS wrong & needs investigating. A fatal accident could have occurred if I had been driving on the hwy. KIA should take responsibility for lost $ and time bc they only bandaged the problem & not actually fixing it.
- Structure › Body
The passenger door won't open. and this IS a problem that many KIA rio owners have with their car. car IS a piece of junk. it IS by far the worst car I have ever owned. *tr
- Engine
The engine stopped in traffic on hwy, wife was in danger of being hit by other vehicles,no power to get to edge of roadway on bridge, heavy construction, had to climb out passenger door, down embankment to safety. Towed vehicle home to find engine locked up. Maintenance done regular belts…
The engine stopped in traffic on hwy, wife was in danger of being hit by other vehicles,no power to get to edge of roadway on bridge, heavy construction, had to climb out passenger door, down embankment to safety. Towed vehicle home to find engine locked up. Maintenance done regular belts, tires,oil changes and battery replaced. Only fuel gauge issue IS all problems, ask dealer was told to bring in for estimate 300.00 to check.after issue on highway find out timing belt and engine problems have occur on this model since 2001. Sad for veteran unable to make repairs due to disability. Never buy or recommend KIA to anyone. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA rio. The contact stated that the driver was driving 20 mph when she attempted to slow down but the brakes failed. The vehicle coasted into an alley. While the vehicle was coasting, the contact smelled burning wires. Smoke began to rise from the hood once the vehicle…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 KIA rio. The contact stated that the driver was driving 20 mph when she attempted to slow down but the brakes failed. The vehicle coasted into an alley. While the vehicle was coasting, the contact smelled burning wires. Smoke began to rise from the hood once the vehicle was stopped. The contact attempted to exit the vehicle, but was restrained by the seat belt and suffered neck and shoulder injuries. Both the contact and the driver successfully exited the vehicle and noticed that sparks and flames were seen under the hood. The fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire was unknown. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer advised the contact to tow the vehicle to an auction. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage IS unknown.
- Seat belts
The driver seat belt latch assembly IS split in two. there were no events leading up to the event, it just happened one day. it has not been repaired or replaced, it IS currently being held together with duct tape. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Going 70 mph on interstate 4 in orlando fl my 2005 KIA rio broke the timing belt causing the vehicle to lose all engine power & rolled to a stop we were able to pull the car over to the right lane & barely avoided getting rear ended. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Fuel system, gasoline
KIA placed a bulletin with you on 1/1/05,#tsb82,#10015272. apparently KIA thought that was enough. my KIA was purchased 7/21/05. I was told I had "bumper to bumper coverage if I purchased the additional 4,000. Extended warranty. They were required to furnish me with a complete warranty…
KIA placed a bulletin with you on 1/1/05,#tsb82,#10015272. apparently KIA thought that was enough. my KIA was purchased 7/21/05. I was told I had "bumper to bumper coverage if I purchased the additional 4,000. Extended warranty. They were required to furnish me with a complete warranty disclosure before purchase. they did furnish me with a booklet called warranty and consumer information manual and a pamphlet called start up tips for your KIA. I did read these. And the timing belt isn't mentioned. later when I read my owners manual I did notice that the maintenance requirements did mention the timing belt, it should be checked at 30,000 mi, 60,000mi and possibly changed at 105,000. KIA does claim 100,000 warranty, and I had the bumper to bumper cov, so I still felt pretty confident in my car. if KIA had completely disclosed all the maintenance at the time of purchase I would have walked. at 38,000 mi I was on my way to wa. I was just about to the top of rice hill when something happened. 6 lanes of 70mph traffic, concrete on all sides and nowhere to go, when the car lost power. it was very disorienting the engine revved but no power, no check engine light, nothing,i was dumbfounded. I put my flashers on and was able to coast to the rt. Lane. we pushed it over the top of rice hill and coasted to the shoulder. I called KIA, they told me I had no coverage, because my car was a week past 5 yrs. we towed it to KIA where they told me I wasn't covered. so I called KIA and they told me it was up to the service man.. I went back to KIA, and the manager told me I needed to do a diag test ($174.) which I knew was impos. Because the car won't start. Afterward the service man told me he had looked at my car and the tb was gone but the pistons were fine which IS rare. they won't fix it. I went online and found 100 consumers with blown engines and defect. Timing belts. Whats up? this IS dangerous! it can cause accidents! I was lucky! do something. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
2005 KIA rio stalling problem. I've had the car in for repair 4-5 times over the last 18 months, and dealership said they can't find any problem. *Tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 KIA rio. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle would suddenly stall. It would resume normally after she depressed the accelerator pedal. The failure became progressively worse over time. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership three times for at…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 KIA rio. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle would suddenly stall. It would resume normally after she depressed the accelerator pedal. The failure became progressively worse over time. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership three times for at least a week so that the dealer could duplicate the failure and find a cause for the failure. The dealer stated that the problem could have been the fuel filter or sensor. The fuel filter and spark plugs were replaced but the failure continued. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The vehicle was currently at the dealership and the contact did not feel it was safe to drive. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. The current mileage was approximately 54,000. the sensors and fuel pump were replaced, however the vehicle continued to stall. Updated 06/22/10.*jb updated 08/11/10. *Lj updated 10/05/10*jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Check engine light comes on intermittently. when a diagnostic test IS run on the car, error p0101 IS detected. this error, "mass air flow circuit range performance problem," can be corrected by replacing the mass air flow sensor in the engine. however, this error has occurred twice in my car…
Check engine light comes on intermittently. when a diagnostic test IS run on the car, error p0101 IS detected. this error, "mass air flow circuit range performance problem," can be corrected by replacing the mass air flow sensor in the engine. however, this error has occurred twice in my car, the incident in january being the third. if ignored, the check engine light may go off after time. sometimes when the problem occurs, there IS hesitation in the engine when accelerating after coming to a complete stop. I have noticed that the hesitation IS worse when the car IS warmed up and has been driving for over 20 minutes. no one at KIA has been able to fix the problem permanently and it IS no longer covered under warranty, so I have to pay to replace this sensor myself. *Tr
- Electrical system
I had a 2005 KIA rio burn down from an apparent electrical fire inside the dashboard. I was driving home one day from work and smoke started to seep through the seal around the dash. I immediately got off the road and called 911. Within 5MIN my car burst into flames and the whole dashboard started to melt. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Air bag did not deploy during a head on collision. *Tr
- Seat belts
Our son was driving a 2005 KIA rio 15 miles south of mcminnville, or when he went off the road and flipped the car. the female part of the safety belt clasp failed which resulted in him being thrown around the cab. he ended up in the cab on the roof in the back seat. he IS still very sore and has back pain. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 KIA rio. While driving at lows speeds the vehicle began to randomly hesitate. The failure usually occurred when the engine was cold or it has not rained within a few hours. The vehicle began to drive normally when the engine was shut off and restarted. The dealer has…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 KIA rio. While driving at lows speeds the vehicle began to randomly hesitate. The failure usually occurred when the engine was cold or it has not rained within a few hours. The vehicle began to drive normally when the engine was shut off and restarted. The dealer has made several attempts to diagnose the failure. Two weeks later the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. An authorized mechanic diagnosed the failure on a third visit to the dealer and stated that they were able to repair the vehicle; however, they were unable to say what component was repaired. The failure continued to occur. The failure mileage was estimated to be 9,000 and the current mileage was 39,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 KIA rio. while driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle burst into flames. the contact pulled onto the highway and, after a short time of accelerating, the vehicle began to decelerate. she took pressure off of the accelerator pedal, but nothing changed. she attempted…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 KIA rio. while driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle burst into flames. the contact pulled onto the highway and, after a short time of accelerating, the vehicle began to decelerate. she took pressure off of the accelerator pedal, but nothing changed. she attempted to apply pressure to the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle still did not accelerate. she pulled over to the side of the road and noticed steam underneath the hood. she pulled the latch to loosen the hood and noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood along with a burning odor. another driver arrived with a fire extinguisher. a police officer arrived and used the fire extinguisher on the engine compartment. a police report was filed. the fire appeared to cease, but then ignited again. the fire department arrived and extinguished the flames for good. the vehicle was destroyed. the contact consulted the manufacturer, who provided her with a case number and informed her that the matter would be investigated. she has not yet heard back regarding the investigation. the current and failure mileages were approximately 37,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
My KIA rio died in the middle of the street. it wouldn't turn over so I had it towed to the dealer. they reported that the engine needs to be replaced at a cost of $6000. the car IS still under the 100,000 mile warranty since it only has 80,000 miles on it. the dealer IS refusing to honor the…
My KIA rio died in the middle of the street. it wouldn't turn over so I had it towed to the dealer. they reported that the engine needs to be replaced at a cost of $6000. the car IS still under the 100,000 mile warranty since it only has 80,000 miles on it. the dealer IS refusing to honor the warranty, saying that maintenance issues caused the failure. KIA IS defrauding the american public by stating it has a 100,000 mile warranty that it does not honor. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
My son was driving his 2005 KIA rio home from work one night when the car stalled. He was able to get it into a parking lot where one of our county sheriffs tried to give him a jump. The car would not turn over. My son took the car to the dealership on monday. He was told that the warranty had been…
My son was driving his 2005 KIA rio home from work one night when the car stalled. He was able to get it into a parking lot where one of our county sheriffs tried to give him a jump. The car would not turn over. My son took the car to the dealership on monday. He was told that the warranty had been denied due to lack of maintenance. Their definition of that was my son went over on two oil changes. I do not understand where two oil changes would cause a car to lock up. Because of the two oil changes KIA will not look at the car. They are making us take the piece of junk they sold us to another dealership and have them look at it to see what IS wrong with the car. It has been sitting on their lot for 2 weeks now. I have called their consumer affairs department and there again they were no help. So now I take the car to another dealership to find out what IS the matter with it because KIA wont even look at there own car. I am not being told what IS and IS not covered under warranty. In june of this year my son was told that there was a lower bearing knock in his car. He called the service manager at the dealership who never returned his call to discuss it. It that IS what has happened to the car then it has nothing to do with an oil change it IS the oil pump which IS their problem and they aren't going to fix it. Buyers beware if you buy a KIA and go over on any of your oil changes they will not cover your car under warranty due to lack of maintenance. They will get you in their showroom to buy their cars because the warranty IS so great and then they don't want to cover it if something happens to the car. That car was the biggest mistake I have ever made in a vehicle purchase. *jb
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.
- 10015749New name & maintenance schedule for evap canister vent filter. KIA technician times.
- 10015272Improved timing belts for the KIA rio and optima.
Every KIA Rio model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.