2005 KIA RIO

1 recalls, 46 complaints - 18 TSBs

CHILD SEAT

Defect Description

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... Read more

Consequence

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.

90,865 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Complaint Statistics

46 total complaints 6 crashes 4 fires 10 injuries 1 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	10
ENGINE	5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	3
AIR BAGS	3
SEAT BELTS	3
STEERING	2
POWER TRAIN	2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH	1
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY	1

Incident date: Jun 9, 2020

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... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 9, 2020

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 9, 2020

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: May 31, 2012

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 D... Read more

Incident date: May 31, 2012

Incident date: Jan 8, 2016

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 8, 2016

Incident date: Sep 23, 2015

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 BE... Read more

Incident date: Nov 23, 2014

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... Read more

Incident date: Aug 29, 2014

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 S... Read more

Incident date: Aug 29, 2014

Incident date: Nov 18, 2013

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 A... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2011

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 ME... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2011

Incident date: Jan 8, 2013

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

Incident date: Sep 25, 2013

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... Read more

Incident date: May 17, 2012

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 W... Read more

Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Nov 1, 2010

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

Incident date: Oct 7, 2010

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

Incident date: Jul 28, 2010

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 DISCLOS... Read more

Incident date: Jul 28, 2010

Incident date: Aug 20, 2010

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

Incident date: Oct 1, 2009

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 LEAS... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2009

Incident date: Jan 20, 2010

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... Read more

Incident date: Oct 28, 2009

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 T... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Oct 30, 2009

AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING A HEAD ON COLLISION. *TR

Crash

Incident date: Sep 18, 2009

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... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Nov 1, 2006

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... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2006

Incident date: Mar 23, 2009

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 ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Feb 19, 2009

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 WA... Read more

Incident date: Sep 14, 2007

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 ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 4, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE AIR CONDITIONER BUTTON BECAME STUCK WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN IT OFF. AS THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER ATTEMPTED TO CORRECT THE FAILURE, SMOKE BEGAN TO RISE AND THEN FLAMES WERE PRESENT NEAR THE BUTTON AREA. THE PASSENGER SNATCHED... Read more

Fire

Incident date: May 1, 2007

THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE HAS A STEERING RACK PROBLEM. WHAT MAKES ME INTERESTED IN THIS PROBLEM WAS THE A RECALL OF OVER 350 VEHICLES IN CANADA FOR THE 2004 MODELS. THE DEALER , AURORA KIA OF FAIRBANKS, AS WELL AS THE KIA CONSUMER CARE, DID NOT SEEM TO WANT TO ADDRESS THE CONCERN WITH ME. ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 23, 2006

FAILURE OF VEHICLE REPAIR X 3 WEEKS. 3 DIFFERENT REPAIRS, STILL NOT FIXED. KIA REFUSES TO GIVE LOAN/RENTAL TO DRIVE WHILE PERFORMING WARRANTY WORK. CAR WILL NOT RUN, STOPPED IN MIDDLE OF INTERSTATE ALMOST KILLING MY COLLEGE STUDENT X 3+.*JB

Incident date: Sep 30, 2005

ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 A KIA RIO WAS INVOLVED IN A ROLL OVER WRECK THAT RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF ONE TEENAGER WHO WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE DURING THE ROLL OVER AND THERE WERE INJURIES TO OTHER PASSENGERS AS WELL. ON OCTOBER 19, 2005, AN INVESTIGATING OFFICER WENT TO THE PLACE WHERE THE VEHICLE H... Read more

Crash 3 injured 1 deaths

Incident date: Feb 28, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKES ON THE VEHICLE HAVE BEEN MAKING LOUD SCREECHING NOISES EVERY TIME THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED AT 10MPH. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER FOR REPAIR WHERE THEY DETERMINED THE DISCS WERE SLIGHTLY OFF CENTER. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE NOISE CONTINUED. T... Read more

Incident date: Jan 24, 2006

AT ABOUT 5,000 MILES OR MAYBE EVEN SOONER I BEGAN TO DETECT AND HEAR SOMETHING THAT SOUNDED AND ACTED LIKE THE TRANSMISSION. EACH TIME TAKING VEHICLE FOR OIL CHANGE I TOLD THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION. IT JUMPED IN 2ND GEAR WHILE IN REVERSE. THEY FORGOT EACH TIME, AND DUE ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 3, 2005

AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE OR ANY OTHER VEHICLE PRESENT. VEHICLE IN QUESTION IS A 2005 BRAND NEW KIA RIO [XXX]. MYSELF & DAUGHTER WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON DEC 3RD 2005, WE RAN OVER A TIRE TREAD ON THE HIGHWAY, PROCEEDED MAYBE 1/2 A MILE & THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS FROM OUT OF NOWH... Read more

2 injured

Incident date: Oct 23, 2005

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THEN AGAIN AT A STOP SIGN WITH HER FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL WITH THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND THE GEAR SHIFTED INT NEUTRAL. THE PROBLEM ALSO OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING AT VERY LOW SPEEDS IN THE PARKING LOT. THE GEAR SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AGAIN. WHI... Read more

Incident date: Jul 18, 2005

DT: THE CALLER SAID THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER WHEN ACCELERATING. HEIT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN VEHICLE ACCELERATES FROM A STANDSTILL. NO LIGHTS COME ON TO LET HIM KNOW THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN. VEHICLE DOES IT AFTER IT WARNS UP. HE SAID THE MORE HE DRIVES IT THE WORSE IT GETS. HTHE VEHICLE STALLS WHEN COMIN... Read more

Incident date: Jul 30, 2005

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA RIO SENCO. THE VEHICLE WILL STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IT IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP. ALSO, THE CONTACT WAS THINKING ABOUT THE LEMON LAW. ON JULY 30, 2005 THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AT 65 MPH . THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, STEERING LOCKED, AND VEHICL... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2005

BOUGHT NEW CAR CHILD SAFETY LOCKS FAILED. DRIVER DOOR JAMMED CLOSED COULD NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THE DEALER MADE ME DRIVE WITH THE PROBLEM FOR THREE WEEKS BEFORE THEY WOULD EVEN LOOK AT IT. THAN TOOK A WEEK AND A HALF TO FIX IT. *NM

Incident date: Jul 18, 2005

CAR STALLING, 15 MPG SHOULD GET 35MPG, RPM AT 3.5 GOING 65 MPH TOO HIGH, NO POWER. PURCHASED THE VEHICLE SATUDAY JULY 16, 2005 AND IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE JULY 18, 2005. VEHICLE ONLY HAD 24 MILES WHEN PURCHASED BRAND NEW AT CHESROWN KIA IN COLUMBUS OHIO.. WASN'T INFORMED THAT THE CAR HAD ISSU... Read more

EPA Fuel Economy, 2005 KIA RIO

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	21.0	29.0	24.0	Regular	$2,600
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	29.0	25.0	Regular	$2,500

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2005 KIA RIO

18 manufacturer communications from 11 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	3
061110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS	1
063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL	1
980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER	1
101000 POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY	1
053000 PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT	1
123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS	1
125000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS	1

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some example

354000 EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with sta

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units th

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

100000 POWER TRAIN

TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL

125000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE

123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE

053000 PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT

KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE

101000 POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

RIO (BC) ENGINE HARD TO START, RUNS ROUGH AND STALLS -- WHAT TO CHECK -- CRANK POSITION SENSOR (CKP) TONE RING. *NJ

061110 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

IMPROVED TIMING BELTS FOR THE KIA RIO AND OPTIMA. *TT

980000 UNKNOWN OR OTHER

TECHLINE FAQS. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4. *TT

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

NEW NAME & MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR EVAP CANISTER VENT FILTER. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. *TT

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA RIO

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

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... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

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 MANUFA... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

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 SE... PTEMBER 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.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

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 PASSE... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

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 CONTROLLE... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

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 FUR... Read more

KIA RIO - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA RIO across all model years (2001, 2022).

27 Total Recalls

1,809 Total Complaints

6 Investigations

229 Reported Crashes

111 Reported Fires

14 Reported Deaths

KIA RIO - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2023	0	20	View
2022	1	12	View
2021	2	23	View
2020	1	37	View
2019	1	29	View
2018	1	39	View
2017	2	37	View
2016	2	110	View
2015	1	69	View
2014	1	74	View
2013	1	218	View
2012	1	73	View
2011	0	32	View
2010	0	38	View
2009	0	54	View
2008	1	57	View
2007	1	64	View
2006	1	89	View
2005 (current)	1	46
2004	2	53	View
2003	3	103	View
2002	1	171	View
2001	3	355	View
2000	0	4	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
OPTIMA	100	10,128	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2005 KIA RIO

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 2005 KIA RIO

Technical Service Bulletins, 2005 KIA RIO

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA RIO

KIA RIO - All Years Overview

KIA RIO - Year by Year

Other KIA Models