2002 Kia Rio Cinco recalls and problems

The 2002 Kia Rio Cinco has 1 safety recall and 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

3 / 3

Injuries / deaths

4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Kia Rio Cinco vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Kia Rio Cinco recalls

Recall 04V-179: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Apr 9, 2004 · 187,790 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Fix: 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.

2002 Kia Rio Cinco problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine and Engine Cooling	10
Power Train	4
Fuel System, Gasoline	4
Air Bags	3
Electrical System	3
Wheels	2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	2
Seats	1
Exterior Lighting	1
Suspension	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery — 2
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft › Seal — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 56,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Kia Rio Cinco complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · at 70,000 miles · reported Mar 19, 2012

The contact owns a 2002 kia rio cinco. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel began to vibrate excessively and pulsation occurred when the accelerator pedal was engaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on three separate occasions where the front passenger and driver side wheel hub bearings were replaced each time. In addition, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer twice for the replacement of the front passenger and driver side wheel hub bearings. The manufacturer was notified of the constant problem. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Electrical System · reported Aug 31, 2007

Electrical line from rear of brake switch is short in length and unsecured resulting in wire damage that shorts electrical fuse to switch. Results in brake light failure and possible rear end collision due to no brake lights. New switch from factory was installed by kia dealership- but problem persists. The vehicle is a 2002 kia rio cinco. I'm worried for my family's and others safety. This is a design defect, that I feel the consumer should not have to bear the expense.

Air Bags · at 35,000 miles · reported Jul 18, 2007

The contact owns a 2002 kia rio cinco. On july 14, 2004, while driving 35 MPH, another vehicle ran a stop sign and crashed head on into the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. She sustained permanent injuries to her occipital neuralgia from snapping her head forward. A spec scan showed that she received some brain damage, lower back herniation, a tear in the rotator cup, pain in her right leg, and neutral hernia in her chest where the seat belt retracted. The vehicle sustained front end damage to the radiator, the compressor, the hood, and the front axle. A police report was…

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 61,000 miles · reported Apr 10, 2006

My 2002 kia rio cinco's timing-belt broke and caused serious damage to the engine resulting in a $2500 fee to fix the vehicle. Because my timing-belt was not changed at 60000 (We have 61000 miles on the vehicle) they would not honor their warranty. I have done research on these vehicles and a lot of people have had problems with these vehicles.

Fuel System, Gasoline · at 72,000 miles · reported Feb 2, 2006

An engine compartment fire was discovered by other employees approximately 10-15 minutes after I had parked the vehicle at work and had entered my office. The workers extinguished the fire with 8 portable fire extinguishers. The damage was most severe near the firewall on the passenger side of the vehicle. All hoses had burned away and plastics were melted or burned. A recall had been issued for a defective gasoline distributor part that could result in engine compartment fire. The recall work was performed in july, 2005 according to kia of clarksville service department. Kia of clarksville is…

Other Kia Rio Cinco years

2004 200320022001

Compare all Kia Rio Cinco years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Kia Rio Cinco have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Kia Rio Cinco: 04V-179 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Kia Rio Cinco?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (10 reports), followed by power train (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 56,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.