2003 Kia Rio Cinco recalls
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.
2003 Kia Rio Cinco problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
| Unknown or Other | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 1
- Structure › Frame and Members — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 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 2003 Kia Rio Cinco complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Unknown or Other · reported Dec 12, 2015
When you park the car, shutoff engine, pull up the short unlock stick, then pull the open button to open the door. That's normal procedure. But if you are in hurry, pull the door open button first and forget pull the unlock stick, you cannot open door anymore, you cannot go back and pull up the unlock stick to unlock door anymore. It will keep locking the door back when you pull up the unlock stick. You have to fight for 15 min to open the door. Dangerous if in the emergency.
Seat Belts · at 50,000 miles · reported Jul 27, 2011
The rear seatbelts don't lock into place right. Normally, when you pull a seatbelt the full way out then let it wind back in, it should have tension on it. The seatbelts in the rear of my vehicle don't do this. They can be pulled back out without stopping. They clip into the buckles fine though. I have 2 car seats in the back, so I need this feature to work properly to secure the child seats.
Seat Belts · at 70,000 miles · reported May 4, 2011
The contact owns a 2003 kia rio cinco. The contact stated that the rear automatic seat belt retractor was not locking properly; therefore, the safety seat might come loose. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted and a report was filed since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 70,000.
Power Train · at 79,000 miles · reported Dec 12, 2007
I have several issues with kia. I'll give you a quick synopsis of my dealings with kia. 1-I wanted to buy the 2002 rio cinco in august 2002. I researched it online, and picked the one I wanted before going to a dealership. I went to the dealership that had billboards posted all over grand rapids, mi advertising: $99 down / $99 per month. I waited over 2 hours to be waited on. When the salesman finally waited on me, I was told they had to get the car I wanted from another dealership, and I could pick it up in 2 days. October 25th, 2002, I finally picked it up (Between aug & oct the salesman…
Power Train · at 79,000 miles · reported Dec 12, 2007
Cont...2 of 3 3-I've followed the maintenance schedule, provided evidence for routine oil changes, transmission flushes, air conditioner maintenance., tires, brakes, etc. Every auto I've every owned (Dating back to 1976) has given me in excess of 200,000 miles...and my toyota had over 350,000 ... And the engine was still purring (I just got tired of having to replace the floor). A person doesn't get that kind of mileage on a regular basis without taking care of it! 4-the engine light first appeared in february 2004. I took it to burlingame garage. They told me to take it to kia, that the…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Kia Rio Cinco have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 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 2003 Kia Rio Cinco?
Owners report power train problems most often (3 reports), followed by seat belts (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 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.