2004 Kia Rio Cinco recalls and problems

The 2004 Kia Rio Cinco has 1 safety recall and 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Kia Rio Cinco vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 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.

2004 Kia Rio Cinco problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	3
Suspension	3
Engine and Engine Cooling	2
Fuel System, Gasoline	2
Steering	2
Structure	2
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Visibility	1
Electrical System	1
Service Brakes	1

Most reported parts

Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 2
Structure › Body — 2
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors — 1
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 1
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 30,000 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 2004 Kia Rio Cinco complaints

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

Structure · at 220,000 miles · reported Jan 15, 2018

Driver side door lock does not always work. When locked from inside the car you have to crawl out the passenger side and go around to driver door, put the key in the lock and wiggle the inside door lock lever. Sometimes it takes minutes to get it to unlock. If you were to have to exit the vehicle quickly it would not be possible. This has happened multiple time in this car.

Suspension · reported Aug 21, 2015

The kia was under warranty at this time: it required a new transmission. I was told it was about to 'drop'. Despite being under warranty, I was made to pay for it. 2007 the passenger rear door stopped working and would not open. In 2008 the electrical went. No interior lights, radio and no 'door ajar' warning. 2008 the door behind driver would not open. 2013 the driver door would not open followed by the hatchback. Right now only 2 doors are able to be locked due to this issue. A new clutch was put in during 2012. The shifting has always been a little sticky with irregular timing. I purchased…

Suspension · at 88,000 miles · reported Jul 20, 2014

Ok, my car makes a thumping noise under the tire, thought was the wheel bearing it's not someone said it was the axle I don't know also, the engine light has been on I changed the air filter, I read that someone else had problems with the filter, I read that the axle rusts out, I think this car should be recalled people are complaining about the same problems and kia should fix it for free, I don't think I should pay for that the car doesn't get driven that much and I can't go far places with it in fear that it might break down somewhere, I feel like suing kia for making a crappy cat that…

Suspension · at 62,206 miles · reported Dec 24, 2013

I was driving with my girlfriend, headed out to dinner, going 15 to 20 MPH through town (25 MPH speed limit), when suddenly a loud clunking noise started, coming from passenger side rear wheel. I pulled over in a business lot & removed tire to find that the rear axel where the shock absorber connects to had rusted off & the shock absorber swinging, disconnected from the axel mount. I nursed the vehicle home & checked the drivers side rear axle & found that it too was ready to snap off. A slight tap with a hammer on the axle produced a hole of about 1" a second tap & it too came off the car. I…

Visibility · at 110,000 miles · reported Oct 23, 2008

Fan control knob for heat intermittently would only work on some speeds and gradually would not work at times. It would "catch" every once in awhile only on high, I could smell something hot, now it does not work at all. After looking behind the cover, the clips that hold the relay switch to the knob are melted, the relay switch is burned and the wire harness is melted.

Other Kia Rio Cinco years

20042003 2002 2001

Compare all Kia Rio Cinco years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Kia Rio Cinco have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2004 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 2004 Kia Rio Cinco?

Owners report power train problems most often (3 reports), followed by suspension (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 30,000 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.