2001 Kia Rio recalls and problems

The 2001 Kia Rio has 3 safety recalls and 223 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
223
Crashes / fires
21 / 14
Injuries / deaths
12 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2001 Kia Rio vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2001 Kia Rio recalls

Recall 05V-159: Wheels

Reported Apr 20, 2005 · 24,119 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: Certain passenger vehicles may have a manufacturing flaw that could cause the wheels to crack under long term driving fatigue. If cracks occur, wheel noise and vibration will result and become progressively worse over time.

Risk: If the crack is severe, the wheel could separate from the vehicle and possibly result in loss of vehicle control and a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace all four wheels free of charge. The recall began on june 22, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

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.

Recall 03V-352: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Sep 24, 2003 · 57,340 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles, fuel leaks may develop at the fuel distributor assembly because of quality deviations.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel distributor and fuel connector assemblies. Owner notification is expected to begin during the first quarter of 2004. Owners should contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

2001 Kia Rio problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling55
Air Bags33
Power Train31
Electrical System31
Wheels31
Fuel System, Gasoline25
Suspension23
Service Brakes, Hydraulic20
Unknown or Other19
Seat Belts17
Structure14
Latches/Locks/Linkages12

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 20
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 17
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 16
  • Wheels › Rim — 13
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 12
  • Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 8
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 7
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery — 6

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 48,000 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 2001 Kia Rio complaints

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

Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 129,500 miles · reported Nov 28, 2013
Parked car at work came back out and the door lock was down tried to pull up but is stuck or caught on something. The way the screws are in the door 2 of them cannot be taken out without having the door open. With long legs its very difficult to get in and out of vehicle!!! Also trouble with the engine misfiring of sparkplug with some loss of power.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 140,000 miles · reported Sep 24, 2013
It is difficult to enter the car with the key and when I pull the door handle the lock drops down to the close position and I can't get out this happens on the driver's side and the front passenger side,I have to hold the lock on the up position with a piece of metal or leave the rear doors unlocked in case I have to jump out..this car is a lemon I have replaced sensors alternator, starter, AC parts and many other parts the only thing good is the transmission and the engine...
Electrical System · reported Aug 17, 2012
Consumer complaint: odi case number: 10136024 component: wheels gas ignition? You tell me? When are these people going to be compensated for their lemons kia-2001 details: dt: the consumer was involved in an accident and a tire blew out. After the vehicle stopped spinning, the consumer got out of the vehicle and it burst into flames, the fire department came and they said fire started from heat of power equipment and the ignition burned. This happened on august 6, 2005. The consumer stated she was not informed about the recall regarding the wheels. The consumers daughter complained that the…
Wheels · at 103,000 miles · reported Jul 29, 2012
I was on a major interstate doing the speed limit of 65 MPH when I heard a loud pop sound. The car started to shake and I thought I had a flat tire. I immediately put on my hazard lights and slowed down to reach the nearest exit ramp. I was alone in the car and thank god I had no children in the car and as soon as I reached the exit ramp I got off the exit and called aaa. They sent a tow truck but when the driver went to put the car up he noticed the right back wheel was extremely loose and then called for a flat bed. While being towed to my mechanic with the car on the flat bed the wheel came…
Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 100,000 miles · reported Aug 14, 2011
Both door locks get stuck on both the passenger side and drivers side. We have had to climb in the back seat to exit the car. This is very dangerous and could cause death or injury if a fire and could not exit the car.

Other Kia Rio years

Compare all Kia Rio years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Kia Rio have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Kia Rio: 05V-159 (wheels), 04V-179 (fuel system, gasoline), 03V-352 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 Kia Rio?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (55 reports), followed by air bags (33). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 48,000 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.