2002 Kia Rio recalls and problems

The 2002 Kia Rio has 1 safety recall and 128 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

128

Crashes / fires

25 / 6

Injuries / deaths

27 / 1

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

2002 Kia Rio 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 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine and Engine Cooling	40
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	23
Air Bags	21
Seat Belts	16
Fuel System, Gasoline	15
Suspension	9
Electrical System	8
Structure	8
Power Train	8
Tires	4
Latches/Locks/Linkages	3
Visibility	3

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 17
Air Bags › Frontal — 14
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery — 8
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 5
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components — 3
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys — 3
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 37,500 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 complaints

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

Wheels · reported Jul 19, 2019

I have had the berings replaced 2 times in the passenger side two times now and its doing it again the other side was done first . The car just stopped dead in the road and I could not get it to move before I got it fixed the time before this . I dont have the money to keep fixing this same problem the car has been sitting for months now . I got the car to finally move backwards so I drove it backwards to the spot its in got it fixed . And for the third time its happening again.

Air Bags · reported Jul 7, 2016

The contact owned a 2002 kia rio. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a front end crash. The front driver side air bag deployed aggressively and metal fragments struck the contact's face. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a head laceration that required stitches, a broken nose, and a hand injury. Medical attention was required. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the salvage yard and deemed destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown. ...updated 7/19/16

Engine · at 100,000 miles · reported Aug 27, 2014

I just got my car fixed on mon. 8/25/14. I took it in because it was idling rough. The shop put in new spark plugs and wires. It cost me $180. I drove it home. It was smooth. Then I drove to downtown akron, about 15 miles, to a hike. When I was almost there, my car just went dead while I was driving. I pulled over and parked off the busy road onto a parking lot (Part of/by akron university). The car was dead. It made a clicking noise when I tried to start it. I called aaa and they didn't know what was wrong (It had a brand new 6 year battery in it). They towed me back to the shop that had…

Structure · at 61,000 miles · reported Jun 9, 2014

Slowing to turn into gas station, rear axle broke do to excessive rust rot. The body on this car had stated to rust at 8000 miles, rear frame has excessive rust rot also. Numerous other kia rio owners are reporting this issue this is alarming I could have slammed into the gas pumps as the brakes locked do to severing a brake line.

Seat Belts · at 104,000 miles · reported Sep 18, 2013

The contact owns a 2002 kia rio. The contact stated that the rear driver and passenger's side seat belts would not retract. The contact inspected the seat belts and discovered that part of the seat belt was disintegrated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.

Other Kia Rio years

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 200320022001 2000

Compare all Kia Rio years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Kia Rio have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Kia Rio: 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?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (40 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (23). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 37,500 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.