2004 Kia Rio recalls and problems

The 2004 Kia Rio has 2 safety recalls and 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
38
Crashes / fires
4 / 2
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

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

2004 Kia Rio recalls

Recall 05V-557: Child Seat

Reported Dec 12, 2005 · 90,865 vehicles affected · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Problem: Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, 'child restraint anchorage systems.' certain child restraint anchors will not fully latch onto the lower latch anchors located between the rear seat back and rear seat cushion because of interference between the child seat anchors and a metal wire located in the frame of the rear seat back. Until the recall repair is completed, follow the instructions provided by your child seats manufacturer on how to properly install the child seat with your vehicle's rear safety belts rather than using the latch system.

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, if the child seat is not properly installed, personal injury or death could occur.

Fix: Dealers will replace the lower anchors free of charge. The recall began on january 30, 2006. 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.

2004 Kia Rio problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling12
Electrical System5
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Suspension5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic4
Power Train4
Air Bags3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Unknown or Other3
Wheels2
Latches/Locks/Linkages2
Seat Belts1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys — 2
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Seat Belts › Front — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 69,000 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 complaints

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

Electrical System · reported Mar 2, 2024
I bought this car used a little less than a week ago. There was a thumping noise under the hood so I took the car to the dealer twice for this issue. I looked under the hood tonight and found a bunch of pieces that are not bolted down and the battery is completely unsecured and can move around freely. It’s horribly unsafe because the battery being loose can affect the entire car and the parts that aren’t bolted in place are causing major issues with the AC and other systems.
Unknown or Other · at 136,000 miles · reported Apr 20, 2019
My wife got locked in her car in the garage at home. There is a spring on the door latch that holds up a lever, that broke, causing the lever to drop and jam the lock lever. When she tried to unlock her door it would not release and the auto lock function kept the other doors locked too. We were able to use my key to quickly unlock and open the passenger side door and get out by crawling over the center console. A simple google search found a few thousand entries showing this same issue with other kia rios and optimas where people are getting stuck in their cars.
Unknown or Other · reported Feb 28, 2019
Takata recall 2004 kia rio locks in car broken unable to unlock and get out the car I don't know if there is something wrong with the locking system and it has become a major problem
Suspension · reported Aug 22, 2016
The contact owns a 2004 kia rio. While driving various speeds, there was an abnormal noise underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to multiple independent mechanics and a dealer on numerous occasions where it was diagnosed that the front driver side wheel bearing needed to replaced. The wheel bearing was replaced multiple times; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Wheels · at 163,000 miles · reported Jun 16, 2015
The contact owns a 2004 kia rio. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the wheel bearing and the hub from both rear wheels detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the rear tire bearings were previously replaced multiple times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 163,000.

Other Kia Rio years

Compare all Kia Rio years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Kia Rio have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Kia Rio: 05V-557 (child seat), 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?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (12 reports), followed by electrical system (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 69,000 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.