KnownCarProblems2002 Kia Rio Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 128 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Kia Rio, most often about the engine (31% of complaints, typically around 83,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Rio model year since 2000 and has 1 recall.
Most common 2002 Kia Rio problems
Engine
40 complaints · 31%Half of these problems showed up before 83,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
- the contact owns a 2002 Kia Rio. While driving at 35 MPH the vehicle stalled and the engine lost power. The steering, the brakes and the emergency brake were locked, the contact was unable to steer the vehicle or stop it which caused a crash with a van. The failure mileage was 77,000. There were no injuries. The…
Kia Rio 2002 the check engine light will not go out I took it to get check out.everything is fine.there is nothing wrong.they reset the check engine light and it came back on.I was told buy a Kia dealer ship it is a manufacturer defect. And nothing can be done.this is been going on for four years now. I have to get…
Air bags
21 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 32,500 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
While driving at 65/70 MPH on the freeway, the vehicle was involved in an accident, the air bags failed to deploy, and the seat belts did not restrain the occupants in the vehicle.
The Kia Rio was stopped behind a minivan when it was hit from behind by another minivan travelling approximately 30 MPH before braking. The Kia Rio was pushed into the minivan in front. The Rio was not severely damaged, however, both airbags deployed. Damage was to the rear trunk lid and the front right rail was…
Brakes
20 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 6,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, disc, power assist.
Vehicle vibrated after driving 45 MPH or more. The faster vehicle was going the more it vibrated. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, who had the front brake rotors and calipers replaced. Vehicle did not have ABS brakes, yet the vehicle continued to shake.
Upon coming to a stop sign and engaging the brakes the pedal went to the floor. Dealer claimed that master cylinder wore out. This vehicle had been serviced for this same problem four times earlier.
Seat belts
16 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 87,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear/other.
My daughter was driving south on hwy 360 in grand prairie texas going about 50 MPH and an other vehicle was crossing the lanes toward her and hit her vehicle at the front right side (passenger side). She was wearing a seat belt and so was the passenger.the seatbelt on the passenger side did not work and airbags on…
The contact owns a 2002 Kia Rio. The contact stated that the rear seat belts were failing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that they could repair the seat belts at the contact's expense. There were no recalls for the vehicle and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage…
Fuel system
15 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 41,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, storage, fuel injection system.
The consumer received a recall letter, made an appointment with the dealer, took vehicle into the dealer for the fuel distribution and fuel assembly. The consumer left the vehicle and after several hours the consumer called the dealer and was told that no parts were available. The manufacturer was informed and the…
The consumer took the vehicle into the dealer for a recall and was told that no parts were in. The dealer informed him that the part was not in after they set up the initial appointment. The manufactuer was informed and the consumer was told that their hands were tied.
Suspension
9 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: front, rear.
Vehicle is experiencing problems with the front bearings, causing the wheels to separate from the axle. Owner took the vehicle to the dealer on 4 occasions, but the problem still remained undetermined. Owner stated that the dealer told her that the front bearings were faulty, and they were replaced. Currently, they…
My car pulls hard to the right when I press the gas pedal and I have to turn the steering wheel to the left to compensate for that. As soon as I pull my foot from the gas pedal, the car immediately goes to the left and I have to bring the steering wheel to the normal position. This happens 100% of the time. I feel…
Electrical
8 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 36,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, ignition.
Car loses power. Belt continuously burns and snaps. Dealership replaced engine, alternator, two transmittions, 10 belts and nothing fixed the problems. I just got my car back on friday, tuesday ot broke and is now sitting worthless in my yard. I still have three more years of payment on it. Am now going through lemon…
Tl contact owns a 2002 Kia Rio. The contact smelled something burning and noticed the vehicle was on fire while parked. The fire was contained to underneath the hood and was extinguished by the contact. The vehicle was destroyed. No police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed by the dealer/manufacturer. The…
Body and structure
8 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
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…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Kia Rio recalls
Fuel system: delivery
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Air bag non deploy
Summary
This investigation identified a total of 82 reports alleging non-deployment of the dual front air bags.of the 82 reports, only one incident, the fatal crash that was the basis for opening the investigation, has been identified as a moderate to severe crash in which the automotive restraint controller issued a command to deploy but the air bags did not deploy.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by
Questions about the 2002 Kia Rio
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Kia Rio?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (40 complaints, typically around 83,000 miles); air bags (21 complaints, typically around 32,500 miles); brakes (20 complaints, typically around 6,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Kia Rio have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 9, 2004 (fuel system). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Kia Rio?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Rio model year since 2000, with 128 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.