KnownCarProblems2004 Kia Rio Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 38 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Kia Rio, most often about the engine (32% of complaints, typically around 53,000 miles). It is 13th of 24 Rio model years by number of complaints and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2004 Kia Rio problems
Engine
12 complaints · 32%Half of these problems showed up before 53,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Kia Rio cinco. While driving 30, 45, or 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and shut off without warning. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and the diagnostic showed that nothing was wrong. The manufacture stated that the investigation was closed since the dealer could find no failure with…
: the contact stated the engine's timing belt chipped and dented an engine piston. The service dealer determined the engine needed to be replaced.
Fuel system
6 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 54,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, fuel injection system.
: the contact stated the vehicle's front end made a loud clanking noise and was taken to an independent mechanic who determined upon examination that both rotors needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the rotors. Then, the vehicle had problems with the rear end, and was taken to a local dealer who determined…
Our car caught on fire. Kia says that recall notices were sent out to the previous owner to take the car to a Kia dealer for repairs. Notice was sent out years ago (2002). Kia knew that the repairs were never done because no dealership had billed Kia for repairs. For nine (9) years this car was on the road without a…
Electrical
5 complaints · 13%Dealer changed computer, wiring harness , 2 injectors, plug, timing belt, sensor and replaced comes switches . Bought a 2004 Kia Rio in march 2005. It has been in the shop for the past 3 weeks. The consumer picked the car up at the shop, and it didn't make it off the lot before the car broke down again. Dealer offered…
Dt: the contact stated vehicle jerked and cut out. When this happened the engine light came , on and there was a burning smell. The vehicle was taken to the dealership seven times, and they stated it was an electrical problem. They replaced the electrical throttle module every time, and stated there was a poor…
Suspension
5 complaints · 13%Parts named most often: front, rear.
: the contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased on january 19th 2005, it has been experiencing problems with the carburetor and a bad odor that comes from the engine. The vehicle was also sold to the contact without notification of recall defect to the carburetor. The vehicle was taken to the dealers to have…
: the contact stated the vehicle's front end made a loud clanking noise and was taken to an independent mechanic who determined upon examination that both rotors needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the rotors. Then, the vehicle had problems with the rear end, and was taken to a local dealer who determined…
Brakes
4 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: foundation components.
: the contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the brakes did not respond. The vehicle stopped when hitting another vehicle. There was a police report taken at the scene. The vehicle was driven to the dealership where it was determined the calipers were blown out.
: the contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased on january 19th 2005, it has been experiencing problems with the carburetor and a bad odor that comes from the engine. The vehicle was also sold to the contact without notification of recall defect to the carburetor. The vehicle was taken to the dealers to have…
Transmission
4 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission.
: the contact stated while traveling at speeds below 25 MPH, the transmission would not downshift, causing severe hesitation. The dealership determined the problem was in the transmission and no repair was available. 11/30/06.
On friday, 8/22/08, the vehicle stalled after being driven for less than a quarter of a mile from my home and in a 25 m.p.h. Zone. On monday 8/25/08, I had the vehicle towed to the dealership where I purchased the vehicle. There I met with the service technician. The service technician felt that the timing belt may…
Air bags
3 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: frontal.
During a frontal-impact accident, the driver airbag failed to deploy until after I hit the steering wheel. I then saw the passenger airbag deploy. Neither the seat belt nor the airbag stopped me from hitting the steering wheel causing chest wall contusions and muscle strains in chest and back. I'm still out of work…
The car was in an accident and the air bags never deployed on the driver side or the passenger side. Nothing was done to fix it .the car now has to have the whole front end fixed and need to have them checked to see why they didn't deploy.
Speed control
3 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: accelerator pedal.
Dt: the contact stated vehicle jerked and cut out. When this happened the engine light came , on and there was a burning smell. The vehicle was taken to the dealership seven times, and they stated it was an electrical problem. They replaced the electrical throttle module every time, and stated there was a poor…
: the contact stated the accelerator pedal stuck. The problem occurred multiple times while the accelerator was pressed down for a distance. The lever that is attached to the housing block was manually pushed back. The vehicle was inspected by a dealership which determined the housing unit needed to be replaced. The…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2004 Kia Rio recalls
Child Seat
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.
Full defect summary
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.
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.
Questions about the 2004 Kia Rio
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia Rio?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (12 complaints, typically around 53,000 miles); fuel system (6 complaints, typically around 54,000 miles); electrical (5 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2004 Kia Rio have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from December 12, 2005 (child Seat). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2004 a bad year for the Kia Rio?
- It is 13th of 24 Rio model years by number of complaints, with 38 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.