2002 Kia Rio problems
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Common 2002 Kia Rio problems
The Kia Rio 2002 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners of this car.
One of the issues is with the fuel rail, which has been reported to have a problem. This can lead to a variety of issues with the car's engine, including poor performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and difficulty starting.
Another problem reported by owners of the Kia Rio 2002 is a water leak into the boot area that was traced to improperly applied body sealant. This can cause damage to the car's interior and lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be difficult and expensive to remove.
The radio of the Kia Rio 2002 has also been reported to be replaced, which suggests that there may be issues with the car's audio system. This can be a frustrating problem for drivers who rely on their car's audio system for entertainment and navigation.
The clutch of the Kia Rio 2002 has also been reported to have problems, which may require replacement. This can be a costly repair, and it can also lead to issues with the car's transmission and overall performance.
The Kia Rio 2002 has also been reported to have poor acceleration, excessive vibration, and engine shaking. These issues can be intermittent and may be related to problems with the car's engine or transmission.
The Kia Rio 2002 has also been reported to have issues with its suspension, engine, and ventilation system. These problems can lead to reduced performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and difficulty driving the car.
Kia has demonstrated a so-so record for reliability in recent years, and the Rio did Kia no favors in the study, scoring poorly for mechanical reliability and finishing too near the bottom of the table for comfort.
Overall, the Kia Rio 2002 has several common problems that can be frustrating and expensive for owners. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues and to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchasing it.
What are the main problems with Kia Rio?
Kia Rio Transmission Problems:
Transmission issues can plague any vehicle, and the Kia Rio is no exception. Owners have reported issues such as rough shifting, slipping gears, and transmission fluid leaks.
Is The Kia Rio a reliable car?
The Kia Rio Reliability Rating is 4.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 6th out of 21 for subcompact cars.
What are the disadvantages of the Kia Rio?
Kia Rio Problems
- Faulty Infotainment System.
- Transmission Problems.
- Loud Engine Noise.
- Defective AC Compressor.
- Erroneous Check Engine Light.
Is Kia Rio a strong car?
Reliability and problems
Kia has a great reputation for building dependable cars that are very satisfying to own. The Rio's top five placings in a number of owner satisfaction surveys suggest it's a pleasure to own and almost totally trouble-free.
2002 Kia Rio car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Rio problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Air bags problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Kia Rio vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2002 Kia Rio
The NHTSA has received 158 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Kia Rio. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2002 Kia Rio vehicles.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-05
- VIN: KNADC123426
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-07
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNADC123426
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* 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*BF *JS
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-25
- VIN: KNADC123X26
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 WORKED ON IT EARLIER THAT DAY - 15 MILES. THE NEXT DAY, 8/26/14, THE SHOP TOLD ME THE TIMING BELT BROKE AND IT RUINED THE ENGINE. THEY SAID KIA'S HAVE AN INTERFERENCE MOTOR. WHEN THE BELT BREAKS, IT BREAKS OFF ALL THE PISTONS (SOMETHING LIKE THAT) AND RUINS THE MOTOR. IT CAN'T BE FIXED. I HAVE TO BUY A NEW MOTOR $2000 APPRX, OR A NEW CAR. I LIVE ALONE AND DON'T HAVE THE MONEY FOR EITHER. I WAS COUNTING ON THIS CAR TO LAST ME 2-3 MORE YEARS. A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT GARAGES TOLD ME IT LOOKED GOOD AND SHOULD LAST THAT LONG AT LEAST. I WAS GOING TO START SAVING FOR A NEW CAR. THIS IS VERY UNETHICAL OF KIA. THEY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO MAKE/SELL A CAR THAT HAS A MOTOR THAT SELF-DESTRUCTS. I'VE HAD OTHER CARS AND THE TIMING BELT BROKE, BUT IT DID NOT RUIN THE MOTOR. THEY JUST REPLACED THE TIMING BELT. THIS IS HORRIBLE! I HAD NO IDEA, NO WARNING! ALL THE SHOP I TOOK IT TO NEVER SAID A THING! KIA SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO DO THIS. THEY SHOULD AT LEAST HAVE TO WARN YOU ABOUT IT! I HAVE A MANUAL AND I NEVER SAW ANYTHING ABOUT IT IN THERE. MY CHEVY MANUAL HAD THE MILES AND WHAT YOU NEED TO DO AT THOSE MILES. THE KIA BOOK DOES NOT. I HAD NO IDEA!! THIS SHOULD BE ILLEGAL! TOTAL RIP OFF! *TR
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-05
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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. *TR
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-09-11
- VIN: KNADC123126
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* 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.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-20
- VIN: KNADC163426
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA RIO CINCO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY AND PULSATION OCCURRED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHERE THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WHEEL HUB BEARINGS WERE REPLACED EACH TIME. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TWICE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WHEEL HUB BEARINGS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE CONSTANT PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-27
- VIN: KNADC123X26
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN REFUELING THE VEHICLE, FUEL WOULD SPEW BACK OUT FROM THE FILLER NECK. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT A STRONG GASOLINE FUEL ODOR WAS CONSTANTLY PRESENT WITHIN THE VEHICLE AFTER REFUELING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V179000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000. UPDATED 03/16/12 *BF UPDATED 03/30/12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-12-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 2002 KIA RIO. CONSUMER STATES TIMING BELT FAILED *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE TIMING BELT FAILED FOR A SECOND TIME AT 59,059 AND DESTROYED THE SECOND ENGINE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL TIMING BELT WAS NOT REPLACED AT THE PROPER MILEAGE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ORIGINAL TIMING BELT WAS REPLACED AT 53,668 AND THE REPLACEMENT BELT FAILED AT 59,059 BEFORE THE RECOMMENDED 60,000. A KIA REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE WARRANTY ONLY EXTENDED TO THE ORIGINAL ENGINE, NOT THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-01
- VIN: KNADC123326
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR SEAT BELT WAS FRACTURED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT IT WAS HER RESPONSIBILITY REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,458 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/01/2011 *LN
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-04
- VIN: KNADC123326
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: TL* 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 WAS 93,458.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-27
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNADC123526
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WE WERE JUST 10 MINUTES DRIVING FROM HOME, WHEN WE SAW THE SMOKE COMING FROM FRONT OF THE CAR. WE WERE APPROACHING THE LIGHT SO THE SPEED WAS ABOUT 10 MILES . WITHIN 5/6 METERS WE STOPPED IN TURN LINE AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE SMOKE GOT MORE AND MORE. SO WE GET OUT OF THE CAR AND WE WERE JUST SHOCKED. SOMEBODY TOLD US CALL 911 AND WE DID AND WE CALLED FIRE FIGHTERS AS WELL. DURING THAT PERIOD FIRE WAS COMING OUT OF THE BONNET AND OTHER CARS WERE AROUND US. I WAS JUST AFRAID OF EXPLOSION . IN COUPLE OF MINUTES POLICE CAME AND BLOCK THE ROAD. THEN FIRE FIGHTERS CAME AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. BUT OUR CAR WAS TOTALLY DAMAGED AND OUT OF ORDER. WE TOWED IT TO THE AUTO BODY AND SOME DAYS LATER THEY TOLD CAN'T DO ANYTHING WITH IT.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-27
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNADC123526
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I GOT THE SECOND HAND 2002 KIA RIO 4 MONTHS AGO . ME AND MY WIFE WERE DRIVING FOR 1 MILE WHEN THE SMELL OF SMOKE CAME AND IN THE COUPLE OF SECONDS THERE WAS SMOKE CAME FROM THE BONNET. I SWITCHED OFF AND TRIED TO OPEN THE BONNET BUT THE SMOKE GOT MORE AND MORE ,SO WE LEFT THE CAR IMMEDIATELY AND WE SAW FLAMES CAME FROM RIGHT PART OF THE BONNET. WE WERE JUST SHOCKED AND SCARED OF FIRE. WE CALLED 911 AND FIREFIGHTERS AND IN LESS THAN TEN MINUTES FRONT PART OF THE CAR WAS TOTALLY RUINED. LOOKING OPTIMISTICALLY THERE WAS NO INJURY AT ALL . BUT HOW ABOUT THE NEXT ONE! CAN EVERYBODY BE LUCKY AS WE WERE?! WE WERE JUST IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TURN LINE IN MIDDLE OF THE STREET , SO OTHER CARS WERE AROUND US I CAN NOT IMAGINE WHAT COULD HAPPENED IF I WAS IN FREEWAY OR IF MY WIFE WAS ALONE!? *TR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-23
- VIN: KNADC123826
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DRIVE SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK, AND THEREFORE, WILL NOT OPEN. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-03
- VIN: KNADC123026
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA RIO. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2-5 MPH IN THE RESIDENCE DRIVEWAY, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE TIMING BELT. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, PREVIOUSLY THE SPARK PLUGS, AND CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLIANT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. UPDATED 01/14/11 *BF UPDATED 03/01/11 UPDATED 04/1511
SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-16
- Components: SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT WOULD NOT BUCKLE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT ANCHOR FELL APART. THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR LOCK WOULD NOT UNLOCK WITH THE KEY OR FROM THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR. KIA WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 175,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 182,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 11/05/10. *LJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-10-20
- VIN: KNADC123826
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: T PROPORTIONING VALVE IS LEAKING ON MY 2002 KIA, LOOSING ALL BRAKE FLUID. KIA DEALER SAID THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THEY CAN REPAIR FOR $230.00. THE PROPORTIONING VALVE SHOULD NOT FAIL ON ANY CAR. HAS THIS BEEN REPORTED BEFORE? I FEEL THIS SHOULD BE A WARRANTY ITEM AND POSSIBLY A DEALER RECALL, WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME? *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-07-17
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER 2002 KIA RIO, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING AND WOULD NOT START UP. THERE WAS NO PRIOR INDICATION THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG - NO LIGHT OR INDICATORS ON. HAD IT TOWED TO OUR MECHANIC - ENGINE WAS LOCKED UP. HE DIDN'T KNOW FOR SURE WHY - OIL AND COOLANT WERE FINE. WE DIDN'T WANT TO PAY TO HAVE THE REASON DIAGNOSED, AS IT DOESN'T REALLY MATTER WHAT CAUSED IT - THE MOTOR IS SHOT. THIS CAR HAS BEEN REGULARLY MAINTAINED - OIL CHANGE EVERY 3000 MILES, REGULAR SERVICE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE BOOK. WE HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED TWO YEARS AGO, AS IT JUST DECIDED TO DIE ALSO. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-15
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 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 THE CHECK EVERY TIME THE INSPECTION IS DO AND HAVE THE LIGHT RESET. SO I CAN PASS THE INSPECTION. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-12
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE CAR BEGAN TO RUN HOT WHEN I WOULD BE BRIEFLY STOPPED FOR INSTANCE IN A DRIVE THROUGH RESTAURANT OR A LONGER TRAFFIC LIGHT. ONCE THE CAR BEGAN TO MOVE THE CAR COOLED DOWN. I HAD A MECHANIC FRIEND DO A TUNE UP ON MY CAR. HE SAID THE FAN HAS NO BLADES THEY HAVE DISINTEGRATED. THIS WAS OF CONCERN DUE TO THE FACT THERE HAS BEEN NO INJURY TO MY CAR SUCH AS AN ANIMAL IN THE ENGINE. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-08
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNADC243226
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: GOING AT 80KM AN HOUR IN PEAK FRIDAY AFTERNOON TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY I REAR ENDED ANOTHER CAR AND MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-10
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ORIGINAL OWNER OF 2002 KIA RIO - TIMING BELT FAILED AT 93,000 MILES CAUSING TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE (INTERFERENCE ENGINE). TIMING BELT IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR 100,000 MILES FOR ORIGINAL OWNER ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL. KIA WOULD NOT HONOR WARRANTY. SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS LATER, I HAD A REPLACEMENT ENGINE INSTALLED. IT FAILED 2,300 MILES LATER DUE TO THE CAMSHAFT SHEARING AND THE INTERFERENCE PROBLEMS. AGAIN, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-01
- VIN: KNADC123626
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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 THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION SINCE I HAVE TO PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE TIMING IN ORDER TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT AT HIGHER SPEEDS. I AM THE FIRST OWNER OF THE CAR AND THE CAR WAS PROPERLY MAINTAINED BY MY LOCAL MECHANIC (I HAVE RECORDS OF EVEN OIL CHANGES) AND EVEN AFTER ALIGNMENT AND TIRE CHANGE FOR THE PROBLEM BY A KIA DEALER, THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. I'VE BEEN TO 2 DIFFERENT KIA DEALERS AND I WAS TOLD THIS IS A "NORMAL" SITUATION IN THESE KINDS OF CARS AND IT HAPPENS TO "ALL OF THEM AT HIGH MILEAGE". I ALSO TRIED TO REACH THE REGIONAL OFFICE AND AFTER NUMEROUS PHONE CALLS I DIDN'T GET A RESPONSE FROM THERE YET. THE CAR IS AT 98,000 MILES AND I'VE HAD THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT MORE THAN 3 MONTHS. I BELIEVE KIA EITHER SHOULD HONOR THEIR 100K MILE WARRANTY OR IF IT IS HAPPENING TO "ALL OF THEM" AND IT IS "NORMAL" THEY SHOULD MOVE THEIR OFFICIAL WARRANTY LOWER (FOR EXAMPLE 80K MILES ETC.) OR THEY SHOULD WARN THE CONSUMER ABOUT THIS "NORMAL" SITUATION WITH BIG LETTERS IN THEIR ADVERTISEMENTS AND MANUALS. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-16
- VIN: KNADC123826
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I HAVE TAKEN MY 2002 KIA RIO TO A CERTIFIED REPUTABLE MECHANIC. HIS DETERMINATION OF THE FAULTY ENGINE WAS DUE TO THE FACT OF A INFERIOR TIMING BELT. HIS STATEMENT WAS THAT THE TIMING BELT GAVE OUT AND THE ENGINE IS DESIGNED SO THAT BASICALLY WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE CRANKSHAFT AND VALVES RUIN ITSELF DUE TO THE BROKEN TIMING BELT. THIS HAPPENING LEAVES ME WITH BASICALLY A $2,000 DOLLAR LOSS ALL BECAUSE OF MAYBE A $100 PART. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-05
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNADC123326
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: OUR KIA RIO WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION WHERE THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AT OVER 40 MILES AN HOUR. IT'S BY THE GRACE OF GOD WE DIDN'T FIND THIS OUT IN A FASTER COLLISION COSTING SOMEONE THEIR LIFE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-08-10
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: ELECTRICAL LINE FROM REAR OF BRAKE SWITCH IS SHORT IN LENGTH AND UNSECURED RESULTING IN WIRE DAMAGE THAT SHORTS ELECTRICAL FUSE TO SWITCH. RESULTS IN BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE AND POSSIBLE REAR END COLLISION DUE TO NO BRAKE LIGHTS. NEW SWITCH FROM FACTORY WAS INSTALLED BY KIA DEALERSHIP- BUT PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE VEHICLE IS A 2002 KIA RIO CINCO. I'M WORRIED FOR MY FAMILY'S AND OTHERS SAFETY. THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT, THAT I FEEL THE CONSUMER SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BEAR THE EXPENSE. *TR
2002 Kia Rio recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2002 Kia Rio.
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
- 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.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2002 Kia Rio car reviews
Positive 2002 Kia Rio car reviews
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The price couldn't be beaten. You'll love the convenience of a hatchback. It's a great car for families. While some materials, such as the hatch cover, may not be of the highest quality, it's still a fantastic choice.
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This car rocks! My parents bought it for me for graduation, and I love it. It's as solid as a Honda, although some of you may disagree. It's better than American cars, but I have news for you - that Probe you own is made in Japan, that Accord you own is made in America, and who knows who made the...
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This is a great deal! Even compared to better brands, this car is reliable for normal driving conditions. It may not be the best choice for a full-size family, but I love almost everything about it, especially considering the price I paid. The only thing that could be improved is the handling.
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It sounds like you've got a great car! It's impressive that it can handle the late winter snows and your steep driveway. Plus, getting 30+mpg on road trips is fantastic. It's also great to hear that the AC works well, especially during the hottest July in over 10 years. Even with the Automatic, it's still fun to drive. Your Autumn trip to the Ozarks sounds like it will be a blast in this car!
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I am thrilled to report that after 9 months and 10.5K miles, I am still very happy with my little cheap car! Even family members who initially made fun of my purchase have been impressed after driving it. The dealership's excellent service has been a major plus in terms of customer satisfaction. When my A/C was freezing, they fixed it in just one day and I never had a problem with it again. The dealership even provided a ride to work and pick up - talk about European Service at Korean Price! Based on my experience, I highly recommend this car and will likely replace it with a bigger Kia in the future. In fact, my cousin was so impressed that they already bought a Rio Cinco!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2002 Kia Rio problems:
2002 Kia Rio Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 2002 Kia Rio? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2002 Kia Rio.
2002 Kia Rio, Having Problems | Kia Forum
Nov 29, 2005 ... Purchased a 2002 Kia Rio from a 2nd hand dealer here in town about 2 years ago. It had suffered body damage from a wreck and been repaired. Two ...
2002 Kia Rio - What could be the problem now?
Feb 25, 2016 ... I bought my 2002 Kia Rio second hand unfourtunally 1 month and 6 days ago. Since then I have actually been able to drive it 5 whole days but ...
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Jan 4, 2019 ... I'm not quite sure what you mean by "full field", but it's certainly worth having the battery checked out. This seems to be a common problem ...
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Jul 15, 2011 ... I have a 2004 Kia Rio and it had acceleration problems, to the point where it would go 10-15 miles with flooring the - Answered by a ...
Other years of Kia Rio
Are you having problems with your 2002 Kia Rio?
Erick Ritchie 2024-10-10
Two tanks of gas and one freeway trip have resulted in a surprising improvement in my 2003 Rio, which Edmunds has failed to note even though it has been out for two months. The P is up to 104 and power windows are now available. As someone who is 6' and 250 pounds, I can say that I am comfortable in the cabin at all speeds.
General Hagenes 2024-08-27
I've had the Rio for almost a year now and I use it every day. So far, it has been reliable and I'm pleased with it. It's good basic transportation.
Louisa Will 2024-08-20
I have currently 1000 miles onthe car. INTERIOR: decent headroom and legroom,but tight width wise.EXTERIOR:doors and trunk are so light that it makes it difficult to close(bounce back open) ENGINE: peppy around town, cruises at 75 no problem, but no power up steep grades and a.c. overburdens the engine.HANDELING:anti-sway bars not up to par.MILEAGE: 24mpg driving very conservatve.
Hilario Waelchi 2024-04-08
Hi there! I recently purchased a used 'Korea car' for my daily commute. It has a standard 5-speed transmission, but unfortunately no air conditioning. I noticed that the alternator belt is frayed - do you happen to know how often the belts should be replaced? Also, what happens if the timing belt breaks? I'm just curious about how many trouble-free miles I can expect from this car. Thanks!
Jeromy Macejkovic 2024-03-04
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my Rio. I bought it back in January 2002 and I have to say, I haven't had any problems with it. I mainly use it as a second car for work and running the kids back and forth, and it's been great for that. Thanks for listening!