2004 Kia Rio problems
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Common 2004 Kia Rio problems
The Kia Rio, introduced in 1999, has been a popular choice for those seeking a subcompact vehicle with luxury features and a comfortable ride. However, some model years have been plagued with engine troubles, including engine seizure, engine failure, and engine knock, which have been the most reported problems by owners.
The 2004 Kia Rio, in particular, has been identified as one of the worst model years for engine problems, with engine seizure being the most prevalent issue. The average cost to fix this problem is $3,200, with an average mileage of 79,000 miles. This issue is often caused by a faulty timing chain or other internal engine components, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure if not addressed promptly.
Another common problem with the Kia Rio, particularly with the 2013 model, is engine failure, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty piston rings, cylinder walls, or bearings. The average cost to fix this problem is $5,800, with an average mileage of 107,000 miles.
The 2014 Kia Rio has also been reported to have engine knock issues, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors. The average cost to fix this problem is $6,000, with an average mileage of 108,000 miles.
Other common problems with the Kia Rio include bumpy rides, illuminated ABS light, excessive vibration, engine misfire, fuel leak, noisy power steering, stalling, headlight and brake light malfunction, and faulty window seals.
The bumpy ride is often caused by worn-out suspension components, which can be replaced with online guides available to walk you through the process. The illuminated ABS light is often caused by a faulty sensor on the back wheel, which can be easily replaced. Excessive vibration can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty wheel bearings or rear shock rubber mountings, which can be replaced with parts available in online stores.
Engine misfires and rough idling can be caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors, which can be replaced with parts available in online stores. Fuel leaks can be caused by a cracked inlet nipple on the fuel distribution rack, which can lead to a fire if not addressed promptly. The engine management warning light is often caused by a faulty oxygen sensor, which can be replaced with a low-cost replacement part.
In summary, the Kia Rio has been plagued with engine troubles, particularly in the 2004, 2013, and 2014 model years. These issues can be expensive to fix and can lead to catastrophic engine failure if not addressed promptly. Other common problems with the Kia Rio include bumpy rides, illuminated ABS light, excessive vibration, engine misfire, fuel leak, noisy power steering, stalling, headlight and brake light malfunction, and faulty window seals. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
What is the common problem with Kia Rio?
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 is the mileage of a 2004 Kia Rio?
Compare Side-by-Side
| 2004 Kia Rio | |
|---|---|
| EPA Fuel Economy | Regular Gasoline |
| 26 MPG 23 30 combined city/highway city highway | |
| 3.8 gal/100mi | |
| 309 miles Total Range |
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.
2004 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
- Suspension problems
- Power train problems
- Fuel system problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Kia Rio vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2004 Kia Rio
The NHTSA has received 50 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Kia Rio. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2004 Kia Rio vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-01
- VIN: KNADC125346
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-04-17
- VIN: KNADC125346
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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 PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-28
- VIN: KNADC125994
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-15
- VIN: KNADC165946
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK. WHEN LOCKED FROM INSIDE THE CAR YOU HAVE TO CRAWL OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE AND GO AROUND TO DRIVER DOOR, PUT THE KEY IN THE LOCK AND WIGGLE THE INSIDE DOOR LOCK LEVER. SOMETIMES IT TAKES MINUTES TO GET IT TO UNLOCK. IF YOU WERE TO HAVE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIME IN THIS CAR.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-04
- VIN: KNADC125846
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* 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.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-12
- VIN: KNADC165046
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE KIA WAS UNDER WARRANTY AT THIS TIME: IT REQUIRED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD IT WAS ABOUT TO 'DROP'. DESPITE BEING UNDER WARRANTY, I WAS MADE TO PAY FOR IT. 2007 THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR STOPPED WORKING AND WOULD NOT OPEN. IN 2008 THE ELECTRICAL WENT. NO INTERIOR LIGHTS, RADIO AND NO 'DOOR AJAR' WARNING. 2008 THE DOOR BEHIND DRIVER WOULD NOT OPEN. 2013 THE DRIVER DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN FOLLOWED BY THE HATCHBACK. RIGHT NOW ONLY 2 DOORS ARE ABLE TO BE LOCKED DUE TO THIS ISSUE. A NEW CLUTCH WAS PUT IN DURING 2012. THE SHIFTING HAS ALWAYS BEEN A LITTLE STICKY WITH IRREGULAR TIMING. I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND CANNOT BELIEVE THE SAFETY ISSUES CONCERNING THE DOORS, ABOVE ALL. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT I BOUGHT THE ONLY 'LEMON'..OR AM AMONG A FEW KIA RIO CINCO OWNERS FACING THESE PROBLEMS.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-03-07
- VIN: KNADC125146
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: TL* 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.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-01
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: OK, MY CAR MAKES A THUMPING NOISE UNDER THE TIRE, THOUGHT WAS THE WHEEL BEARING IT'S NOT SOMEONE SAID IT WAS THE AXLE I DON'T KNOW ALSO, THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON I CHANGED THE AIR FILTER, I READ THAT SOMEONE ELSE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FILTER, I READ THAT THE AXLE RUSTS OUT, I THINK THIS CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEMS AND KIA SHOULD FIX IT FOR FREE, I DON'T THINK I SHOULD PAY FOR THAT THE CAR DOESN'T GET DRIVEN THAT MUCH AND I CAN'T GO FAR PLACES WITH IT IN FEAR THAT IT MIGHT BREAK DOWN SOMEWHERE, I FEEL LIKE SUING KIA FOR MAKING A CRAPPY CAT THAT DOESN'T LAST. I'VE NEVER HAD A CAR LIKE THIS BEFORE, THE DOORS ARE BROKEN EVEN THE HATCH WON'T OPEN ANYMORE, WHAT THE [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-02
- VIN: KNADC125346
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN WHEN USING THE KEY OR BY MANUALLY PULLING THE LOCK. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IN ORDER TO ENTER THE VEHICLE SHE HAD TO DO SO THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGERS DOOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-19
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: TL-THE CONTACT CT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER AND HEATING SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER AND HEAT BUTTON HAD TO BE HELD IN TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD DEFROST AND HEAT SYSTEM OPERATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,050. LI
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-19
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary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
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-11-18
- VIN: KNADC165146
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUAL DOOR LOCKS ON BOTH THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOORS WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENTER THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND EXIT IN THE SAME MANNER. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,599.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-12-18
- VIN: KNADC125546
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS AGO. ON THE APPROXIMATE INCIDENT DATE, THE CLUTCH PEDAL FAILED TO ACTUATE THE CLUTCH AFTER PRODUCING A LOUD NOISE. INSPECTION AT A REPAIR FACILITY REVEALED FAILURE IN SEVERAL CLUTCH COMPONENTS AND A METAL FATIGUE FAILURE IN THE CLUTCH AND BRAKE PEDAL SUPPORT BRACKET. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT ON BEHALF OF MY DAUGHTER FOR THE FAILED SUPPORT BRACKET, WHICH I HAVE IN MY POSSESSION.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-27
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNADC125346
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE, KIA SAYS THEY SENT A NOTIFICATION TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER, YEARS AGO. WE FEEL THAT WE WERE ENTITLED TO A RECALL NOTICE BEFORE THE CAR BURNED DOWN. WE FEEL THIS IS NOT A SMALL RECALL, IT WAS A FIRE, A FIRE IS VERY DANGEROUS AND CAN BURN AND KILL PEOPLE. WE HAD 22 KIAS RIOS IN OUR FLEET AND NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES ON ANY OF THEM. KIA DID SEND NOTICES TO THE ORIGINAL OWNER HOWEVER THEY HAD THE INFORMATION AS TO WHICH CARS RECEIVED THE RECOMMENDED REPAIRS AND WHICH CARS NEVER CAME IN, THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME FOLLOW UP. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-27
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNADC125346
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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 SAFETY RECALL BEING PERFORMED FOR FIRE. FOR NINE YEARS WE REGISTERED THIS CAR AND KIA MADE NO ATTEMPT TO FIND OUT WHO OWNS THE VEHICLE. KIA IS BEING VERY UNETHICAL BECAUSE THEY SAY THAT A NOTICE WAS SENT OUT (ONE NOTICE) AND NOW THEY HAVE DONE THEIR OBLIGATION. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-11-06
- VIN: KNADC125546
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND MY 2004 KIA RIO DIED , I PUSHED IT TO THE MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE TIMING BELT LOST ITS TEETH AND THERE IS NOW NO COMPRESSION IN 3 AND 4 , THE MILEAGE ON CAR IS 68040. I WAS TOLD BASICALLY THE ENGINE IS TOAST AND I WASN'T EVEN MOVING ,I WAS TOLD BY A COUPLE OF MECHANICS THAT THE BELT THAT KIA USED IS FAULTY . THE OWNERS MANUAL SAYS REPLACE 60,000 MILES BUT REPLACE IT 105,000 IN CALIFORNIA. HOW WOULD A BELT BE BAD IN 49 STATES EXCEPT CALIFORNIA. I FOUND ON AUTO MD .COM NHTSA ACTION #10015272 SERVICE BULLETIN # 289221 REPORT DATING JAN 1 2005 IMPROVED TIMING BELTS FOR 04 RIO AND OPTIMA . *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-16
- VIN: KNADC125546
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STALLED AND THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE ENGINE WOULD RESTART AFTER WAITING FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MINUTE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 78,000.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-01
- VIN: KNADC125546
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: THE LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM CAME LOOSE FROM THE CAR, PULLING THE CV AXLE OUT OF PLACE. THE LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS BOLTED BACK INTO PLACE AND THE CV AXLE SHAFT WAS REPAIRED. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-17
- VIN: KNADC125446
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. WHEN THE CONTACT APPROACHED A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING AND A NOISE WAS PRESENT IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED ON THREE OCCASIONS WITHIN THE LAST 1000 MILES. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55700 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-02-21
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. WHILE PULLING UP TO A PARKING LOT AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. SHE WAS NEAR A TIRE SHOP AT THE TIME AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TIMING BELT FAILED. SHE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING BELT FAILED AND THE ENGINE VALVES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED, BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE TIMING BELT SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED WITHIN FIVE YEARS. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 80,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-10
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I HAVE A 2004 KIA RIO. I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE TILL THE MONTH OF OCTOBER WHEN IT FAILED INSPECTION FOR EMISSIONS. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND IT TOOK A WHILE BEFORE THEY FOUND OUT IT WAS A SENSOR. SO THEN I HAD THE CAR BACK FOR A WEEK AND MY HUSBAND WHO DRIVES THE CAR EVERYDAY WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK HEARD A LOUD NOISE AND THE CAR DIED. COME TO FIND OUT THE TIMING BELT WENT ON THE VEHICLE. WHICH COME TO FIND OUT YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO CHANGE THESE AT 60,000 ACCORDING TO THEIR BOOK. WHEN WE BOUGHT THE RIO WE ALSO BOUGHT A KIA SPECTRA. SO OF COURSE WE TOOK THE SPECTRA IN RIGHT AWAY TO GET A NEW BELT SO WE WOULDN'T HAVE 2 CARS DOWN. THAT COST 677.00. I HAD 78,000 ON THE SPECTRA AND THERE WAS 83,000 ON THE RIO. I INVESTIGATED THIS PROBLEM COME TO FIND OUT ALOT OF PEOPLE HAD THIS PROBLEM SO KIA KNOWS ABOUT IT. I THEN CHECKED THE TECHNICAL BULLETINS AND FOUND THAT IN JANUARY 0F 2005 THERE WAS A BULLETIN ITEM NUMBER 10015272. IT SAYS THEY IMPROVED THE TIMING BELTS FOR THE KIA RIO AND OPTIMA. WELL THEY DIDN'T IMPROVE IT FOR MY CAR. WHEN THE TIMING BELT WENT IT BLEW THE ENGINE. WE ARE SO MADE AND WHEN WE TOOK MY SPECTRA IN TO BE DONE AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED TO THE RIO THEY SAID THAT'S TO BAD. WE NOW HAVE OUR CAR AT ANOTHER GARAGE AND ARE TRYING TO GET KIA TO PAY FOR ANOTHER ENGINE. WHAT DO YOU THINK MY CHANCES ARE? I AM AT WORK NOW AND I DO NOT HAVE THE VIN NUMBER, IF YOU EMAIL ME THEN LATER TONIGHT I CAN FORWARD THE VIN NUMBER TO YOU. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-01
- VIN: KNADC165046
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: FAN CONTROL KNOB FOR HEAT INTERMITTENTLY WOULD ONLY WORK ON SOME SPEEDS AND GRADUALLY WOULD NOT WORK AT TIMES. IT WOULD "CATCH" EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE ONLY ON HIGH, I COULD SMELL SOMETHING HOT, NOW IT DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. AFTER LOOKING BEHIND THE COVER, THE CLIPS THAT HOLD THE RELAY SWITCH TO THE KNOB ARE MELTED, THE RELAY SWITCH IS BURNED AND THE WIRE HARNESS IS MELTED. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-22
- VIN: KNADC125346
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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 HAVE FAILED AND THAT THE EVENT WOULD LIKELY NOT BE COVERED UNDER MY WARRANTY BECAUSE, AS THE CUSTOMER, I SHOULD HAVE HAD THE TIMING BELT REPLACED AT 60,000 MILES. MY VEHICLE HAD 79,418 MILES AT THE TIME THE VEHICLE STALLED. MY 2004 KIA RIO HAS AN INTERFERENCE ENGINE AND NO ADEQUATE WARNING OF THE PROBABILITY OF A TIMING BELT FAILURE WAS EXPRESSED OR POSTED BY KIA. MY ENGINE HAS COMPLETELY FAILED BECAUSE THE TIMING BELT STRIPPED. IT WILL COST $1,200.00 TO $2,000.00 TO REPLACE THE MOTOR IN THIS AUTOMOBILE. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-26
- VIN: KNADC125546
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 50-55 MPH UPHILL, THE VEHICLE BEGAN WEAVING, VIBRATING, AND SHAKING. THE FAILURE RECURRED THE SAME DAY. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE LATERAL STABILIZER BAR FAILED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER, AWAITING THE PARTS TO ARRIVE. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 76,243.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-02-29
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNADC125846
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: 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. *TR
2004 Kia Rio recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2004 Kia Rio.
- Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
- Components: CHILD SEAT
- 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.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, IF THE CHILD SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: 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.
- 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 2004 Kia Rio car reviews
Positive 2004 Kia Rio car reviews
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This has been a great little car! I'm happy to report that I haven't had any problems with it at all. In fact, I've already driven over 18,000 miles in less than a year and the gas mileage has been consistently impressive, ranging from 33 to 41 mpg. For a car at this price point, you really can't go wrong with this little gem!
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I recently bought a used 2004 Rio. Overall, it handles beautifully for city and highway driving, with 45 MPH being the ideal speed. However, on the freeway, it can be a bit rough. Living on a hill, I noticed that it feels like driving over ripples when I hit the brakes to slow down, which can be a little alarming at first and feel like a flat tire. Despite this, I really like the car and it looks nice too. It can be found relatively cheap used and with low miles.
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After a lot of searching for an inexpensive and economical car, I feel that the Kia Rio Cinco can not be beat. It turns on a dime, gets 31 mpg, has an excellent sound system, and the A/C is COLD. All around, it's a bargain.
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Hey there! Just wanted to share that I recently purchased a new Kia Rio 4 door automatic and so far, it's been great!
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I love your new 2004 Rio! It sounds like it's fun to drive and very comfortable. It's great that it doesn't cost much to fill up the tank, especially with rising gas prices. Your car gets good gas mileage too, which is a bonus. I also like the way it looks, and it's impressive that it's roomy despite its small appearance. The stereo with a CD player is a nice touch too. Overall, it sounds like you made a great choice with your car and I wouldn't trade it for any other car either!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Kia Rio problems:
2004 Kia Rio Problems and Complaints - 4 Issues
Problem with your 2004 Kia Rio? Our list of 4 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2004 Kia Rio.
Common Problems with 2004 Kia Rio: Q&A on Acceleration ...
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 · Hi. · He changed some ...
2004 Kia Rio Consumer Reviews | Cars.com
This car met my needs, I like the room and reliability. I really was looking for a cheap car that would meet my needs of transportation, commuting and one that ...
Q&A: 2004 Kia Rio Problems & Engine Issues - JustAnswer
Nov 5, 2010 ... You could have a bad mass air flow sensor. Or the snorkel from the mass air flow sensor to the throttle body could be ripped. Both are very ...
2004 Kia Rio Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2004 Kia Rio? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Other years of Kia Rio
Are you having problems with your 2004 Kia Rio?
Orlando Emmerich 2025-02-23
Hello! We are sorry to hear about your experience with your 2004 Kia Rio. We understand that the timing belt broke and unfortunately, it is not covered under warranty. We recommend replacing the belt at 5 years or 60k miles to prevent this from happening. We hope this information helps and please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns.
Monserrate Deckow 2024-11-13
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my Kia, which I've had for a few months now. Unfortunately, I've been having some trouble with the car's acceleration. Specifically, it seems to struggle to get going and I've noticed that the RPMs can get quite high even when I'm not going very fast. Recently, I had a major issue where all 16 valves failed and the pistons were damaged. It was definitely frustrating, but I'm hopeful that the issue can be resolved. Have you had any similar experiences with your Kia?
Wendell Blick 2024-09-25
Congratulations on your new car! It's great that you were able to save up for it in just 2 years. I noticed that you mentioned some issues with the car, which can be frustrating. Have you considered reaching out to the dealership to see if they can help with the repairs? It's important to make sure that you're not spending too much money on repairs. While your Kia Rio may not have all the bells and whistles of a BMW or Mercedes, it's still a reliable mode of transportation. I hope you enjoy your new car!
Domingo White 2024-06-04
The car has been a major disappointment. Despite having a 100,000 mile warranty, I have had to make 7 trips to the dealer for warranty service on a wind noise, door handle operation, and transmission issues. The car is also underpowered and struggles on even slight inclines. Additionally, running the air conditioner causes a significant loss of horsepower and the engine runs rough with the A/C compressor engaged. It is unfortunate that the dealership service mechanics have not been able to resolve these issues.
Kennith Johns 2024-05-08
Congratulations on your new car! It sounds like you made a great choice for your commute. Although it may not have all the bells and whistles, it's great to hear that you're happy with your purchase. The price you paid definitely seems like a steal! Thank you for sharing your experience with us.