NHTSA lists 128 complaints for the 2002 Kia RIO, 25 of them mention a crash and 6 mention a fire. 18 complaints mention an injury, with 27 injuries and 1 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-08.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as KIA RIO.
Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.
Recalls
See new recalls and investigations this week.
1 recalls.
Date: 2004-04-09. Systems: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE.
Defect: 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.
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Manufacturer communications
16 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 5 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 3 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 2 |
|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 2 |
|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 2 |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 1 |
|---|
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER | 1 |
|---|
10201529
Date: 2021-09-13. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING, STRUCTURE.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models tha
10133170
Date: 2018-03-02. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
10109812
Date: 2017-01-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washe
10109777
Date: 2016-11-04. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES.
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other
10183431
Date: 2016-04-04. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.
TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cab
10091489
Date: 2013-12-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL, THEN REFERENCE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SYSTEM/ REPAIR PROC
10026726
Date: 2008-08-28. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING, PARKING BRAKE.
KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE
10024032
Date: 2007-12-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
RIO (BC) ENGINE HARD TO START, RUNS ROUGH AND STALLS -- WHAT TO CHECK -- CRANK POSITION SENSOR (CKP) TONE RING. *NJ
10015272
Date: 2005-01-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
IMPROVED TIMING BELTS FOR THE KIA RIO AND OPTIMA. *TT
10016737
Date: 2005-01-01. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
TECHLINE FAQS. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4. *TT