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2002 Kia RIO CincoProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 21 owner complaints about the 2002 Kia RIO Cinco, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints2110 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage61kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 19, 2012. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 Kia RIO Cinco has problems

21 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine and engine cooling82
Fuel system, gasoline42
Air bags33
Electrical system30
Power train30
Wheels21
Service brakes, hydraulic21
Seats11
Suspension10
1 other systems10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2002 Kia RIO Cinco recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.

Best & worst years

2002 vs. every other RIO Cinco year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RIO Cinco median. How we score

'01'02'03'04
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What RIO Cinco owners report

Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

REFER TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V179000 IN JANUARY 2007, I TOOK MY VEHICLE (2002 KIA RIO) TO RAY CARTER KIA DEALERSHIP AT 6373 BLANDING BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244, BECAUSE THE ENGINE WOULD NOT IDLE AND WOULD SOMETIMES CUT OFF DURING ACCELERATION. THE SERVICE TECH TOLD ME I NEEDED THE 60,000…
Complaint 10197119 · Jul 21, 2007 · 60,948 miles
MY 2002 KIA RIO CINCO'S TIMING-BELT BROKE AND CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE RESULTING IN A $2500 FEE TO FIX THE VEHICLE. BECAUSE MY TIMING-BELT WAS NOT CHANGED AT 60000 (WE HAVE 61000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE) THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THEIR WARRANTY. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THESE VEHICLES AND A LOT…
Complaint 10154924 · Apr 10, 2006 · 61,000 miles
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THERE IS A LOUD NOISE. WHILE STOPPING, THE NOISE GETS LOUDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. AND THEY DETERMINED THE BOLTS THAT CONNECT THE PIPES TO THE HEAT SHIELD AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM BURNED OFF. ALSO, THE LUGS: NUTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED…
Complaint 10147089 · Jan 6, 2006 · 1,500 miles

Own a 2002 RIO Cinco?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.