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2003 Kia RIO CincoProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 2003 Kia RIO Cinco, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints81 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage79kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 12, 2015. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Kia RIO Cinco has problems

8 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
Power train30
Seat belts20
Engine and engine cooling10
Structure11

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

1 recall

2003 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

2003 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 power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

7-THE ENGINE LIGHT IS AGAIN ON AT 89,000. THIS TIME STEVE TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WE KNOW & TRUST, AND WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. AGAIN, STEVE TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP AROUND 90,000...THIS TIME THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. AT THIS POINT, THE DEALERSHIP MECHANICS COULD…
Complaint 10211554 · Dec 12, 2007 · 79,000 miles
CONT...2 OF 3 3-I'VE FOLLOWED THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE, PROVIDED EVIDENCE FOR ROUTINE OIL CHANGES, TRANSMISSION FLUSHES, AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE., TIRES, BRAKES, ETC. EVERY AUTO I'VE EVERY OWNED (DATING BACK TO 1976) HAS GIVEN ME IN EXCESS OF 200,000 MILES...AND MY TOYOTA HAD OVER 350,000...…
Complaint 10211545 · Dec 12, 2007 · 79,000 miles
I HAVE SEVERAL ISSUES WITH KIA. I'LL GIVE YOU A QUICK SYNOPSIS OF MY DEALINGS WITH KIA. 1-I WANTED TO BUY THE 2002 RIO CINCO IN AUGUST 2002. I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE, AND PICKED THE ONE I WANTED BEFORE GOING TO A DEALERSHIP. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT HAD BILLBOARDS POSTED ALL OVER GRAND RAPIDS,…
Complaint 10211541 · Dec 12, 2007 · 79,000 miles

Own a 2003 RIO Cinco?

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