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2004 Kia RIO CincoProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 12 owner complaints about the 2004 Kia RIO Cinco, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints121 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage75kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 15, 2018. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2004 Kia RIO Cinco has problems

12 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
Suspension30
Power train30
Steering21
Structure20
Engine and engine cooling20
Visibility10
Fuel system, gasoline10
Service brakes10
Vehicle speed control10
1 other systems10

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

1 recall

2004 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

2004 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 suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 10750410 · Aug 21, 2015
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…
Complaint 10614790 · Jul 20, 2014 · 88,000 miles
I WAS DRIVING WITH MY GIRLFRIEND, HEADED OUT TO DINNER, GOING 15 TO 20 MPH THROUGH TOWN (25 MPH SPEED LIMIT), WHEN SUDDENLY A LOUD CLUNKING NOISE STARTED, COMING FROM PASSENGER SIDE REAR WHEEL. I PULLED OVER IN A BUSINESS LOT & REMOVED TIRE TO FIND THAT THE REAR AXEL WHERE THE SHOCK ABSORBER…
Complaint 10557137 · Dec 24, 2013 · 62,206 miles

Own a 2004 RIO Cinco?

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