no report yet
Seat belts: rear/other
Risk. IF A CHILD SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
2003 Kia RIOProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 74 owner complaints about the 2003 Kia RIO, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 1, 2021. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Kia RIO has problems
74 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
19Engine and engine cooling
15Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
12Power train
12Service brakes, hydraulic3 crash/fire/injury
7Seat belts
6Fuel system, gasoline
4Air bags
4Exterior lighting
4Steering
169 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 19 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 15 | 2 |
| Power train | 12 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 12 | 3 |
| Seat belts | 7 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 6 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 4 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 16 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2003 Kia RIO 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.
no report yet
Child seat
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, IF THE CHILD SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR.
no report yet
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
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 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 median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2003 Kia RIO safety ratings
2003 Kia Rio 4-DR. Wagon in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2003 Kia RIO, and the recalls they led to.
- AIR BAG NON DEPLOYNo recall
In owners' words
What RIO owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I BOUGHT MY 03 KIA RIO IN 04 AND WITHIN A MO. HAVE HAD PROBLEMS EVER SINCE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP EVERY MONTH FOR THE FIRST 2YRS WHEN IT WAS STILL IN WARRANTY. THERE WAS ALWAYS SOMETHING CONSTANTLY WRONG OR BREAKING. THE TAIL PIPE RATTLED EXTREMELY LOUD TO THE POINT OF SLIGHTLY SHAKING THE…
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH MY TWO YEAR OLD IN THE CAR, THE ENGINE SEIZED UP AND STALLED. THE CAR CURRENTLY WONT START AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. HOWEVER, WE JUST HAD ALL OF THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE TO THE CAR LESS THEN 300 MILES PRIOR TO THE ENGINE SEIZING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT…
TIMING BELT BROKE AT 72000 MILES WITHOUT WARNING. KIA SAYS CHANGE AT 60000 MILES IN KY, BUT WARRANTY IN CA ALLOW FOR 105000 MILE CHANGE. KIA REFUSED TO HONOR WARRANTY. STRANDED FOR 45 MINUTES. HAD TO PAY DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AT KIA DEALER. *TR
Own a 2003 RIO?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.