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2004 Kia RIOProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 38 owner complaints about the 2004 Kia RIO, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

2004 Kia RIO
61
CarFlaw IndexSolid year35% below the RIO median · #16 of 23 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints388 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage53kEngine and engine cooling, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 2, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: User Asterion on en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.5.

Complaints by system

Where the 2004 Kia RIO has problems

38 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 cooling120
Electrical system50
Fuel system, gasoline52
Suspension50
Power train40
Service brakes, hydraulic41
Air bags33
Vehicle speed control30
Wheels20
6 other systems71

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

2 recalls

2004 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

Recall 05V-557 · Dec 12, 2005 · 90,865 vehicles

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, IF THE CHILD SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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 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

2004 Kia RIO safety ratings

2004 Kia Rio 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2004 Kia RIO frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
2004 Kia RIO side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What RIO owners report

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

I WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND MY 2004 KIA RIO DIED, I PUSHED IT TO THE MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE TIMING BELT LOST ITS TEETH AND THERE IS NOW NO COMPRESSION IN 3 AND 4, THE MILEAGE ON CAR IS 68040. I WAS TOLD BASICALLY THE ENGINE IS TOAST AND I WASN'T EVEN MOVING,I WAS TOLD BY A COUPLE OF MECHANICS THAT…
Complaint 10369219 · Dec 5, 2010 · 68,040 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. WHILE PULLING UP TO A PARKING LOT AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE ENGINE, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. SHE WAS NEAR A TIRE SHOP AT THE TIME AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TIMING BELT FAILED. SHE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN…
Complaint 10260541 · Mar 3, 2009 · 80,000 miles
I HAVE A 2004 KIA RIO. I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE TILL THE MONTH OF OCTOBER WHEN IT FAILED INSPECTION FOR EMISSIONS. I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND IT TOOK A WHILE BEFORE THEY FOUND OUT IT WAS A SENSOR. SO THEN I HAD THE CAR BACK FOR A WEEK AND MY HUSBAND WHO DRIVES THE CAR EVERYDAY WAS DRIVING…
Complaint 10249072 · Nov 18, 2008 · 83,000 miles

Own a 2004 RIO?

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