RoadVitals

2004 Kia Rio

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
38
Latest Mar 2, 2024
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Dec 12, 2005
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 38 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Kia Rio, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 12 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine1224.0%
  • Fuel system612.0%
  • Electrical510.0%
  • Suspension510.0%
  • Brakes48.0%
  • Driver assistance36.0%
  • Transmission36.0%
  • Airbags36.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
05V557000

CHILD SEAT

Dec 12, 2005
90,865 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' CERTAIN CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS WILL NOT FULLY LATCH ONTO THE LOWER LATCH ANCHORS LOCATED BETWEEN THE REAR SEAT BACK AND REAR SEAT CUSHION BECAUSE OF INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE CHILD SEAT ANCHORS AND A METAL WIRE LOCATED IN THE FRAME OF THE REAR SEAT BACK. UNTIL THE RECALL REPAIR IS COMPLETED, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY YOUR CHILD SEATS MANUFACTURER ON HOW TO PROPERLY INSTALL THE CHILD SEAT WITH YOUR VEHICLE'S REAR SAFETY BELTS RATHER THAN USING THE LATCH SYSTEM.
The risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, IF THE CHILD SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER ANCHORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.Manufacturer number SC057View on NHTSA.gov
04V179000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

Apr 9, 2004
187,790 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE OF THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE OR CRACKING DURING REMOVAL OF THE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING SECURING THE MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY TO THE FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE, OR WHEN FORCE IS ACCIDENTALLY APPLIED TO THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR DURING ENGINE COMPARTMENT REPAIRS.
The risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR AND MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.Manufacturer number SC036View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 38
Electrical
Filed Mar 2, 2024

I bought this car used a little less than a week ago. There was a thumping noise under the hood so I took the car to the dealer twice for this issue. I looked under the hood tonight and found a bunch of pieces that are not bolted down and the battery is completely unsecured and can move around freely. It’s horribly unsafe because the battery being loose can affect the entire car and the parts that aren’t bolted in place are causing major issues with the AC and other systems.

NHTSA ID
11575004
Incident
Mar 1, 2024
Filed Apr 20, 2019

MY WIFE GOT LOCKED IN HER CAR IN THE GARAGE AT HOME. THERE IS A SPRING ON THE DOOR LATCH THAT HOLDS UP A LEVER, THAT BROKE, CAUSING THE LEVER TO DROP AND JAM THE LOCK LEVER. WHEN SHE TRIED TO UNLOCK HER DOOR IT WOULD NOT RELEASE AND THE AUTO LOCK FUNCTION KEPT THE OTHER DOORS LOCKED TOO. WE WERE ABLE TO USE MY KEY TO QUICKLY UNLOCK AND OPEN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND GET OUT BY CRAWLING OVER THE CENTER CONSOLE. A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH FOUND A FEW THOUSAND ENTRIES SHOWING THIS SAME ISSUE WITH OTHER KIA RIOS AND OPTIMAS WHERE PEOPLE ARE GETTING STUCK IN THEIR CARS.

NHTSA ID
11202631
Incident
Apr 17, 2019
Mileage
136,000 mi
Filed Feb 28, 2019

TAKATA RECALL 2004 KIA RIO LOCKS IN CAR BROKEN UNABLE TO UNLOCK AND GET OUT THE CAR I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE LOCKING SYSTEM AND IT HAS BECOME A MAJOR PROBLEM

NHTSA ID
11183157
Incident
Feb 28, 2019
Suspension
Filed Aug 22, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MULTIPLE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND A DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
10897541
Incident
Nov 4, 2013
Other / unspecified
Filed Jun 16, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE WHEEL BEARING AND THE HUB FROM BOTH REAR WHEELS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRE BEARINGS WERE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,000.

NHTSA ID
10725617
Incident
Mar 7, 2012
Mileage
163,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Jul 10, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN WHEN USING THE KEY OR BY MANUALLY PULLING THE LOCK. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT IN ORDER TO ENTER THE VEHICLE SHE HAD TO DO SO THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGERS DOOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000.

NHTSA ID
10609586
Incident
Jul 2, 2014
Mileage
84,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Feb 20, 2014

TL-THE CONTACT CT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER AND HEATING SYSTEM FAILED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER AND HEAT BUTTON HAD TO BE HELD IN TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD DEFROST AND HEAT SYSTEM OPERATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,050. LI

NHTSA ID
10565082
Incident
Feb 19, 2014
Mileage
87,050 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Nov 19, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUAL DOOR LOCKS ON BOTH THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOORS WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENTER THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND EXIT IN THE SAME MANNER. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,599.

NHTSA ID
10485125
Incident
Nov 18, 2012
Mileage
21,599 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB_BOD055_R1

EXTERIOR LIGHTING; STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.

PS539

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

TSB-GEN085R1

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.

TSB-GEN085

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?

PS443

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device

TSBTRA046

POWER TRAIN

TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL, THEN REFERENCE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SYSTEM/ REPAIR PROCEDURES/ INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT SECTION FOR THE CORRECT ATF CHECK/FILL PROCEDURES.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Kia Rio by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2023120029.3
2022101055.0
2021152050.9
2020261051.2
2019211056.4
2018281059.5
2017312167.1
2016772161.7
2015521258.7
2014521260.0
20131531256.6
2012531261.6
2011240039.4
2010260046.7
2009390041.1
2008461048.1
2007461047.1
2006741051.0
2005361046.6
2004Viewing382048.9
2003743155.6
20021281153.5
20012233662.7
2000300—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.