CHILD SEAT
2005 Kia Rio
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 36 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Kia Rio, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and airbags categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 11 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2005 | 1 | 1 |
| Aug 2005 | 3 | 4 |
| Oct 2005 | 1 | 5 |
| Dec 2005 | 1 | 6 |
| Jan 2006 | 1 | 7 |
| Mar 2006 | 1 | 8 |
| Jul 2006 | 1 | 9 |
| Nov 2006 | 1 | 10 |
| May 2007 | 1 | 11 |
| Aug 2007 | 1 | 12 |
| Sep 2007 | 1 | 13 |
| Feb 2009 | 1 | 14 |
| Apr 2009 | 1 | 15 |
| Sep 2009 | 2 | 17 |
| Nov 2009 | 1 | 18 |
| Dec 2009 | 1 | 19 |
| Mar 2010 | 1 | 20 |
| May 2010 | 1 | 21 |
| Aug 2010 | 1 | 22 |
| Sep 2010 | 1 | 23 |
| Oct 2010 | 1 | 24 |
| Dec 2010 | 1 | 25 |
| May 2012 | 1 | 26 |
| Nov 2013 | 1 | 27 |
| Jan 2014 | 1 | 28 |
| Mar 2014 | 1 | 29 |
| May 2014 | 1 | 30 |
| Aug 2014 | 1 | 31 |
| Nov 2014 | 1 | 32 |
| Sep 2015 | 1 | 33 |
| Jan 2016 | 2 | 35 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 36 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine1737.0%
- Electrical48.7%
- Airbags48.7%
- Seat belts48.7%
- Fuel system36.5%
- Driver assistance36.5%
- Steering36.5%
- Powertrain (other)24.3%
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
1 campaign 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.govRecent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
I WAS DRIVING ON PUBLIC STREET LOSS CONTROL DUE TO A POT HOLE IN THE STREET THE CAR LOST CONTROL FLIPPING SLIDING THEN FLIP UP RIGHT TILL IT CAME TO A STOP ON APT WALL THEN WHEN IT WAS ALL OVER AND DONE THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED GO OFF ON MY ARM RIGHT ARM GIVING ME SECOND TO THIRD DEGREE BURNS THE PURPOSE OF THE AIR BAG ? I HAVE BROKEN BACK CAR WAS TOTALED NOW I GOT CHRONIC PAIN EVERYDAY I LOST MY CAR AM LIMITED ON MOBILEBILITY WAS GOING GET SCREWS PLACED ON MY BACK AND UN ABLE TO SET WALK OR STAND DO TO CHRONIC PAIN
- NHTSA ID
- 11374512
- Incident
- Jun 9, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS RANDOMLY FLASHED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V244000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
- NHTSA ID
- 10820989
- Incident
- May 31, 2012
WHEN THE CAR IS EXPOSED TO MOISTURE, EITHER FROM UNDERNEATH BY DRIVING THROUGH A SMALL PUDDLE OR FROM ABOVE IN A RAINSTORM, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT GETS WET AND CAUSES THE SERPENTINE BELT TO SLIP. THIS RESULTS IN SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND ALTERNATOR FAILURE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE CAR'S POWER CUTTING OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DRIVING HAZARD, BUT I AM TOLD THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE DUE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IN KIA VEHICLES RATHER THAN A PRECIPITATING MECHANICAL FAILURE CAUSING IT.
- NHTSA ID
- 10818838
- Incident
- Jan 8, 2016
- Mileage
- 109,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT FRACTURED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND TAGGED WITH LICENSE PLATES ONE HOUR BEFORE THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,125.
- NHTSA ID
- 10776432
- Incident
- Sep 23, 2015
- Mileage
- 65,125 mi
THE BLOWER STOPPED BLOWING AIR. FOR A SHORT WHILE IT WOULD COME ON, RARE OCCASIONS AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED WORKING. CHANGED THE BLOWER MOTOR AND RESISTOR, STILL DIDN'T WORK. PULLED THE DASH APART TO CHANGE THE BLOWER SWITCH AND FOUND THAT IT HAD MELTED THE PLASTIC CONNECTOR. NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED THE MALFUNCTION, HOWEVER ONCE THE NEW SWITCH WAS PUT IT THE BLOWER WORKED. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10660357
- Incident
- Nov 23, 2014
NOT REALLY A SAFETY ISSUE BUT MAYBE YOU CAN HELP, PLEASE. I CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TELLING ME I'M AT LESS THAN 90% EFFICIENCY RELATIVE TO POLLUTION. WHEN THE MECHANIC CHECKS THE CO2 AND OTHER POLLUTION REQUIREMENTS I'M OK. I STILL GET GREAT MILEAGE AND GOOD POWER. THE PROBLEM IS THE COMPUTER SAYS THE CONVERTER IS OFF AND HENCE CAN'T GET A STICKER BUT THE CAR IS NOT POLLUTING ?? IF I LIVED OUT SIDE A BIG CITY WHERE THEY DO NOT TRACK THIS STUFF THERE WOULD BE NO PROBLEM. PS THE COST TO REPLACE THE CAT CONVERTER IS OVER $1400.00. WHILE IT US STILL 90% EFFECTIVE??? WHAT GIVES PLEASE HELP. THANKS, *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10629331
- Incident
- Aug 29, 2014
KIA RIO 2005 IS A VERY POORLY BUILT CAR. THE PASSENGERS DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, A MECHANISM IN THE DOOR IS BROKEN. SINCE THE DOOR WON'T OPEN NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW HOW TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. THE DOOR PANEL CAN NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE DOOR WITHOUT THE DOOR BEING OPEN. NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY A KIA OF ANY KIND. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10588777
- Incident
- Nov 18, 2013
I HAVE A 2005 KIA RIO (VIN PROVIDED LATER) PURCHASED 2006, LOW MILES. SUMMER 2011 CAR STALLED, STOPPED & CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST SHOP, NTB. REPLACED TIMING BELT & NO DAMAGE TO MY MOTOR. I FOUND OUT THE TIMING BELT NEEDED CHANGING AT 60K MILES (MINE WAS LOWER). THE MECHANIC WASN'T ABLE TO DETERMINE A REASON FOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. ANOTHER SUGGESTED A BAD SENSOR & WIPED SOMETHING OFF UNDER THE HOOD. THE LIGHT WENT OFF AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN 5 MILES. REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR APRIL 2013 (NEW ALTERNATOR, BELT & PARTS STILL UNDER WARRANTY). JUNE 2013 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED COMING ON WHEN PARKED UPWARD ON AN STEEP HILL, ESP WHEN OUTSIDE TEMP WAS VERY HOT (TX). THE LIGHT WOULD REMAIN ON UNTIL AFTER PARKING IT IN A COVERED GARAGE & DRIVING HRS LATER. JULY 2013 MANDATORY CAR INSPECTION. WEEK OR 2 LATER, PROBLEMS W/ RPM STARTED; DURING TAKE AFTER IDLE. ABOUT 2WKS LATER, AC SPEED SUDDENLY SLOWED & BECAME WARMER. 2DAYS LATER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON & A STRANGE NOISE NEAR THE DRIVER'S SIDE. AGAIN, TOWED TO THE NEAREST SHOP, THE SAME NTB. ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WAS STILL WORKING. AT THE SHOP THE CAR STARTED BUT NOT LONG. THEY WERE PUZZLED. AFTER 2DAYS I WAS TOLD MY MOTOR WAS BAD & NEEDED REPLACED. NO ONE HAD AN EXPLANATION.I HAD TO HAVE MY CAR, ONLY TRANSPORTATION FOR ME & MY KIDS TOWED HOME. I TALKED TO DIFFERENT MECHANICS THAT AGREE I HAVE A BAD SENSOR & CATALYST WHICH CAUSED MY MOTOR TO LOCK (PRE-IGNITION). THERE ARE SEVERAL BLOGS/ARTICLES W/THIS SAME PROBLEM. HOWEVER, KIA HAS NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT THE 2005 RIO FUEL PROBLEMS, ONLY THE 2004 & SUPPOSEDLY CORRECTING IT. BUT IT WASN'T & MECHANICS CAN'T DIAGNOSE IT. SOMETHING IS WRONG & NEEDS INVESTIGATING. A FATAL ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED IF I HAD BEEN DRIVING ON THE HWY. KIA SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOST $ AND TIME BC THEY ONLY BANDAGED THE PROBLEM & NOT ACTUALLY FIXING IT.
- NHTSA ID
- 10572593
- Incident
- Jun 16, 2011
- Mileage
- 52,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
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.
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.
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.
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.?
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
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 29.3 |
| 2022 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 55.0 |
| 2021 | 15 | 2 | 0 | 50.9 |
| 2020 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 51.2 |
| 2019 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 56.4 |
| 2018 | 28 | 1 | 0 | 59.5 |
| 2017 | 31 | 2 | 1 | 67.1 |
| 2016 | 77 | 2 | 1 | 61.7 |
| 2015 | 52 | 1 | 2 | 58.7 |
| 2014 | 52 | 1 | 2 | 60.0 |
| 2013 | 153 | 1 | 2 | 56.6 |
| 2012 | 53 | 1 | 2 | 61.6 |
| 2011 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 39.4 |
| 2010 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 46.7 |
| 2009 | 39 | 0 | 0 | 41.1 |
| 2008 | 46 | 1 | 0 | 48.1 |
| 2007 | 46 | 1 | 0 | 47.1 |
| 2006 | 74 | 1 | 0 | 51.0 |
| 2005Viewing | 36 | 1 | 0 | 46.6 |
| 2004 | 38 | 2 | 0 | 48.9 |
| 2003 | 74 | 3 | 1 | 55.6 |
| 2002 | 128 | 1 | 1 | 53.5 |
| 2001 | 223 | 3 | 6 | 62.7 |
| 2000 | 3 | 0 | 0 | — |
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.