CarRecallWatchThe 2004 Kia RIO has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA, including 4 crashes, 2 fires, 2 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine And Engine Cooling (12 reports).
2004 Kia RIO recalls
Most common 2004 Kia RIO problems
Problem areas named in the 38 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 12 |
| Electrical System | 5 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 |
| Suspension | 5 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 |
| Power Train | 4 |
| Air Bags | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 |
| Unknown Or Other | 3 |
| Wheels | 2 |
What owners report
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. Itâs horribly unsafe because the battery being loose can affect the entire car and the parts that arenât bolted in place are causing major issues with the AC and other systems.
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.
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
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.
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.
2004 Kia RIO questions
Does the 2004 Kia RIO have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2004 Kia RIO: Child Seat; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia RIO?
Based on 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine And Engine Cooling (12), Electrical System (5), Fuel System, Gasoline (5).
How do I check if a recall on my 2004 Kia RIO has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.