Owners have filed 355 complaints
about the 2001 KIA RIO with NHTSA between 2000 and 2017.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 23 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the KIA RIO. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 58
34% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
10.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1815.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
119.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3026.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3328.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
65.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1513.2%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2000peak 29Jan 2017
NHTSA investigations into the 2001 KIA RIO
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-030) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 12 THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2000.WHEELS WERE MANUFACTURED DURING THIS PERIOD USING A TOOL (RING DIE) THAT HAD IMPROPER SURFACE TREATMENT.THIS ALLOWED TOOL DAMAGE TO DEVELOP WITH ACCUMULATED USE AND RESULTED IN AN IRREGULAR SHAPED STAMPING ON THE WHEEL DISC AT THE HAT AREA.THE IRREGULAR SHAPED HAT AREA CREATES A STRESS RISER THAT MAY LEAD...
PE04030Opened 24 Mar 2004Closed 22 Jul 2004WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER
STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE
ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MAY 12 AND OCTOBER 18, 2000.WHEELS WERE MANUFACTURED DURING THIS PERIOD USING A TOOL (RING DIE) THAT HAD IMPROPER SURFACE TREATMENT.THIS ALLOWED TOOL DAMAGE TO DEVELOP WITH ACCUMULATED USE AND RESULTED IN AN IRREGULAR SHAPED STAMPING ON THE WHEEL DISC AT THE HAT AREA.THE IRREGULAR SHAPED HAT AREA CREATES A STRESS RISER THAT MAY LEAD TO THE FORM...
EA03015Opened 28 Aug 2003Closed 30 Apr 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE
ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003.ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003, THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (03V-352) TO INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR FUEL LEAKS.AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER WAS SUBMITTED TO THE MANUFACTURER ON NOVEMBER 17, 2003 TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SO THAT THE OFFICE COULD EV...
PE03016Opened 15 Apr 2003Closed 28 Aug 2003FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 22 NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES OF ANY OR UNSPECIFIED CAUSE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NINE FIRES (OF WHICH 4 WERE ALSO REPORTED TO ODI) ARE IDENTIFIED AS BEING DUE TO A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK ORIGINATING BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL (P/N 0K30E 13 150) IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AREA OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.THE REMAINING FIRES WERE DUE TO VARIED OR UNKNOWN CAUSES.ALL 9 FIRES CAUSED BY A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK SUSTAINED SEVERE AND TOTAL DAMAGE.ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT 1 FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A FAILED QUICK CONNECT BETWEEN THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE (P/N 0K...
EA02009Opened 2 Jul 2002Closed 2 Jul 2003AIR BAGS
AIR BAG NON DEPLOY
THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 82 REPORTS ALLEGING NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DUAL FRONT AIR BAGS.OF THE 82 REPORTS, ONLY ONE INCIDENT, THE FATAL CRASH THAT WAS THE BASIS FOR OPENING THE INVESTIGATION, HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A MODERATE TO SEVERE CRASH IN WHICH THE AUTOMOTIVE RESTRAINT CONTROLLER ISSUED A COMMAND TO DEPLOY BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY N...
PE02022Opened 12 Feb 2002Closed 2 Jul 2002AIR BAGS
AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT FRONTAL CRASH
IN ADDITION TO THE DECEMBER 2001 FATAL CRASH REPORTED TO ODI THAT PROVIDED THE BASIS FOR OPENING PE02-022, KIA PROVIDED ODI 29 ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF ALLEGATIONS OF NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG IN A CRASH.NO ADDITIONAL FATAL CRASHES ARE REPORTED.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO CONDUCT FURTHER ANALYSIS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE'S AIR BAG SYSTEM.
Recalls on the 2001 KIA RIO
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
05V159000
WHEELS
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT COULD CAUSE THE WHEELS TO CRACK UNDER LONG TERM DRIVING FATIGUE. IF CRACKS OCCUR, WHEEL NOISE AND VIBRATION WILL RESULT AND BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME.
Risk: IF THE CRACK IS SEVERE, THE WHEEL COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH.
04V179000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
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.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
03V352000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUEL LEAKS MAY DEVELOP AT THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY BECAUSE OF QUALITY DEVIATIONS.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20051615,690 units in Canada
Wheels
Certain vehicle may have a manufacturing flaw that could cause the wheels to crack under long term driving fatigue. If cracks occur, wheel noise and vibration will result, becoming progressively worse. If the crack is severe, the wheel could separate from the vehicle which could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace all four wheels.
Recall 200327940,943 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain 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. If this occurs, fuel leakage can result and fire may occur if an ignition source is present. Correction: Dealer will install a redesigned fuel distributor and main fuel tube assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Oakdale, CACrashFire1 injured
WHEELS
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10136024 COMPONENT: WHEELS GAS IGNITION? YOU TELL ME? WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LEMONS KIA-2001 DETAILS: DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID FIRE STARTED FROM HEAT OF POWER EQUIPMENT AND THE IGNITION BURNED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL REGARDING THE WHEELS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE SAME TIRE THAT THE BLEW OUT WAS THE SAME ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 08/06/2005 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATABASE: 9/9/2005 [FILE] YOUR OWN COMPLAINT ON THIS MODEL CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10471283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakdale, CACrashFire1 injured
STEERING
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10136024 COMPONENT: WHEELS GAS IGNITION? YOU TELL ME? WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LEMONS KIA-2001 DETAILS: DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID FIRE STARTED FROM HEAT OF POWER EQUIPMENT AND THE IGNITION BURNED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL REGARDING THE WHEELS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE SAME TIRE THAT THE BLEW OUT WAS THE SAME ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 08/06/2005 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATABASE: 9/9/2005 [FILE] YOUR OWN COMPLAINT ON THIS MODEL CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10471283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakdale, CACrashFire1 injured
TIRES
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10136024 COMPONENT: WHEELS GAS IGNITION? YOU TELL ME? WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LEMONS KIA-2001 DETAILS: DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID FIRE STARTED FROM HEAT OF POWER EQUIPMENT AND THE IGNITION BURNED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL REGARDING THE WHEELS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE SAME TIRE THAT THE BLEW OUT WAS THE SAME ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 08/06/2005 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATABASE: 9/9/2005 [FILE] YOUR OWN COMPLAINT ON THIS MODEL CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10471283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakdale, CACrashFire1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10136024 COMPONENT: WHEELS GAS IGNITION? YOU TELL ME? WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LEMONS KIA-2001 DETAILS: DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID FIRE STARTED FROM HEAT OF POWER EQUIPMENT AND THE IGNITION BURNED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL REGARDING THE WHEELS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE SAME TIRE THAT THE BLEW OUT WAS THE SAME ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 08/06/2005 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATABASE: 9/9/2005 [FILE] YOUR OWN COMPLAINT ON THIS MODEL CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10471283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakdale, CACrashFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10136024 COMPONENT: WHEELS GAS IGNITION? YOU TELL ME? WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LEMONS KIA-2001 DETAILS: DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID FIRE STARTED FROM HEAT OF POWER EQUIPMENT AND THE IGNITION BURNED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL REGARDING THE WHEELS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE SAME TIRE THAT THE BLEW OUT WAS THE SAME ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 08/06/2005 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATABASE: 9/9/2005 [FILE] YOUR OWN COMPLAINT ON THIS MODEL CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10471283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PACrash3 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
I WAS INVOLVED IN A 45MPH HEAD ON COLLISION. THE OTHER CAR WAS A CHEVY COBALT. SHE HAD RUN A STOP SIGN AND HIT US IN THE FRONT. I WAS THE PASSENGER IN THE KIA BOTH ME AND THE DRIVER OF THE KIA WERE FORCED INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND HE HIT HIS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL AS WELL. NEITHER OF THE AIRBAGS IN MY CAR WENT OFF. BUT BOTH THE AIRBAGS IN THE COBALT DID. MY CAR WAS ALSO CALLED A TOTAL WITH DAMAGE DONE TO THE FRONT BUMPER AND FRAMING. TWO MECHANICS THAT LOOKED AT THE CAR COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10247514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 125,000 milesWalll Township, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DOOR LOCKS ON BOTH FRONT DOORS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #10945096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,500 milesPerryton, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY
PARKED CAR AT WORK CAME BACK OUT AND THE DOOR LOCK WAS DOWN TRIED TO PULL UP BUT IS STUCK OR CAUGHT ON SOMETHING. THE WAY THE SCREWS ARE IN THE DOOR 2 OF THEM CANNOT BE TAKEN OUT WITHOUT HAVING THE DOOR OPEN. WITH LONG LEGS ITS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET IN AND OUT OF VEHICLE!!! ALSO TROUBLE WITH THE ENGINE MISFIRING OF SPARKPLUG WITH SOME LOSS OF POWER.
NHTSA complaint #10554083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,500 milesPerryton, TX
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
PARKED CAR AT WORK CAME BACK OUT AND THE DOOR LOCK WAS DOWN TRIED TO PULL UP BUT IS STUCK OR CAUGHT ON SOMETHING. THE WAY THE SCREWS ARE IN THE DOOR 2 OF THEM CANNOT BE TAKEN OUT WITHOUT HAVING THE DOOR OPEN. WITH LONG LEGS ITS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET IN AND OUT OF VEHICLE!!! ALSO TROUBLE WITH THE ENGINE MISFIRING OF SPARKPLUG WITH SOME LOSS OF POWER.
NHTSA complaint #10554083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,500 milesPerryton, TX
ENGINE
PARKED CAR AT WORK CAME BACK OUT AND THE DOOR LOCK WAS DOWN TRIED TO PULL UP BUT IS STUCK OR CAUGHT ON SOMETHING. THE WAY THE SCREWS ARE IN THE DOOR 2 OF THEM CANNOT BE TAKEN OUT WITHOUT HAVING THE DOOR OPEN. WITH LONG LEGS ITS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET IN AND OUT OF VEHICLE!!! ALSO TROUBLE WITH THE ENGINE MISFIRING OF SPARKPLUG WITH SOME LOSS OF POWER.
NHTSA complaint #10554083 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLares, PR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
IT IS DIFFICULT TO ENTER THE CAR WITH THE KEY AND WHEN I PULL THE DOOR HANDLE THE LOCK DROPS DOWN TO THE CLOSE POSITION AND I CAN'T GET OUT THIS HAPPENS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE,I HAVE TO HOLD THE LOCK ON THE UP POSITION WITH A PIECE OF METAL OR LEAVE THE REAR DOORS UNLOCKED IN CASE I HAVE TO JUMP OUT..THIS CAR IS A LEMON I HAVE REPLACED SENSORS ALTERNATOR, STARTER, AC PARTS AND MANY OTHER PARTS THE ONLY THING GOOD IS THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ENGINE...
NHTSA complaint #10545123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLares, PR
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
IT IS DIFFICULT TO ENTER THE CAR WITH THE KEY AND WHEN I PULL THE DOOR HANDLE THE LOCK DROPS DOWN TO THE CLOSE POSITION AND I CAN'T GET OUT THIS HAPPENS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE,I HAVE TO HOLD THE LOCK ON THE UP POSITION WITH A PIECE OF METAL OR LEAVE THE REAR DOORS UNLOCKED IN CASE I HAVE TO JUMP OUT..THIS CAR IS A LEMON I HAVE REPLACED SENSORS ALTERNATOR, STARTER, AC PARTS AND MANY OTHER PARTS THE ONLY THING GOOD IS THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ENGINE...
NHTSA complaint #10545123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLares, PR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
IT IS DIFFICULT TO ENTER THE CAR WITH THE KEY AND WHEN I PULL THE DOOR HANDLE THE LOCK DROPS DOWN TO THE CLOSE POSITION AND I CAN'T GET OUT THIS HAPPENS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE,I HAVE TO HOLD THE LOCK ON THE UP POSITION WITH A PIECE OF METAL OR LEAVE THE REAR DOORS UNLOCKED IN CASE I HAVE TO JUMP OUT..THIS CAR IS A LEMON I HAVE REPLACED SENSORS ALTERNATOR, STARTER, AC PARTS AND MANY OTHER PARTS THE ONLY THING GOOD IS THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ENGINE...
NHTSA complaint #10545123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLares, PR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
IT IS DIFFICULT TO ENTER THE CAR WITH THE KEY AND WHEN I PULL THE DOOR HANDLE THE LOCK DROPS DOWN TO THE CLOSE POSITION AND I CAN'T GET OUT THIS HAPPENS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE,I HAVE TO HOLD THE LOCK ON THE UP POSITION WITH A PIECE OF METAL OR LEAVE THE REAR DOORS UNLOCKED IN CASE I HAVE TO JUMP OUT..THIS CAR IS A LEMON I HAVE REPLACED SENSORS ALTERNATOR, STARTER, AC PARTS AND MANY OTHER PARTS THE ONLY THING GOOD IS THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ENGINE...
NHTSA complaint #10545123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakdale, CACrashFire1 injured
WHEELS
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10136024 COMPONENT: WHEELS GAS IGNITION? YOU TELL ME? WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LEMONS KIA-2001 DETAILS: DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID FIRE STARTED FROM HEAT OF POWER EQUIPMENT AND THE IGNITION BURNED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL REGARDING THE WHEELS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE SAME TIRE THAT THE BLEW OUT WAS THE SAME ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 08/06/2005 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATABASE: 9/9/2005 [FILE] YOUR OWN COMPLAINT ON THIS MODEL CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10471283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakdale, CACrashFire1 injured
STEERING
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10136024 COMPONENT: WHEELS GAS IGNITION? YOU TELL ME? WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LEMONS KIA-2001 DETAILS: DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID FIRE STARTED FROM HEAT OF POWER EQUIPMENT AND THE IGNITION BURNED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL REGARDING THE WHEELS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE SAME TIRE THAT THE BLEW OUT WAS THE SAME ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 08/06/2005 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATABASE: 9/9/2005 [FILE] YOUR OWN COMPLAINT ON THIS MODEL CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10471283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakdale, CACrashFire1 injured
TIRES
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10136024 COMPONENT: WHEELS GAS IGNITION? YOU TELL ME? WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LEMONS KIA-2001 DETAILS: DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID FIRE STARTED FROM HEAT OF POWER EQUIPMENT AND THE IGNITION BURNED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL REGARDING THE WHEELS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE SAME TIRE THAT THE BLEW OUT WAS THE SAME ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 08/06/2005 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATABASE: 9/9/2005 [FILE] YOUR OWN COMPLAINT ON THIS MODEL CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10471283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakdale, CACrashFire1 injured
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10136024 COMPONENT: WHEELS GAS IGNITION? YOU TELL ME? WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LEMONS KIA-2001 DETAILS: DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID FIRE STARTED FROM HEAT OF POWER EQUIPMENT AND THE IGNITION BURNED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL REGARDING THE WHEELS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE SAME TIRE THAT THE BLEW OUT WAS THE SAME ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 08/06/2005 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATABASE: 9/9/2005 [FILE] YOUR OWN COMPLAINT ON THIS MODEL CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10471283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakdale, CACrashFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10136024 COMPONENT: WHEELS GAS IGNITION? YOU TELL ME? WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LEMONS KIA-2001 DETAILS: DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID FIRE STARTED FROM HEAT OF POWER EQUIPMENT AND THE IGNITION BURNED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL REGARDING THE WHEELS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE SAME TIRE THAT THE BLEW OUT WAS THE SAME ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 08/06/2005 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATABASE: 9/9/2005 [FILE] YOUR OWN COMPLAINT ON THIS MODEL CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10471283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesRocky Hill, CT
WHEELS
I WAS ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE DOING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 65 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP SOUND. THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I IMMEDIATELY PUT ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND SLOWED DOWN TO REACH THE NEAREST EXIT RAMP. I WAS ALONE IN THE CAR AND THANK GOD I HAD NO CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND AS SOON AS I REACHED THE EXIT RAMP I GOT OFF THE EXIT AND CALLED AAA. THEY SENT A TOW TRUCK BUT WHEN THE DRIVER WENT TO PUT THE CAR UP HE NOTICED THE RIGHT BACK WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE AND THEN CALLED FOR A FLAT BED. WHILE BEING TOWED TO MY MECHANIC WITH THE CAR ON THE FLAT BED THE WHEEL CAME COMPLETELY OFF. I LOOKED ONLINE FOR RECALLS ON MY CAR AND THERE WAS ONE ISSUED IN 4/20/2005 AND I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY KIA OR THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR ABOUT THIS ISSUE WHEN THE RECALL BEGAN ON 6/22/2005. I AM WORRIED NOW THAT I MAY HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THIS REPAIR WHICH KIA MOTORS SHOULD HAVE NOTIFIED ME ON.
NHTSA complaint #10468136 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSaint Cloud, FL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
BOTH DOOR LOCKS GET STUCK ON BOTH THE PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVERS SIDE. WE HAVE HAD TO CLIMB IN THE BACK SEAT TO EXIT THE CAR. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE DEATH OR INJURY IF A FIRE AND COULD NOT EXIT THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10419394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roseville, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I BOUGHT A 2001 KIA RIO IN 2007 AND WITHIN 8 MONTHS MY FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. A YEAR LATER MY CAR STARTED SPUTTERING AND SHUTTING OFF RANDOMLY WHILE I DROVE IT. I ENDED UP HAVING TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP TWO MORE TIMES. I RECENTLY TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WERE THEY INFORMED ME I NEEDED ANOTHER FUEL PUMP. IM SORRY BUT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG IF I HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER 4 TIMES IN A 2 YEAR TIME SPAN. NOW MY CAR DOES NOT EVEN RUN, AND I REFUSE TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP AGAIN WHEN I KNOW IT WONT DO ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #10406167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,483 milesWest Point, UT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
REF 2001 KIA RIO. PERPETUAL INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF FUEL PUMP TO OPERATE. FUEL PUMP REPLACED, RELAY REPLACED, AND ECM REPLACED. PUMP WON'T TURN ON AT START UP AND PERIODICALLY, THE PUMP STOPS OPERATING AFTER IT DOES COME ON WHILE DRIVING. NO WARNING. CAUSES SAFETY PROBLEM ON ROAD BY NOT HAVING ANY POWER TO MOVE CAR OFF ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10392541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesGreenville, SC
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH LANES WHEN SHE HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE SIMILAR TO RUMBLING METAL, FOLLOWED BY A LOUD CLUNK. THE CONTACT WAS BARELY ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE YET WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING SPACER WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE YET THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN SIX MONTHS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED EIGHT TIMES FOR THE FAILURE SINCE PURCHASE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
NHTSA complaint #10351438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 13,007 milesRialto, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS IS A KIA RIO 4 DR. 2001 ..WITH 12,000 APROX MILES WHEN THE ECU FUSE BROKE, ON HWY 127 NEAR DEATH VALLEY ..HAD TO GET TOWED INTO MY DESTINATION.IT TOOK ABOUT 5 DAYS TO GET A PART FROM CALIF,UPS TO ME FROM A FRIEND, I CHANGED THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR,,WHICH I THOUGHT WAS THE PROBLEM...THE NEAREST KIA DEALER WAS 80 MILES AWAY IN LAS VEGAS,,,I LATER DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS A BLOWN ECU FUSE..NOT A SENSOR..I THEN DROVE THE CAR APTROX 500 MILES BACK TO CALOIF,WHEN IT BLEW AGAIN ON THE HWY 15 NEAR FONTANA,...I TOOK THE CAR TO KIA DEALER IN ONTARIO CALIF, THEY ONLY DID 2 WARRANTY ITEMS ON THE CAR.#1 WAS AN UPGRADE OF THE ECM.AND #2 REPLACED A FUEL DIST SENSOR////THE DEALER SAID IT WOULD FIX THE FUSE ISSUE,,,WHICH I TOLD THEM UP FRONT. THEY RETURNED THE CAR I WAS GOING BACK TO NEVADA IT BLEW A FUSE ECU ON HWY 15 HAD IT TOWED HOME AGAIN,,,,THE DEALER PICKED UP THE CAR FROM RIALTO 10 MILES AWAY FROM MY PARENTS....THEY HAD THE CAR 4 DAYS AND TOLD ME IT WOULD TAKE APROX 600$ TO GET UNDER THE DASH WHERE THEY BELIEVE THERE IS A SHORT THAT IS CAUSING THIS ECU TO BLOW,,I HAD THE CAR RETURNED ON MY AAA AGAIN TOOK IT FOR A SECOND OPINION,,,AGAIN THEY ALSO SAID IT COULD BE UNDER THE DASH AND THE AMOUNT THEY WANTED TO FIX IT AND KEEP THE CAR FOR ABOUT 3 OR 4 DAYS TO MAKE SURE THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. THE DEALER NEVER TEST DROVE THE CAR AFTER THE WARRANTY WORK..AS PER THE INVOICE MILEAGE IN AND MILEAGE OUT...THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM...AGAIN...AFTER THE 2ND OPINION..I HAD TO TOW IT AGAIN WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT HOME ON THE STREETS..THAT WAS 55 MILES FROM MY PARENTS HOUSE... I HAVE ALL THE AAA RECORDS ON TOWING ...I'M OUT OF TOWS... THIS CAR COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ....ONLY BECAUSE THE CAR WILL STOP RUNNING WITH OUT ANY NOTICE AND SO FAR I WAS LUCKY THAT NOTHING WENT WRONG.
NHTSA complaint #10280212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PACrash3 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
I WAS INVOLVED IN A 45MPH HEAD ON COLLISION. THE OTHER CAR WAS A CHEVY COBALT. SHE HAD RUN A STOP SIGN AND HIT US IN THE FRONT. I WAS THE PASSENGER IN THE KIA BOTH ME AND THE DRIVER OF THE KIA WERE FORCED INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND HE HIT HIS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL AS WELL. NEITHER OF THE AIRBAGS IN MY CAR WENT OFF. BUT BOTH THE AIRBAGS IN THE COBALT DID. MY CAR WAS ALSO CALLED A TOTAL WITH DAMAGE DONE TO THE FRONT BUMPER AND FRAMING. TWO MECHANICS THAT LOOKED AT THE CAR COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10247514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canton, MICrash1 killed
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 KIA RIO. WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY, ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING AT 50 MPH, CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER WHO WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE, RUN OVER BY THE OTHER VEHICLE AND IS DECEASED. THE DRIVER TRIED TO ENGAGE REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS OPENED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT AND PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE. THE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10240930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,659 milesMechanicsville, VA
EQUIPMENT
I PURCHASED NEW TIRES AROUND FEBRUARY 2007 FROM SEARS AT THE VIRGINIA CENTER COMMONS STORE LOCATION. WITHIN THREE WEEKS BETWEEN APRIL AND MAY OF 2008 I EXPERIENCED THREE FLATS. TWO OF THE FLATS WERE ON THE SAME DAY WITHIN 2 HOURS OF EACH OTHER. I HAD THE FOURTH ONE REPLACED AT THIS TIME. ALL THREE FLATS WERE BECAUSE OF FAULTY VALVE STEMS. RECENTLY I READ ABOUT A 6 MILLION RECALL OF TR413 VALVE STEMS FROM TECH INTERNATIONAL A DISTRIBUTOR OF SHANGHAI BAOLONG. I BELIEVE MY PROBLEM IS PART OF THE RECALL WHICH NOTIFIED THE CLIENTS BUT NOT THE PUBLIC. FORTUNATELY NONE OF THE FLATS OCCURRED AT HIGH SPEED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY BUT ON SECONDARY ROADS AT SPEEDS OF 45MPH OR LESS. I DID COMPLAIN TO SEARS ON THEIR FEEDBACK SURVEY BUT RECEIVED NO REPLY. I HAD PURCHASED ROAD HAZARD WITH THE TIRES SO I WAS NOT CHARGED FOR ANY OF THE REPAIRS BUT AM UPSET ABOUT THE LACK OF REPLY AND THE LACK OF NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. I AM UNSURE IF ANY TIRE DAMAGE RESULTED FROM THE FLATS. SINCERELY DENISE BARWICK
NHTSA complaint #10232137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,659 milesMechanicsville, VA
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
I PURCHASED NEW TIRES AROUND FEBRUARY 2007 FROM SEARS AT THE VIRGINIA CENTER COMMONS STORE LOCATION. WITHIN THREE WEEKS BETWEEN APRIL AND MAY OF 2008 I EXPERIENCED THREE FLATS. TWO OF THE FLATS WERE ON THE SAME DAY WITHIN 2 HOURS OF EACH OTHER. I HAD THE FOURTH ONE REPLACED AT THIS TIME. ALL THREE FLATS WERE BECAUSE OF FAULTY VALVE STEMS. RECENTLY I READ ABOUT A 6 MILLION RECALL OF TR413 VALVE STEMS FROM TECH INTERNATIONAL A DISTRIBUTOR OF SHANGHAI BAOLONG. I BELIEVE MY PROBLEM IS PART OF THE RECALL WHICH NOTIFIED THE CLIENTS BUT NOT THE PUBLIC. FORTUNATELY NONE OF THE FLATS OCCURRED AT HIGH SPEED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY BUT ON SECONDARY ROADS AT SPEEDS OF 45MPH OR LESS. I DID COMPLAIN TO SEARS ON THEIR FEEDBACK SURVEY BUT RECEIVED NO REPLY. I HAD PURCHASED ROAD HAZARD WITH THE TIRES SO I WAS NOT CHARGED FOR ANY OF THE REPAIRS BUT AM UPSET ABOUT THE LACK OF REPLY AND THE LACK OF NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. I AM UNSURE IF ANY TIRE DAMAGE RESULTED FROM THE FLATS. SINCERELY DENISE BARWICK
NHTSA complaint #10232137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,695 milesMilledgeville, GA
SUSPENSION
VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE LIKE WHEELS WERE OUT OF BALANCE. TURNED INTO DRIVEWAY DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL FELL OFF WITH BRAKE DRUM STILL ATTACHED TO WHEEL . VEHICLE CAME TO STOP. KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE CONTACTED, BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ACTIVE SERVICE BULLETIN OFFERED NO HELP. VEHICLE REPAIRED AT LOCAL FIRESTONE TIRE STORE. WHEEL SPINDLE AND INNER AND OUTER BEARINGS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10225442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,695 milesMilledgeville, GA
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS
VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE LIKE WHEELS WERE OUT OF BALANCE. TURNED INTO DRIVEWAY DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL FELL OFF WITH BRAKE DRUM STILL ATTACHED TO WHEEL . VEHICLE CAME TO STOP. KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE CONTACTED, BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ACTIVE SERVICE BULLETIN OFFERED NO HELP. VEHICLE REPAIRED AT LOCAL FIRESTONE TIRE STORE. WHEEL SPINDLE AND INNER AND OUTER BEARINGS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10225442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.