2001 KIA RIO — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

355

Owner Complaints

32 Crashes 23 Fires 1 Death

3

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

8

Service Bulletins

5

Investigations

Overview of the 2001 KIA RIO

The 2001 KIA RIO has received a total of 355 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 3 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with WHEELS, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. 8 technical service bulletins have been issued by Kia America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine And Engine Coolingengine (20 complaints), Unknown Or Other (19 complaints), and Air Bags (17 complaints).

Recalls for the 2001 KIA RIO

NHTSA has recorded 3 recalls for the 2001 KIA RIO, potentially affecting up to 269,249 vehicles.

Recall 05V159000 — WHEELS

| 24,119 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: IF THE CRACK IS SEVERE, THE WHEEL COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FOUR WHEELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

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Recall 04V179000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

| 187,790 vehicles affected

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.

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

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.

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Recall 03V352000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

| 57,340 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUEL LEAKS MAY DEVELOP AT THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY BECAUSE OF QUALITY DEVIATIONS.

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR AND FUEL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

View full details →

Owner Complaints for the 2001 KIA RIO

355 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2001 KIA RIO. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 20 2 Fires
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 19 1 Fire
Air Bags
Complaints: 17 4 Crashes 2 Injuries
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 17
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 16 2 Fires
Wheels
Complaints: 14 2 Crashes 2 Fires 1 Injury
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 13 1 Fire
Wheelsrim
Complaints: 13
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 12 9 Crashes 7 Injuries
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 11 1 Crash 2 Fires 1 Injury
Electrical System
Complaints: 8 2 Crashes 3 Fires 1 Injury
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 8
Equipment
Complaints: 7 1 Fire
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 7
Suspension
Complaints: 7
Fuel System Gasolinedelivery
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 6 1 Crash
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 6
Tires
Complaints: 6 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 5
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 5
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 4
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 4
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 4 1 Crash
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Death
Wheelshubcapcover
Complaints: 4
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 3
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 3 3 Fires
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 3
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 3
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 2
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagefloor Shift
Complaints: 2
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 2
Seat Belts
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontwebbing
Complaints: 2
Steering
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Injuries
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 2
Visibility
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 2
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Engine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemhoseslinespipingfittings
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Equipmentrecreational Vehicletrailer
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection Systeminjectors
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionlever And Linkagecolumn Shift
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaft
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal
Complaints: 1
Power Trainaxle Hubs
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Structurebody
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armlower Ball Joint
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfronthub
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringsleaf Spring Assemblyu Bolt Leaf Spring To Axle
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Tirespressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
Complaints: 1
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemrear Window
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevices
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10945096 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | 125,000 miles
DOOR LOCKS ON BOTH FRONT DOORS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION.
#10554083 | ENGINE | | 129,500 miles
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. *TR
#10554083 | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | | 129,500 miles
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. *TR
#10554083 | STRUCTURE:BODY | | 129,500 miles
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. *TR
#10545123 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | | 140,000 miles
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... *JS

View all Engine And Engine Coolingengine complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2001 KIA RIO

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2001 KIA RIO in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2001 KIA RIO

Kia America, Inc. has issued 8 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2001 KIA RIO. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

046 — WHEELS

STEEL WHEEL REPLACEMENT. SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE STEEL WHEELS MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT COULD CAUSE THE WHEEL TO CRACK UNDER LONG-TERM DRIVING FATIGUE. *TT

04132004 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

PENDING RECALL RELATING TO THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR AND FUEL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES. KIA HAS EXPANDED THE RANGE OF AFFECTED VEHICLES. *TT

034R — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

THIS REVISED BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REPROGRAM THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECM) ON CERTAIN MODELS PRODUCED FROM 5/4/00 THROUGH 10/31/02. *TT

76 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

VACUUM LEAK AFTER TSB SC036. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. *TT

011200 — WHEELS

SUBJECT REGARDING 14 INCH ALLOY WHEEL OPTION. *TT

005 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

A LOGIC CHANGE IN THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM). *TT

018 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO INSTALL A REVISED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION COOLER HOSE ON SOME MODELS. *TT

01011901 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

REAR BRAKE NOISE. *JB

NHTSA Investigations for the 2001 KIA RIO

NHTSA has opened 5 investigations into potential safety defects in the 2001 KIA RIO.

Investigation EA04020 — WHEELS Closed

Opened:

STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE

Investigation PE04030 — WHEELS:HUBCAP/COVER Closed

Opened:

STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE

Investigation EA03015 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Closed

Opened:

FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE

Investigation PE03016 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Closed

Opened:

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

Investigation PE02022 — AIR BAGS Closed

Opened:

AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT FRONTAL CRASH

Other Model Years of the KIA RIO

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Other KIA Models

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