7.8

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,783 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Kia Rio electrical problems

electrical problem

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2003 Kia Rio Owner Comments

problem #3

Dec 202004

Rio 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2003 Kia Rio has died out on me about six times so far. I have brought it into the dealer each time, now and they have said that they could not duplicate the problem or find a problem. They have replaced a throttle position sensor however, that did not help. My car doesn't die out all the time only once in awhile. It has died out while reversing, driving on the highway, waiting at a stoplight. I have pursued lemon law in Hawaii and am waiting for the decision of the arbitrator. At hearing, manufacturer knew of stalling defect however, he said it did not apply to my VIN number. I have also had problems with the shocks on my vehicle, they do not absorb much and make noise when I go on a bumpy road. My car also makes a large whistling sound when driving over 50 mph but it only occurs sometimes.

- Paia, HI, USA

problem #2

Aug 162003

Rio

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50 miles
When it rains the vehicle fails to start. Also, the catalytic convertor is giving out a rotten egg odor that comes through the air vents. Dealership was not willing to service the vehicle. They were only saying it takes a year before the smell goes away.

- Broadview Heights, OH, USA

problem #1

Sep 022003

Rio

  • 1,300 miles
Vehicle will not start intermittently when the key is inserted. Dealer is aware of the problem, and states that he does not know how to fix it. Manufacturer will be notified of the problem soon.

- Puyallup, WA, USA

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