I was at a stop sign and my 2004 Kia Rio died, I pushed it to the mechanic and was told the timing belt lost its teeth and there is now no compression in 3 and 4, the mileage on car is 68040. I was told basically the engine is toast and I wasn't even moving, I was told by a couple of mechanics that the belt that Kia used is faulty. The owners manual says replace 60,000 miles but replace it 105,000 in California. How would a belt be bad in 49 states except California. I found on auto md.com NHTSA action #10015272 service bulletin # 289221 report dating Jan 1 2005 improved timing belts for 04 Rio and optima.

- Portland, OR, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Kia Rio. While pulling up to a parking lot at 20 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. She was near a tire shop at the time and the mechanic stated that the timing belt failed. She had the vehicle towed to an auto repair shop and was informed that the timing belt failed and the engine valves needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that she would be responsible for the repairs. The vehicle is in the process of being repaired, but the contact believes that the timing belt should not have failed within five years. The VIN was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 80,000.

- Olk Grove, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Kia Rio cinco. While driving 30, 45, or 55 mph, the vehicle stalled and shut off without warning. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and the diagnostic showed that nothing was wrong. The manufacture stated that the investigation was closed since the dealer could find no failure with the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 53,015. Updated 01-14-08. The rotors were resurfaced and the drums were rotated. Updated 12/12/07.

- Hendersonville, NC, USA

: the contact stated while driving 70 mph on normal road conditions a lost of engine power was noticed. There were no engine warning lights to alert the contact of an engine problem. The vehicle was taken to an independent certified mechanic who determined the engine blew out due to the presence of coolant mixed with the engine oil and recommended engine peplacement. The dealership and manufacturer have not been contacted. The vehicle remained inoperable. The contact was concern because the vehicle has been under regular maintenace since the purchase date

- Twentynine Palms, CA, USA

: the contact stated the vehicle continuously stalled. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer six times but the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. Updated 12/01/06.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

: the contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased on January 19th 2005, it has been experiencing problems with the carburetor and a bad odor that comes from the engine. The vehicle was also sold to the contact without notification of recall defect to the carburetor. The vehicle was taken to the dealers to have a part replaced to remedy problems with the carburetor but vehicle consistently experiences the same problems. The vehicle was taken back on ten other occasions for services related to the problem. The vehicle was than taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the problem was related to fuel injection system. The manufacturer was notified and provided a referral to another dealers for service. The vehicle has been taken to the recommended dealer for service. The engine light illuminated, however the dealer refused to address the problem. The vehicle was pulling to the right, an alignment was performed. The consumer heard a wind noise while driving. The brakes were making a loud noise. Updated 08/01/06.

- Braintree, MA, USA

While driving check engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Vehicle overheated. This caused the vehicle to stall. Consumer was unable to restart vehicle, and had it towed to the dealer for inspection. Mechanic determined that the cam sensor, and other parts needed to be replaced. Consumer informed the mechanic that a ticking problem occurred, and the problem was resolved.

- Rowlett, TX, USA