MYRModel Year Report

2002 Kia RIO Cinco

○ Not enough data
2002 Kia RIO Cinco
RENDERED 2026-09-17T05:37:55.281Z

Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 21 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia RIO Cinco Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2002 highlighted. 2002: 21 complaints 2002 2003: 8 complaints 2003 2004: 12 complaints 2004
2002: 21 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20010
200221
20038
200412

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 21 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

10 of 21 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing catalytic convertor and exhaust system.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER SMELLED A ROTTEN EGG ODOR COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE SMELL WAS HYDROGEN SULFIDE (KIA RECALL SC034).

NHTSA ODI report, 20041108

Also filed under SEATS

POWER TRAIN

4 of 21 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing clutch assembly and seal.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 of 21 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing delivery and mounting.

FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 of 21 total reports mention: electrical system.

AIR BAGS

3 of 21 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE DRIVER TRIED CORRECT THE VEHICLE AND COME BACK ONTO THE HIGHWAY , THE VEHICLE ALMOST CRASHED INTO THE CONCRETE BARRIER.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040915

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20040618 — fuel system, gasoline

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 TH

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.

Campaign 04V179000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2002 Kia RIO Cinco — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V179000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2002 Kia RIO Cinco reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Kia RIO Cinco?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Kia RIO Cinco have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.