MYRModel Year Report

2003 Kia RIO Cinco

○ Not enough data
2003 Kia RIO Cinco
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:00:59.364Z

Only 8 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 8 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, 2003 highlighted. 2001: 0 complaints 2001 2002: 21 complaints 2002 2003: 8 complaints 2003 2004: 12 complaints 2004
2003: 8 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20010
200221
20038
200412

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 8 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

POWER TRAIN

3 of 8 total reports mention: power train.

Show complaint excerpts

I HAVE SEVERAL ISSUES WITH KIA. I'LL GIVE YOU A QUICK SYNOPSIS OF MY DEALINGS WITH KIA. 1-I WANTED TO BUY THE 2002 RIO CINCO IN AUGUST 2002. I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE, AND PICKED THE ONE I WANTED BEFORE GOING TO A DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ODI report, 20071212

SEAT BELTS

2 of 8 total reports mention: seat belts.

STRUCTURE

1 of 8 total reports mentions: structure.

INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

HAD A CLUNKING SOUND FROM THE RIGHT REAR OF VEHICLE, BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION. TECH CHECKED THE STRUT MOUNTS AND FOUND NOTHING LOOSE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070915

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 8 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

Show complaint excerpts

1/10/04 SATURDAY. AROUND 10:30 AM HOPE CALLS AND SAYS THE MOTOR HAS BLOWN ON THE KIA. I CALLED KIA'S ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. HOPE MEANWHILE HAD TO WALK TWO MILES IN 40 DEGREE BELOW ZERO WIND CHILL TO THE NEAREST EXIT AND CALL ME.

NHTSA ODI report, 20040629

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

2003 Kia RIO Cinco — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V179000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 2003 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 2003 Kia RIO Cinco?

The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Kia RIO Cinco have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.