MYRModel Year Report

2001 Kia RIO

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2001 Kia RIO
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
223
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2001

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

25% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 3 complaints 2001: 223 complaints 2001 223 2002: 128 complaints 2003: 74 complaints 2004: 38 complaints 2005: 37 complaints 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 46 complaints 2008: 46 complaints 2009: 39 complaints 2009 2010: 26 complaints 2011: 24 complaints 2012: 54 complaints 2012 2013: 153 complaints 2014: 52 complaints 2015: 52 complaints 2015 2016: 77 complaints 2017: 31 complaints 2018: 28 complaints 2018 2019: 21 complaints 2020: 27 complaints 2021: 15 complaints 2021 2022: 11 complaints 2023: 12 complaints
2000: 3 complaints 2001: 223 complaints 2001 223 2002: 128 complaints 2003: 74 complaints 2004: 38 complaints 2004 2005: 37 complaints 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 46 complaints 2008: 46 complaints 2008 2009: 39 complaints 2010: 26 complaints 2010 2011: 24 complaints 2012: 54 complaints 2012 2013: 153 complaints 2014: 52 complaints 2014 2015: 52 complaints 2016: 77 complaints 2016 2017: 31 complaints 2018: 28 complaints 2018 2019: 21 complaints 2020: 27 complaints 2020 2021: 15 complaints 2022: 11 complaints 2022 2023: 12 complaints
2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2001 223 2002: 128 complaints 2002 2003: 74 complaints 2003 2004: 38 complaints 2004 2005: 37 complaints 2005 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 46 complaints 2007 2008: 46 complaints 2008 2009: 39 complaints 2009 2010: 26 complaints 2010 2011: 24 complaints 2011 2012: 54 complaints 2012 2013: 153 complaints 2013 2014: 52 complaints 2014 2015: 52 complaints 2015 2016: 77 complaints 2016 2017: 31 complaints 2017 2018: 28 complaints 2018 2019: 21 complaints 2019 2020: 27 complaints 2020 2021: 15 complaints 2021 2022: 11 complaints 2022 2023: 12 complaints 2023

2001: 223 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20003
2001223
2002128
200374
200438
200537
200674
200746
200846
200939
201026
201124
201254
2013153
201452
201552
201677
201731
201828
201921
202027
202115
202211
202312

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

25% · 55 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE

Air bags

15% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While driving consumer was invovled in an accident, most of the damage was front side passenger side. In result the vehicle was totaled. Airbags did not deploy. Please provide additional information.…

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-10

While driving, the consumer experienced an accident where the air bags deployed. The dealer has been contacted. Mr scc

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-16

Air bag warning would come on sporadically. Owner then took vehicle to dealership. Dealership replaced a sensor. Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision in which neither dual air bag deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-06

Power train

14% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

CRASH

Wheels

14% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing rim and hubcap/cover.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer complaint: ODI case number: 10136024 component: wheels gas ignition? You tell me? When are these people going to be compensated for their lemons Kia-2001 details: dt: the consumer was involved in an accident and a tire blew out.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-17

Also filed under Electrical system and steering

Electrical system

14% · 31 reports

Most commonly citing ignition and front underhood.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2001Complaint volume 223 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2002-02-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-07-02 Air bag non-deployment frontal crash
  3. I
    2002-07-02Engineering analysisClosed 2003-07-02 Air bag non deploy
  4. I
    2003-04-15Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-08-28 Engine compartment fires
  5. I
    2003-08-28Engineering analysisClosed 2004-04-30 Fuel rail leakage
  6. I
    2004-03-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-07-22 Steel wheel fracture
  7. R
    2004-06-18Fuel system, gasoline04V179000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. I
    2004-07-22Engineering analysisClosed 2005-04-28 Steel wheel fracture
  9. R
    2005-06-22Wheels05V159000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  10. R
    Date not on fileFuel system, gasoline03V352000 On certain passenger vehicles, fuel leaks may develop at the fuel distributor assembly because of quality deviations.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 55 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 33 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 31 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 03V352000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 04V179000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 05V159000 · Wheels
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2001 Kia RIO reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Kia RIO is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Kia RIO?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Kia RIO have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.