MYRModel Year Report

2001 Kia RIO

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2001 Kia RIO
BUILT 2026-08-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia RIO Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2001 highlighted. 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2001 2002: 128 complaints 2003: 74 complaints 2003 2004: 38 complaints 2005: 36 complaints 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 46 complaints 2008: 46 complaints 2009: 39 complaints 2009 2010: 26 complaints 2011: 24 complaints 2012: 52 complaints 2012 2013: 153 complaints 2014: 51 complaints 2015: 52 complaints 2015 2016: 77 complaints 2017: 31 complaints 2018: 27 complaints 2018 2019: 21 complaints 2020: 26 complaints 2021: 15 complaints 2021 2022: 10 complaints 2023: 12 complaints 2023
2001: 223 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20003
2001223
2002128
200374
200438
200536
200674
200746
200846
200939
201026
201124
201252
2013153
201451
201552
201677
201731
201827
201921
202026
202115
202210
202312

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 9%

9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 20 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
POWER TRAIN 8%

8% of complaints: power train — 17 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 8%

8% of complaints: air bags — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
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. TS

NHTSA ODI report, 20021210

WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. MR SCC

NHTSA ODI report, 20021016

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 7%

7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 16 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
WHEELS 6%

6% of complaints: wheels — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20120817

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2001 — complaint volume: 223
I 20020212 — PE (closed 20020702)

AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT FRONTAL CRASH

I 20020702 — EA (closed 20030702)

AIR BAG NON DEPLOY

I 20030415 — PE (closed 20030828)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

I 20030828 — EA (closed 20040430)

FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE

I 20040324 — PE (closed 20040722)

STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE

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

I 20040722 — EA (closed 20050428)

STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE

R 20050622 — wheels

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 PROGRE

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.

Campaign 05V159000 — check if this car was fixed

R Date not on file — fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 03V352000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2001 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (20 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 03V352000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 04V179000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 05V159000 (wheels) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ● 2005 ● 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 2002 ◆ 2016

See all years ranked →

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:engine, accounting for 9% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2001 Kia RIO have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

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