MYRModel Year Report

2002 Kia RIO

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2002 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:30:20.494Z

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, 2002 highlighted. 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2002: 128 complaints 2002 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
2002: 128 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 13%

13% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
AIR BAGS 11%

11% of complaints: air bags — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN IT WAS REAR ENDED AT A SPEED OF 30-35 MPH AND NEITHER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DEALER NOTIFIED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20020927

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 10%

10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
SEAT BELTS 8%

8% of complaints: seat belts — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS WOULD NOT RETRACT. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE SEAT BELTS AND DISCOVERED THAT PART OF THE SEAT BELT WAS DISINTEGRATED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130918

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2002 — complaint volume: 128
I 20020702 — EA (closed 20030702)

AIR BAG NON DEPLOY

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 — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (17 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (14 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (13 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V179000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ● 2005 ● 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ■ 2013 ◆ 2016

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2002 Kia RIO reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Kia RIO is rated "significantly worse".

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

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:engine, accounting for 13% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Kia RIO 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.