2002 Kia RIO
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 223 |
| 2002 | 128 |
| 2003 | 74 |
| 2004 | 38 |
| 2005 | 36 |
| 2006 | 74 |
| 2007 | 46 |
| 2008 | 46 |
| 2009 | 39 |
| 2010 | 26 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2012 | 54 |
| 2013 | 153 |
| 2014 | 52 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 77 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 28 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
31% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 40 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 TO 60 MPH THERE'S A HESITATION; THEN, ENGINE SHUTS DOWN IF THIS HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY SOMEONE COULD BE KILLED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020506
17% of complaints: service brakes — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY16% of complaints: air bags — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AGGRESSIVELY AND METAL FRAGMENTS STRUCK THE CONTACT'S FACE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160707
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
Also filed under TIRES
13% of complaints: seat belts — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rear/other and buckle assembly.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
IN MODELS WITH 2ND ROW BUCKET SEATS, A STANDARD CHILD SEAT (FOR 20-40 POUNDS) CAN NOT BE SAFELY SECURED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020116
12% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing delivery and tank assembly.
CRASH FIRE INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
AIR BAG NON DEPLOY
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 (40 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V179000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Kia RIO 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.