MYRModel Year Report

2002 Kia RIO

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2002 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:43:36.078Z

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
128
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

31% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 3 complaints 2001: 223 complaints 2002: 128 complaints 2002 128 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: 79 complaints 2017: 31 complaints 2018: 28 complaints 2018 2019: 22 complaints 2020: 27 complaints 2021: 15 complaints 2021 2022: 12 complaints 2023: 12 complaints
2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2002: 128 complaints 2002 128 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: 79 complaints 2016 2017: 31 complaints 2018: 28 complaints 2018 2019: 22 complaints 2020: 27 complaints 2020 2021: 15 complaints 2022: 12 complaints 2022 2023: 12 complaints
2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2001 2002: 128 complaints 2002 128 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: 79 complaints 2016 2017: 31 complaints 2017 2018: 28 complaints 2018 2019: 22 complaints 2019 2020: 27 complaints 2020 2021: 15 complaints 2021 2022: 12 complaints 2022 2023: 12 complaints 2023

2002: 128 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20003
2001223
2002128
200374
200438
200537
200674
200746
200846
200939
201026
201124
201254
2013153
201452
201552
201679
201731
201828
201922
202027
202115
202212
202312

Known problem areas

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

Engine and engine cooling

31% · 40 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

CRASHFIRE
Show 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-05-06

Service brakes

17% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Air bags

16% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show 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, 2016-07-07

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, 2002-09-27

Also filed under Tires

Seat belts

13% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing rear/other and buckle assembly.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2013-09-18

In models with 2ND row bucket seats, a standard child seat (For 20-40 pounds) can not be safely secured.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-01-16

Fuel system, gasoline

12% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing delivery and tank assembly.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    2002Complaint volume 128 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. I
    2002-07-02Engineering analysisClosed 2003-07-02 Air bag non deploy
  3. 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 →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 40 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 22 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 21 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V179000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.