2003 Kia RIO

◆ Worse than typical

2003 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:12:28.029Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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

2003: 74 complaints

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	52
2013	153
2014	51
2015	52
2016	77
2017	31
2018	27
2019	21
2020	26
2021	15
2022	10
2023	12

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 14%

14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

GOING OUT TO DINNER, ABOUT 1 MILE AWAY FROM HOME SMELL COMING FROM CAR. TURNED DOWN A SIDE STREET, SMOKE COMING FROM HEAT/AIR ADJUSTMENT AREA ON DASH. STOPPED CAR, FIRE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE AREA WHERE YOU ADJUST THE HEAT/AIR.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130624

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 9%

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

CRASH INJURY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 7%

7% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20020702 — EA (closed 20030702)

AIR BAG NON DEPLOY

▮ 2003 — complaint volume: 74

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

R 20060130 — child seat

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' CERTAIN CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS WILL NOT FULLY LA

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER ANCHORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Campaign 05V557000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20060915 — seat belts

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." WHEN USED WITH CERTAIN CHILD SEATS, THE AUTOMATIC LOCKI

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR OUTBOARD SEATBELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI-KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Campaign 06V294000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 04V179000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Verify recall 05V557000 (child seat) has been completed.
Verify recall 06V294000 (seat belts) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ● 2005 ● 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ■ 2013 ■ 2002

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Kia RIO reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Kia RIO is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Kia RIO?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 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.