MYRModel Year Report

2004 Kia RIO

● Typical for this model
2004 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:31:27.927Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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, 2004 highlighted. 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2002: 128 complaints 2003: 74 complaints 2003 2004: 38 complaints 2004 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
2004: 38 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 18%

18% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 13%

13% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

I bought this car used a little less than a week ago. There was a thumping noise under the hood so I took the car to the dealer twice for this issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240302

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 3 distinct reports on file.

WHEELS 5%

5% of complaints: wheels — 2 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 5%

5% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

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

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 04V179000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 05V557000 (child seat) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ● 2005 ● 2009

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ■ 2013 ■ 2002

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2004 Kia RIO reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Kia RIO is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia RIO?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Kia RIO have?

2 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.