MYRModel Year Report

2004 Kia RIO

● Typical for this model
2004 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:44:55.207Z

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
38
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2002: 128 complaints 2003: 74 complaints 2004: 38 complaints 2004 38 2005: 37 complaints 2006: 74 complaints 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 2003: 74 complaints 2004: 38 complaints 2004 38 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 2003: 74 complaints 2003 2004: 38 complaints 2004 38 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

2004: 38 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

32% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.

Electrical system

13% · 5 reports
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, 2024-03-02

Suspension

13% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing rear and wheel bearing.

Fuel system, gasoline

13% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing injectors and fuel pump.

FIRE

Service brakes

11% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. 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 →

  2. R
    2006-01-30Child seat05V557000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Suspension: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V179000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 05V557000 · Child seat
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years3 years

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 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Kia RIO have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

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