MYRModel Year Report

2005 Kia RIO

● Typical for this model
2005 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:31:29.600Z

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, 2005 highlighted. 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2002: 128 complaints 2003: 74 complaints 2003 2004: 38 complaints 2005: 36 complaints 2005 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
2005: 36 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 28%

28% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 10 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
ENGINE 14%

14% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS DRIVING 20 MPH WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN BUT THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE COASTED INTO AN ALLEY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS COASTING, THE CONTACT SMELLED BURNING WIRES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120521

THE ENGINE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC ON HWY, WIFE WAS IN DANGER OF BEING HIT BY OTHER VEHICLES,NO POWER TO GET TO EDGE OF ROADWAY ON BRIDGE, HEAVY CONSTRUCTION, HAD TO CLIMB OUT PASSENGER DOOR, DOWN EMBANKMENT TO SAFETY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20131108

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE AIR CONDITIONER BUTTON BECAME STUCK WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN IT OFF.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070820

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 8%

8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 3 distinct reports on file.

SEAT BELTS 8%

8% of complaints: seat belts — 3 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

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

2005 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 05V557000 (child seat) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ● 2004 ● 2009

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ■ 2013 ■ 2002

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2005 Kia RIO reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Kia RIO is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Kia RIO?

The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Kia RIO have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.