2005 Kia RIO
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.
- Complaints
- 37
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2005
None on file
32% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 37 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 223 |
| 2002 | 128 |
| 2003 | 74 |
| 2004 | 38 |
| 2005 | 37 |
| 2006 | 74 |
| 2007 | 46 |
| 2008 | 46 |
| 2009 | 39 |
| 2010 | 26 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2012 | 54 |
| 2013 | 153 |
| 2014 | 52 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 79 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 28 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine and engine cooling
32% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing exhaust system and engine.
Engine
14% · 5 reportsShow 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, 2012-05-21
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, 2013-11-08
Electrical system
11% · 4 reportsShow 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, 2007-08-20
Seat belts
11% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
On September 30, 2005 a Kia RIO was involved in a roll over wreck that resulted in the death of one teenager who was ejected from the vehicle during the roll over and there were injuries to other passengers as well.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-07-11
Air bags
11% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving on public street loss control due to a pot hole in the street the car lost control flipping sliding then flip up right till it came to a stop on apt wall then when it was all over and done the airbag deployed go off on my arm right arm...
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-11-13
Also filed under Power train and steering
Airbag deployed without impact to the vehicle or any other vehicle present. Vehicle in question is a 2005 brand new Kia RIO [xxx].
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-12-13
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 12 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 05V557000 · Child seat
Other years of this model
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 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 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.