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Model year record

2004 Kia Rio recalls & problems

The 2004 Kia Rio has 2 safety recalls and 38 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine and engine cooling (12 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints38filed by owners
Crashes · fires4 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths2 · 0reported in complaints
2004 Kia Rio in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Child seatDec 12, 2005

Child seat

Recall 05V55700090,865 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem
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 LATCH ONTO THE LOWER LATCH ANCHORS LOCATED BETWEEN THE REAR SEAT BACK AND REAR SEAT CUSHION BECAUSE OF INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE CHILD SEAT ANCHORS AND A METAL WIRE LOCATED IN THE FRAME OF THE REAR SEAT BACK. UNTIL THE RECALL REPAIR IS COMPLETED, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY YOUR CHILD SEATS MANUFACTURER ON HOW TO PROPERLY INSTALL THE CHILD SEAT WITH YOUR VEHICLE'S REAR SAFETY BELTS RATHER THAN USING THE LATCH SYSTEM.
Risk
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, IF THE CHILD SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH COULD OCCUR.
Fix
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.
Fuel system, gasolineApr 9, 2004

Delivery

Recall 04V179000187,790 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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 THE FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE, OR WHEN FORCE IS ACCIDENTALLY APPLIED TO THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR DURING ENGINE COMPARTMENT REPAIRS.
Risk
FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2004 Kia Rio 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

2004 Kia Rio 4-DR. Wagon

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated
2004 Kia Rio NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Rio

26mpg combined
City / highway23 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Rio

25mpg combined
City / highway22 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Rio

25mpg combined
City / highway22 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Rio

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys1200053,015 mi
Electrical system500023,750 mi
Fuel system, gasolineFuel injection system › Injectors; Delivery502054,000 mi
SuspensionRear; Front › Stabilizer bar500065,121 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc › Caliper; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor410034,507 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission400060,132 mi
Air bagsFrontal3302—
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal300024,000 mi
Unknown or other3000—
Wheels2000—
Latches/locks/linkages2000—
Seat beltsFront1101—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.