Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Kia Rio
Kia Rio Models:
Kia Rio Problems
Noise or Vibration When AC Compressor is On
A defective AC compressor clutch assembly can cause excessive noise or vibration when the air conditioning is on. Improved parts are available. Replacing the faulty clutch assembly does not necessitate replacement of the complete AC compressor or evacuation and recharging of the air conditioning system.
Software Update Available Which May Correct Transmission Issues
Reprogramming the transmission control module with the latest Kia transmission software may fix abnormalities in the automatic transmission and erroneous transmission-related Check Engine Light illumination. Software updates are commonly most effective on newer vehicles. Higher mileage vehicles may exhibit a similar symptom caused by a component failure. However, whenever major transmission repairs are performed the transmission software ...
Transmission Damage Due to Low and/or Incorrect Fluid
Make sure the transmission is filled with Kia-approved transmission fluid and at the correct level. Our technicians tell using incorrect transmission fluid or operating the transmission when it is low on fluid can result in internal transmission damage.
Updated Control Module to Correct False Check Engine Light
Due to a problem with the automatic transmission control computer, you may experience erroneous Check Engine Light illumination; an updated control module is available.
Improved rear seat belt available
Kia issued a service bulletin regarding an improved rear seat belt mechanism. The mechanism has a range of movement that works better with child car seats.
Kia Rio Recalls (Recent)
Problem with Child Seat Anchor Between Rear Seats
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Due to interference with a metal wire inside the rear seat frame, the lower child restraint anchors should not be used. Owners are advised to follow the instructions provided with the child seat on how to properly install the child seat using the vehicle's rear seat belts rather than the LATCH system. If the child seat is not properly secured, personal injury or death could occur in a crash. Dealers will replace the lower anchors free of charge. This recall began January, 2006. The Kia recall number is SC057.
Learn more »Rear Seatbelt May Malfunction with Certain Child Seats
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) function of the rear outboard seat belt assemblies may disengage. If a child seat is not properly secured, there is an increased risk of injury to the seat occupant in a crash. Dealers will replace both rear outboard seat belt assemblies free of charge. This recall began September 15, 2006. The Kia recall number is SC064.
Learn more »Kia Rio Recall 05V159000
Summary: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT COULD CAUSE THE WHEELS TO CRACK UNDER LONG TERM DRIVING FATIGUE. IF CRACKS OCCUR, WHEEL NOISE AND VIBRATION WILL RESULT AND BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME.
Learn more »Kia Rio Recall 03V352000
Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUEL LEAKS MAY DEVELOP AT THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY BECAUSE OF QUALITY DEVIATIONS.
Learn more »Kia Rio Recall 04V179000
Summary: 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.
Learn more »Kia Rio Questions and Answers
How do you change rear brake shoe?
I was using the A/C and then parked the car to go into a store and when I started the car to leave the store, the A/C was no longer working. It just blows warm air.
I was driving along and all of a sudden my speedometer quit working. The other lights in the dash work. Where is the speedometer cable located or attached to and what is involved in getting it to...
I have had the car in the shop three times now. It will not start, it sounds like it is about to the start whines, it backfires and quits. I go back 10 minutes later and it starts but runs reall...
the car will backfire and whine when trying to start it. then the engine light will come on. it was towed to a shop and they put it on their machine and no codes are coming up. they are able to...
Kia Rio Reviews
I bought my Kia Rio used from a dealership with a little over 42,000 miles on it about 6 years ago. It now has over 150,000 miles and still runs pretty good. No major problems. Routine maintenance like oil changes every 3000-5000, new tires, one new battery. This has been a great car. Will make sure my next car is a KIA!!!
Oh boy where to start. This is my 3rd kia and it disgust me that the newer vehicles suck.
First TPMS gone out on two tires (gonna cost 150.00), had to change sparkplugs which is normal but the coil packs went out on #1 & #2 (100.00 each). Now forsome awful reason in the afternoons I cant get enough power to go and when it does I get white smoke out the back. Check engine light never wants to stay off longer than a day and something else needs to be fixed.I got this car brand new with 19 miles, lovedit until it hit 62798 from then on problems. The first was the output sensor which cost200.00, then the odometer and speedometer. What else could go wrong. Oh yeah the transmission needs an updated software packet and there is a recall on the driver airbag which they will inform the owners in july. I JUST WANT MY MONEY BACK.
bought it brand new with only 7 miles on it and now its at 75000ish miles and just now starting to have to replace parts but its 11yrs old what else do you expect?
Bought it from a private seller when it was 2 yrs old, with 28,000 miles on it, for $7000. I immediately put new brakes and tires on it.
Took it to the dealership to have them give it a once over, and they found some little plastic tabs to replace, free of charge because the 2nd owner has up to 60,000 miles.
Had the right front wheel bearing replaced (free of charge, under warranty) at 50,000. The front left just acted up and they have to replace the strut as well. Its not under warranty anymore (currently 75,000 miles) $700 and they gave me a loaner for the day.
Oil gets changed between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. If you change it at 7,500 its pretty black.
I have Blizzaks on the factory aluminum rims for winter time, and the car is like a tank in the snow. Summertime I have some 17" rims with Yokohama tires and it stays glued to the road. I rotate the tires every other oil change, and switch sets seasonally.
During the summer, on my trip from Cleveland to Des Moines (700ish miles) I arrived to my destination having filled up only once, and still had 3/8s tank left. That was with 2 adults and 2 children in the car. It was packed tight, probably over loaded.
Only complaint is no Cruise control, and its tiny. Other than that, this is one of the most reliable and efficient cars I have ever owned. Kia of Mentor is also a great dealership to take your car to, especially if its still under warranty.
my Rio will not stay running going down road will die somtimes 3 times in a row other times not for 3 days no problem. Had it at dealership they charged me $1600.00 said it was fixed .Will never buy another Kia. If I could get it fixed would be ok with it .