4.0

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
29,874 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2001 Kia Rio suspension problems

suspension problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2001 Kia Rio:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2001 Kia Rio Owner Comments

problem #8

Aug 222008

Rio

  • 81,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2001 Kia Rio. The contact stated was driving approximately 60 mph and attempting to switch lanes when she heard an unusual noise similar to rumbling metal, followed by a loud clunk. The contact was barely able to maintain control of the vehicle yet was able to maneuver the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where she was advised that the wheel bearing spacer would need replacing. The dealer made repairs to the vehicle yet the failure recurred within six months. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired eight times for the failure since purchase. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 45,000 and the current mileage was 81,000.

- Greenville, SC, USA

problem #7

Feb 092007

Rio 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,595 miles
Driving in traffic, made right turn into driveway at 30 mph and the engine died, steering was now unassisted. I rolled the car into a parking spot. The car started upon my return to the car. This has happened at least 6 other times since I've owned the vehicle. The car has less than 60, 000 miles and has amassed numerous repair issues: Failure of automatic transmission; rear wheel bearing replacement; defective side mirror that screams at high speeds/freeway driving w/windy conditions; sun visors which do not adhere to placement; and windshield washer pump failure. Upon acquiring the vehicle this was the first problem I took the car in for repair. And on subsequent visits, it has been an issue, but the problem persists.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #6

Sep 142006

Rio 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,400 miles
: the contact stated while the tires were being rotated at an independent repair shop, it was determined the front wheel bearings were loose. The repair shop tightened the front wheel bearings. After the initial front wheel bearing tightening, during normal maintenance, the left rear wheel bearing was loose as well. The rear wheel bearing was tightened by an independent repair shop. There were no previous warning indicators for the wheel bearing looseness. The manufacturer was notified.

- Orange, TX, USA

problem #5

Apr 242006

Rio

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Purchased car, 2001 Kia Rio, in October of 2000. Within a few days airbag light came on. This occurred several times over a one year period and had to be taken back to dealer for repair at least four times. Recall was received for fuel system. This was replaced without problem. Next problem occurred with wheels, which was also a recall. I had to order the wheels which took at least a month to come in leaving me to drive to and from work, 65 miles each way, on violently vibrating wheels. Wheels were finally replaced. Problem occurred in winter 2005 with door latch. Driver side door would lock and stay locked. Vehicle was taken to original dealer for repair only to have old part repaired while being charged for new part and labor. Within a few days, door latch failed again. Took vehicle to another dealer who ordered new part. In the meantime I waited for part to arrive, and drove around in a car whose door didn't lock, leaving my car prey to thieves, who stole things constantly from me. Finally this was fixed but, the passenger side door lock did the same thing. I look the car back to the dealer who told me that they could not fix it since my warranty was up and to fix it would cost me $700 or more. I've also noticed a problem with the car stalling in traffic. This is a new problem. Example: I stop to get gas, start the car and turn out into traffic and the car shuts down. During the winter of 2005 while waiting for door locks to come in, my driver side wheel bearing went out. This was repaired but subsequently the next day after repair while driving into work, wheel bearing literally crumbled. Had car towed to dealer who informed me that an old part was mistakenly put back on the car. This was repaired and replaced with a new part. These are all safety and quality control issues.

- Flint, MI, USA

problem #4

Oct 012004

Rio 4-cyl

  • 15,000 miles
Deficient wheel bearing on Kia Rio. Recurring problems with the wheel bearings. The current wheel bearing problem was diagnosed as the tires. The noise still exists. The consumer requested reimbursement.

- Perris, CA, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #3

Jul 092002

(reported on)

Rio

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving at highway speeds, engine stalls out. Dealer said it was caused by corroded wiring under the hood. The consumer states that two weeks after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle died and would not start when traveling on the highway. A week later the vehicle wouldn't go in reverse, consumer was told that vehicle needed a new transmission. The vehicles airbag and engine light would stay on. Replaced/repaired the following; replaced input speed sensor, repaired the open circuit/driverside airbag, replaced left front hub bearings, inner/outer seals, front brakes replaced, and the rotors machined.

- Oxon Hill, MD, USA

problem #2

May 012002

Rio

  • miles
Vehicle was making a lot noise. Took vehicle to dealer, and they stated that chunks of metal from wheel bearing were in brake drum. Consumer stated wheel bearing had been replaced.

- Cudahy, WI, USA

problem #1

Feb 262002

Rio

  • miles
Wheel bearings have failed 3 times in 6 weeks...twice rt rear, once lt rear...brakes have been making noise since car was nearly new, have been adjusted numerous times

- Thousand Oaks, CA, USA

Not what you are looking for?