VehicleVerdict

2002 Kia Rio problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 171 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median Rio year — the 2002 model ranks #3 of 24 Rio years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 40 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (41), brakes (25), and airbags (21), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

171

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

34

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

40

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Rio years?

Rio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted355 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 355 complaints2002: 171 complaints2003: 103 complaints2004: 53 complaints2005: 46 complaints2006: 89 complaints2007: 64 complaints2008: 57 complaints2009: 54 complaints2010: 38 complaints2011: 32 complaints2012: 73 complaints2013: 218 complaints2014: 74 complaints2015: 69 complaints2016: 110 complaints2017: 37 complaints2018: 39 complaints2019: 29 complaints2020: 37 complaints2021: 23 complaints2022: 12 complaints2023: 20 complaints
Rio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rio years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Kia Rio problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4124%
Brakes2515%
Airbags2112%
Seat Belts169%
Fuel System169%
Suspension95%
Body & Structure85%
Electrical System85%
Transmission85%
Tires & Wheels64%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Latches & Locks32%
Other32%
Steering11%
Speed Control11%
Seats11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 2002 Kia Rio have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V179000Fuel SystemApril 9, 2004 · 187,790 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THERE'S A CLICKING NOISE AND VEHICLE WILL STALL, BUT WILL START BACK UP IMMEDIATELY. THE DEALERSHIP CAN NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS *DT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 28, 2002 · crash

“WHILE BRAKING FOR A STOP LIGHT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY A TRUCK. DURING HIGH HUMIDITY THE BRAKES GRABBED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STOP TOO SHORT. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED MORE THAN FIFTY TIMES WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE FOUR TIMES. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOUND THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 20, 2002 · crash

“DT:THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN TWO ACCIDENTS. UPON IMPACT, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FIRST ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON FEBRUARY OF 2003 WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH. SHE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT DURING THE ACCIDENT. THIS WAS A FRONTAL IMPACT. THE SECOND ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON SEPTEMBER 19,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 1, 2003 · crash

“WHILE IN MOTION CONSUMER WAS HIT BY ANOTHER DRIVER ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. VEHICLE SPUN AROUND THREE TIMES. DURING THIS INCIDENT, SAFETY DEVICES FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK; THEREFORE, CONSUMER WAS THROWN FORWARD. SEAT BELT IN THE BACK SEAT WHICH SECURED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · October 19, 2002 · crash

“RECALL NO.#04V179000, FUEL SYSTEM/GASOLINE DELIVERY: WHILE SITTING AT A STOP SIGN, ANOTHER MOTORIST INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE BACK OF HER VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. AFTER CROSSING THE INTERSECTION THE CONSUMER LEFT THE VEHICLE AND SAW THAT THE FUEL TANK AREA WAS ACTUALLY ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 16, 2004 · fire

2002 Kia Rio — common questions

Is the 2002 Kia Rio reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 171 complaints put the 2002 model at #3 of 24 Rio years. It is one of the Rio years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Rio problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (41 complaints), brakes (25 complaints), airbags (21 complaints).

Does the 2002 Kia Rio have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Kia Rio. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Kia Rio under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Rio years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rio years to avoid are 2001, 2013, 2002, 2016, 2003, 2006, 2014, 2012, 2015, 2017. The cleanest record among Rio years belongs to 2000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.