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2002 Kia Rio Cinco problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Kia Rio Cinco is engine and cooling, typically around 61,000 miles. It has 1.8 times the complaints of a typical Rio Cinco model year.

Typical year1.8x the typical complaints
Year score
52/100
Owner complaints
21
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
4
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2002 Kia Rio Cinco problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    8
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Transmission
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    8
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Electrical
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Brakes
    2
  • Wheels
    2
  • Lights
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Recalls 1

Fuel system, gasoline: deliveryReported April 9, 2004 · 187,790 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 04V179000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2002 Kia Rio Cinco

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Kia Rio Cinco 4

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 2002 Kia Rio Cinco owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 19, 2012 · Suspension · 70,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia rio cinco. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel began to vibrate excessively and pulsation occurred when the accelerator pedal was engaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on three separate occasions where the front passenger and driver side wheel hub bearings were replaced each time. In addition, the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer twice for the replacement of the front passenger and driver side wheel hub bearings. The manufacturer was notified of the constant problem. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Aug 31, 2007 · Electrical, Lights · IN

Electrical line from rear of brake switch is short in length and unsecured resulting in wire damage that shorts electrical fuse to switch. Results in brake light failure and possible rear end collision due to no brake lights. New switch from factory was installed by kia dealership- but problem persists. The vehicle is a 2002 kia rio cinco. I'm worried for my family's and others safety. This is a design defect, that I feel the consumer should not have to bear the expense.

Filed Jul 21, 2007 · Engine, Fuel system · 60,948 miles · FL

Refer to the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v179000 in january 2007, I took my vehicle (2002 kia rio) to ray carter kia dealership at 6373 blanding blvd, jacksonville, fl 32244, because the engine would not idle and would sometimes cut off during acceleration. The service tech told me I needed the 60,000 mile maintenance service which included replacing the timing belt, oil change, tire balance, throttle cleaning, fuel additive, front and rear axle oil, transfer case oil, etc etc and a whole host of other non-engine related inspections. This was at a cost of $759.65. I left the dealership believing it was fixed, however, the same problem kept returning. Today, 21 july 2007, I went back to ray carter kia for the same problem and they performed an oil and filter change, tire pressure adjustment and topped off fluids at a cost of $77.75. Then they told me I needed a new idle control solenoid at a cost of $573.74. I asked them about the $759 I paid back in january to fix the same problem and all they said was it was for the 60,000 mile checkup. Of note, during this visit, the service manager mentioned something about a recall for the kia rio's fuel system/gasoline delivery. When I got home I looked up the recall on the internet and found it along with this site of course. What do I need to do in order to get the fuel system/gasoline delivery system replaced iaw the recall? I also believe I am entitled to the monies I paid for services not rendered.

Filed Jul 18, 2007 · Airbags · 35,000 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 kia rio cinco. On july 14, 2004, while driving 35 MPH, another vehicle ran a stop sign and crashed head on into the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. She sustained permanent injuries to her occipital neuralgia from snapping her head forward. A spec scan showed that she received some brain damage, lower back herniation, a tear in the rotator cup, pain in her right leg, and neutral hernia in her chest where the seat belt retracted. The vehicle sustained front end damage to the radiator, the compressor, the hood, and the front axle. A police report was filed. The purchase date and the current mileage were unknown. Updated 09/24/07.8jb

Filed Apr 10, 2006 · Engine · 61,000 miles · MA

My 2002 kia rio cinco's timing-belt broke and caused serious damage to the engine resulting in a $2500 fee to fix the vehicle. Because my timing-belt was not changed at 60000 (we have 61000 miles on the vehicle) they would not honor their warranty. I have done research on these vehicles and a lot of people have had problems with these vehicles.

Filed Feb 2, 2006 · Fuel system · 72,000 miles · IN · fire

An engine compartment fire was discovered by other employees approximately 10-15 minutes after I had parked the vehicle at work and had entered my office. The workers extinguished the fire with 8 portable fire extinguishers. The damage was most severe near the firewall on the passenger side of the vehicle. All hoses had burned away and plastics were melted or burned. A recall had been issued for a defective gasoline distributor part that could result in engine compartment fire. The recall work was performed in july, 2005 according to kia of clarksville service department. Kia of clarksville is located in clarksville, in.

Filed Jan 27, 2006 · Brakes · 56,000 miles · TX

After having the brakes serviced I heard a ping noise when I would make a right turn. As I kept driving the vehicle and the noise went away for about a week. When the noise returned it was much worse and when I would come to a stop I could feel something hitting together could feel it too. When I took the tire off to check, the pin that holds the brake shoe on was out about half way and bent. I replaced the pin and the same thing happened a week later. The manufacturer cannot tell me any other way to fix the problem unless I pay to get it fixed. And their advice was to just replace the entire brake shoe.

Filed Jan 6, 2006 · Engine, Wheels · 1,500 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated while driving there is a loud noise. While stopping, the noise gets louder. The vehicle was taken to a dealership for inspection. And they determined the bolts that connect the pipes to the heat shield and the exhaust system burned off. Also, the lugs: nuts have been changed five times because they were corroded.

Filed Dec 14, 2005 · Engine · MI · fire

Consumer 2002 rio cinco with less than 60,000 miles , caught on fire while driving . *ts

Filed Dec 6, 2005 · Fuel system · 57,000 miles · MI · fire

Dt: the contact stated while husband was driving the check engine light illuminated. Less than one minute later there was black smoke coming from under the hood. He got out of the vehicle and saw that the vehicle was on fire. The fire department was called to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed and has not been inspected at this time. This vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency recall campaign 04v179000 in october of 2004 for the fuel distributor and fuel tube assemmblies.

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Compare the 2002 Kia Rio Cinco

Other model years

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Questions about the 2002 Kia Rio Cinco

Is the 2002 Kia Rio Cinco reliable?

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the 2002 Kia Rio Cinco, 1.8 times a typical Rio Cinco model year.

What is the 2002 Kia Rio Cinco year score?

The 2002 Kia Rio Cinco scores 52 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Rio Cinco: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Kia Rio Cinco?

Engine and cooling, with 8 complaints, typically around 61,000 miles. Next is fuel system (4).

How many recalls does the 2002 Kia Rio Cinco have?

1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.

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