I have had the berings replaced 2 times in the passenger side two times now and its doing it again the other side was done first . The car just stopped dead in the road and I could not get it to move before I got it fixed the time before this . I dont have the money to keep fixing this same problem the car has been sitting for months now . I got the car to finally move backwards so I drove it backwards to the spot its in got it fixed . And for the third time its happening again.
The worst 2002 Kia Rio problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine40
- Airbags21
- Brakes20
- Seat belts16
- Fuel system15
- Suspension9
- Body8
- Electrical8
- Transmission8
- Tires4
- Locks3
- Visibility3
- Wheels2
- Acceleration1
- Seats1
- Steering1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Kia Rio
Stalling 21No deployment 12Check engine light 8Fire or smoke 6Engine failure 5
Recalls 1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery
- 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
Defect investigations
Air bag non deploy
This investigation identified a total of 82 reports alleging non-deployment of the dual front air bags.of the 82 reports, only one incident, the fatal crash that was the basis for opening the investigation, has been identified as a moderate to severe crash in which the automotive restraint controller issued a command to deploy but the air bags did not deploy.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See attached summary report
EA02009
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Kia Rio 16
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Information for headlamp condensation and moisture
- Pitstop - engine component re-use guidelines
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- TSB - use of aftermarket USB charging cables in USB/12V ports
- Automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the...
- Kia: all models. article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear...
- Rio (bc) engine hard to start, runs rough and stalls -- what to check -- crank position sensor (ckp) tone...
- Rear brake noise. jb
- Improved timing belts for the kia rio and optima. tt
2002 Kia Rio fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4‑cyl | FWD | 22-23 | 27-29 | 24-26 |
What 2002 Kia Rio owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owned a 2002 kia rio. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle was involved in a front end crash. The front driver side air bag deployed aggressively and metal fragments struck the contact's face. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a head laceration that required stitches, a broken nose, and a hand injury. Medical attention was required. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the salvage yard and deemed destroyed. The failure mileage was unknown. ...updated 7/19/16*bf
I just got my car fixed on mon. 8/25/14. I took it in because it was idling rough. The shop put in new spark plugs and wires. It cost me $180. I drove it home. It was smooth. Then I drove to downtown akron, about 15 miles, to a hike. When I was almost there, my car just went dead while I was driving. I pulled over and parked off the busy road onto a parking lot (part of/by akron university). The car was dead. It made a clicking noise when I tried to start it. I called aaa and they didn't know what was wrong (it had a brand new 6 year battery in it). They towed me back to the shop that had worked on it earlier that day - 15 miles. The next day, 8/26/14, the shop told me the timing belt broke and it ruined the engine. They said kia's have an interference motor. When the belt breaks, it breaks off all the pistons (something like that) and ruins the motor. It can't be fixed. I have to buy a new motor $2000 apprx, or a new car. I live alone and don't have the money for either. I was counting on this car to last me 2-3 more years. A couple of different garages told me it looked good and should last that long at least. I was going to start saving for a new car. This is very unethical of kia. They should not be allowed to make/sell a car that has a motor that self-destructs. I've had other cars and the timing belt broke, but it did not ruin the motor. They just replaced the timing belt. This is horrible! I had no idea, no warning! All the shop I took it to never said a thing! Kia should not be allowed to do this. They should at least have to warn you about it! I have a manual and I never saw anything about it in there. My chevy manual had the miles and what you need to do at those miles. The kia book does not. I had no idea!! This should be illegal! Total rip off!
Slowing to turn into gas station, rear axle broke do to excessive rust rot. The body on this car had stated to rust at 8000 miles, rear frame has excessive rust rot also. Numerous other kia rio owners are reporting this issue this is alarming I could have slammed into the gas pumps as the brakes locked do to severing a brake line.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia rio. The contact stated that the rear driver and passenger's side seat belts would not retract. The contact inspected the seat belts and discovered that part of the seat belt was disintegrated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia rio. The contact stated that when refueling the vehicle, fuel would spew back out from the filler neck. In addition, the contact stated that a strong gasoline fuel odor was constantly present within the vehicle after refueling. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v179000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery) but was advised by the dealer that the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall prior to the purchase of the vehicle. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 107,000. Updated 03/16/12 *bf updated 03/30/12
2002 kia rio. Consumer states timing belt failed *tgw the consumer stated the timing belt failed for a second time at 59,059 and destroyed the second engine. The consumer was informed the vehicle would not be covered under warranty, because the original timing belt was not replaced at the proper mileage. The consumer stated the original timing belt was replaced at 53,668 and the replacement belt failed at 59,059 before the recommended 60,000. A kia representative informed the consumer the warranty only extended to the original engine, not the replacement engine.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia rio. The contact noticed that the rear seat belt was fractured. The dealer informed the contact that it was her responsibility repair the vehicle. The manufacturer had not been notified. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 93,458 and the current mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 09/01/2011
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 kia rio. The contact stated that the rear seat belts were failing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that they could repair the seat belts at the contact's expense. There were no recalls for the vehicle and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,458.
We were just 10 minutes driving from home, when we saw the smoke coming from front of the car. We were approaching the light so the speed was about 10 miles . Within 5/6 meters we stopped in turn line and turned off the engine. The smoke got more and more. So we get out of the car and we were just shocked. Somebody told us call 911 and we did and we called fire fighters as well. During that period fire was coming out of the bonnet and other cars were around us. I was just afraid of explosion . In couple of minutes police came and block the road. Then fire fighters came and put the fire out. But our car was totally damaged and out of order. We towed it to the auto body and some days later they told can't do anything with it.
Compare the 2002 Kia Rio
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2002 Kia Rio
Is the 2002 Kia Rio reliable?
Owners have filed 128 complaints about the 2002 Kia Rio, 3.3 times a typical Rio model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2002 Kia Rio year score?
The 2002 Kia Rio scores 30 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Rio: 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?
Engine and cooling, with 40 complaints, typically around 78,780 miles. Next is airbags (21).
How many recalls does the 2002 Kia Rio have?
1 recall, covering fuel system, gasoline.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Kia Rio get?
Official estimates for the 2002 Kia Rio range from 24 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.5L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 22-23 city and 27-29 highway.
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