2002 Kia Rio airbags problems

21 complaints (16% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 37,500. 19 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 21
of this car's complaints: 16%
typical mileage: 37,500
crashes: 19
recalls: 0

Which part fails

Frontal
14

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Kia Rio airbags problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Kia Rio airbags

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

No deployment 12

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Related investigations

Air bag non deployOpened July 2, 2002, closed July 2, 2003

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

What 2002 Kia Rio owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 7, 2016 · Airbags · TX · crash · 1 injury

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

Filed Aug 8, 2008 · Airbags · 100,070 miles · 00 · crash

Going at 80km an hour in peak friday afternoon traffic on the highway I rear ended another car and my airbag did not deploy.

Filed Nov 12, 2007 · Airbags · 114,080 miles · TX · crash · 1 injury

Our kia rio was involved in a front end collision where the air bags failed to deploy at over 40 miles an hour. It's by the grace of god we didn't find this out in a faster collision costing someone their life.

Filed Dec 6, 2005 · Airbags · 65,000 miles · NC · crash · 1 injury

I was driving my 2002 kia rio on my lunch break going to my home. A young lady pulled out in front of me I was going around 45 when she pulled out. My car hit hers in the side neither my air bags or seat belt functioned like they should have. My air bags didn't even deploy my seat belt allowed me to go into the windshield. As my body was thrown forward the underside of the steering wheel broke my femur in 3 places. I filled a complaint against kia about the air bags and seat belt they claimed the car under rolled the other car to me the front of the car was pushed back and it was flat. Kia needs to hold up their end 2 items in the car for safety failed. Some people ask did you have your seat belt on the answer is yes I had 2 people show up at the wreck and saw it on me and it burned through 2 shirts I had on at the time of the wreck.

Filed Nov 28, 2005 · Airbags, Seat belts · 53,755 miles · NC · crash · 1 injury

Hit deer at 55 MPH airbags did not deploy and seat belt did not lock causing head to hit steering wheel and bounce back and hit seat whole front of car was tore up.

Filed Nov 1, 2005 · Airbags · CA · crash · 1 injury

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, 2005 while traveling about 50 MPH. She was wearing a seat belt, but sustained injuries. *ak updated 01/19/06.

Filed Jul 26, 2005 · Airbags, Seat belts · 81,000 miles · TX · crash · 2 injuries

My daughter was driving south on hwy 360 in grand prairie texas going about 50 MPH and an other vehicle was crossing the lanes toward her and hit her vehicle at the front right side (passenger side). She was wearing a seat belt and so was the passenger.the seatbelt on the passenger side did not work and airbags on neither side deployed. The passenger went forward striking the front windshield suffering head and body injuries.

Filed Apr 3, 2005 · Airbags · 37,500 miles · WA · crash

The kia rio was stopped behind a minivan when it was hit from behind by another minivan travelling approximately 30 MPH before braking. The kia rio was pushed into the minivan in front. The rio was not severely damaged, however, both airbags deployed. Damage was to the rear trunk lid and the front right rail was slightly . Compromised. No lights were broken, nor was the bumper even cracked. Both the insurance adjuster and the body shop were surprised the airbags went off based on the damage (or overall lack thereof) to the vehicle. The airbag deployment broke other pieces of and inside of the dash as well, causing over 2/3 of the cost of repair (total cost was around $7000). Pictures of the damage to the vehicle are available.

Filed Oct 7, 2004 · Airbags, Seat belts · LA · crash

While driving 10 mp and turning the vehicle stalled. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection , and the mechanic could not duplicate the problem. The passenger front seat belt was inoperative. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection again, and the mechanic replaced the seat belt. However, the problem recurred. Then, vehicle was involved in a frontal collision and both frontal air bags failed to deploy. This information was provided by mrs. Sikakoy's daughter leslie sanchez.

Filed Feb 26, 2004 · Airbags · FL · crash · 1 injury

While driving at 15 MPH and without warning consumer lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a rear enf collision. Upon impact, both frontal air bags did not deploy. Driver sustained injuries. *ak

Questions about the 2002 Kia Rio airbags

Does the 2002 Kia Rio have airbags problems?

Owners have filed 21 complaints about the airbags of the 2002 Kia Rio, 16% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2002 Kia Rio airbags problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 37,500 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Kia Rio airbags?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Kia Rio have bad airbags?

The Kia Rio model years with the most airbags complaints are 2006 (50 complaints), 2013 (34 complaints) and 2001 (33 complaints).