2002 Kia Rio engine problems

Filed Aug 27, 2014 · Engine · 100,000 miles · OH

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!

Filed Dec 6, 2011 · Engine · 53,668 miles · CT

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.

Filed Dec 18, 2010 · Engine · 105,000 miles · CA · fire

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.

Filed Dec 1, 2010 · Engine · 101,000 miles · CA · fire

I got the second hand 2002 kia rio 4 months ago . Me and my wife were driving for 1 mile when the smell of smoke came and in the couple of seconds there was smoke came from the bonnet. I switched off and tried to open the bonnet but the smoke got more and more ,so we left the car immediately and we saw flames came from right part of the bonnet. We were just shocked and scared of fire. We called 911 and firefighters and in less than ten minutes front part of the car was totally ruined. Looking optimistically there was no injury at all . But how about the next one! Can everybody be lucky as we were?! We were just in the middle of the turn line in middle of the street , so other cars were around us I can not imagine what could happened if I was in freeway or if my wife was alone!?

Filed Sep 1, 2010 · Engine · 103,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 kia rio. While the contact was driving approximately 2-5 MPH in the residence driveway, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where they informed that the failure was related to the timing belt. The technician advised that the engine would need to be replaced. Also, previously the spark plugs, and crank shaft position sensor were replaced by the dealer. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the compliant. The failure mileage was 103,000. Updated 01/14/11 *bf updated 03/01/11 updated 04/1511

Filed Jul 22, 2009 · Engine · 96,500 miles · OH

While my daughter was driving her 2002 kia rio, all of a sudden the car just stopped running and would not start up. There was no prior indication that anything was wrong - no light or indicators on. Had it towed to our mechanic - engine was locked up. He didn't know for sure why - oil and coolant were fine. We didn't want to pay to have the reason diagnosed, as it doesn't really matter what caused it - the motor is shot. This car has been regularly maintained - oil change every 3000 miles, regular service as recommended in the book. We had to have the transmission replaced two years ago, as it just decided to die also.

Filed May 12, 2009 · Engine · 87,253 miles · NY

Kia rio 2002 the check engine light will not go out I took it to get check out.everything is fine.there is nothing wrong.they reset the check engine light and it came back on.I was told buy a kia dealer ship it is a manufacturer defect. And nothing can be done.this is been going on for four years now. I have to get the check every time the inspection is do and have the light reset. So I can pass the inspection.

Filed Aug 14, 2008 · Engine · 114,000 miles · GA

The car began to run hot when I would be briefly stopped for instance in a drive through restaurant or a longer traffic light. Once the car began to move the car cooled down. I had a mechanic friend do a tune up on my car. He said the fan has no blades they have disintegrated. This was of concern due to the fact there has been no injury to my car such as an animal in the engine.

Filed May 22, 2008 · Engine · 93,000 miles · MD

Original owner of 2002 kia rio - timing belt failed at 93,000 miles causing total engine failure (interference engine). Timing belt is covered under warranty for 100,000 miles for original owner according to the manual. Kia would not honor warranty. Several thousand dollars later, I had a replacement engine installed. It failed 2,300 miles later due to the camshaft shearing and the interference problems. Again, not covered under warranty.

Filed Nov 26, 2007 · Engine · 102,500 miles · WI

I have taken my 2002 kia rio to a certified reputable mechanic. His determination of the faulty engine was due to the fact of a inferior timing belt. His statement was that the timing belt gave out and the engine is designed so that basically when this happens the crankshaft and valves ruin itself due to the broken timing belt. This happening leaves me with basically a $2,000 dollar loss all because of maybe a $100 part.