2003 Kia Rio electrical problems

Filed Nov 3, 2014 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · AL

All of the brake lights quit working at the same time. Done a search to see if there was any other problems like mine and found 3 other owners with the same problem. It has been in a mechanic shop for 2 weeks now and I have just got done talking with him this morning about it and he said that he has not been able to pin point the problem. I feel that this is a safety issue that needs to be dealt with by kia.

Filed Jun 24, 2013 · Electrical · 77,000 miles · MI · fire

Going out to dinner, about 1 mile away from home smell coming from car. Turned down a side street, smoke coming from heat/air adjustment area on dash. Stopped car, fire started coming out of the area where you adjust the heat/air. Before fire department could get there the entire car was on fire. This was a total loss. Thankfully we were able to get out of the car. I fear it would have been far worse if we had been on the express way at the time.

Filed May 23, 2011 · Electrical, Engine · 80,020 miles · CA

I bought my 03 kia rio in 04 and within a mo. Have had problems ever since. I took it to the dealership every month for the first 2yrs when it was still in warranty. There was always something constantly wrong or breaking. The tail pipe rattled extremely loud to the point of slightly shaking the car, randomly when I would came to a stop. It was so loud that people in other cars could hear it and stare. Of course the repair shops could never find the problem. I finally gave up ever having it fixed. I've paid 7 times to have the auto windows fixed but finally gave up because they would only work about two days before braking again. The car always had issues accelerating and would stain making noises shake a bit then after 10 seconds make a pop pop noise and finally start moving faster. Which again could never be fixed. The car also had horrible suspension. Every little pump made the car bounce and squeak loudly. Also could never be fixed. I think I've spent more time in the shop having the car repaired then I actually did driving it. Every time I blinked something else was broken I replaced almost ever piece of the car; battery twice, all four tires twice, head lights, etc those are just the small things I've also had the car completely brake down about 6 times with major repairs. Now my car is completely dead 4/17/11 the timing belt snapped and destroyed the engine so I have to buy a new engine and timing belt all which cost more then the car itself the car only has 80,000 miles on it so that tells you how much I actually got to drive it in the last 8yrs. I made sure to constantly keep up on maintenance as well. I will never buy a kia again its a weight of my shoulders to get rid of such a piece of [xxx]. Kias are made with such cheap materials and made so poorly that everything on them brakes and falls off. Please anyone reading this don't buy a kia you will regret it. I just want to save someone else from a nightmare. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6

Filed Aug 15, 2010 · Electrical · VA · fire

The switch assembly blower (part # 97251 fd000) constantly goes out on my 2003 kia rio. The first time it happened my car caught on fire. I replaced it. 6 months later it went out again. I replaced it along with the resistor assembly (part# 1k552 61c08). 8 months later, it went out again. There is nothing wrong with the fuse. There is not a short in the system that can be found. I have yet to replace the switch assembly anticipating the company rectifying this.

Filed Aug 9, 2007 · Brakes, Electrical · 52,067 miles · OH

2003 kia rio with defective engine. Customer states that the dealership told her that a new engine was put in the car in june 07 but it continues to smoke, overheat and cut off**cc the consumer was told the head gasket needed to be replaced. The tail lights were inoperative. The dealer replaced the bulbs. The lights inside the vehicle were inoperative. They replaced the main wiring harness. The consumer had to place the gear into neutral, in order to start the vehicle. The dealer adjusted the transmission range switch. *jb the consumer stated that her vehicle is at the dealership yet again being fixed. Updated 08/23/07.

Filed Apr 14, 2005 · Electrical, Fuel system · 16,000 miles · HI

My 2003 kia rio has died out on me about six times so far. I have brought it into the dealer each time, now and they have said that they could not duplicate the problem or find a problem. They have replaced a throttle position sensor however, that did not help. My car doesn't die out all the time only once in awhile. It has died out while reversing, driving on the highway, waiting at a stoplight. I have pursued lemon law in hawaii and am waiting for the decision of the arbitrator. At hearing, manufacturer knew of stalling defect however, he said it did not apply to my VIN number. I have also had problems with the shocks on my vehicle, they do not absorb much and make noise when I go on a bumpy road. My car also makes a large whistling sound when driving over 50 MPH but it only occurs sometimes.

Filed Aug 20, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · 50 miles · OH

When it rains the vehicle fails to start. Also, the catalytic convertor is giving out a rotten egg odor that comes through the air vents. Dealership was not willing to service the vehicle. They were only saying it takes a year before the smell goes away. *ak

Filed Jun 1, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · 4,768 miles · OR

So far there has not been any accidents caused by the cold start problem my car is having. The 2003 kia rio cinco has been in the shop numerous times for the same cold start problem. In the 1.5 years I have had the car I have nothing but problems with it. They have stated that the problem is fixed every time, however it continues.

Filed Sep 24, 2003 · Electrical · 1,300 miles · WA

Vehicle will not start intermittently when the key is inserted. Dealer is aware of the problem, and states that he does not know how to fix it. Manufacturer will be notified of the problem soon.

Filed Jul 22, 2003 · Electrical · WI

While traveling on the highway without prior warning. The vehicle shut down and will not restart. Please fill in additional information dealer is aware of the problem.