2003 Kia Rio engine problems

Filed Dec 22, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 58,000 miles · WY

Seat belts, car seat retaining hooks, ECM, and distributor are recalled. Cheyenne kia had 3 weeks before original appointment to get the parts. I delivered the car for repairs only to get a call 4 hours later that they cannot find the parts. It has now been 6 weeks since picking up my car and they cannot find the parts to do the recall repairs. All I have been able to do is leave a message with jennifer xt 45960 at 800 333 4542 case # k3094095 kia customer care to find out when I can safely put my kids in the backseat of the car.

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 Apr 9, 2009 · Engine · 11,462 miles · WI

While driving down the road with my two year old in the car, the engine seized up and stalled. The car currently wont start and had to be towed to the repair shop. However, we just had all of the routine maintenance to the car less then 300 miles prior to the engine seizing. The check engine light never came on. As of today, they don't know what the problem is except that the engine seized. There was no prior incidents with the car and it was always serviced on time.

Filed Oct 14, 2008 · Engine · 72,000 miles · KY

Timing belt broke at 72000 miles without warning. Kia says change at 60000 miles in ky, but warranty in ca allow for 105000 mile change. Kia refused to honor warranty. Stranded for 45 minutes. Had to pay diagnostic testing at kia dealer.

Filed May 21, 2008 · Engine · 112,000 miles · CO

Bought 2003 kia rio new. In jan 2005 at about 53,000 miles I heard a rattle at about 50 miles per hour. In a few seconds the engine just shutdown (timing belt broke which destroyed the engine) kia replaced under warranty. May 21 2008 while driving about 45 miles per hour we heard a squeal and again the engine shutdown. Coasted to a stop, once again the timing belt which means another engine (58,000 since the last engine) no longer under warranty (an engine cost almost as much as the car itself).

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 Jul 15, 2006 · Engine · 47,144 miles · GA

While driving on the highway at approximately 60 MPH, the car lost total power without warning. The driver was able to steer and control the car and coasted to the side of the road. Several cars had to swerve out of the way as they were going the speed limit but the car concerned was going significantly slower. Upon inspection, the timing belt sprocket was hanging outside of the plastic cover which was burning from melted plastic. The car is within the limits of the warranty and we are awaiting a final diagnosis from the dealer and coverage determination from the manufacturer.

Filed Feb 22, 2006 · Engine · 109,000 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to turn a corner at 10 MPH the timing belt broke. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where it was determined as being the timing belt rendering the engine inoperable. No repairs have been made.

Filed Jan 5, 2005 · Engine · 7,800 miles · OH

While driving up a hill, the vehicle temporally lost power. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Sep 9, 2004 · Engine · WA

Consumer noticed that the engine light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer drove vehicle to dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced the sensor inside the vehicle.