2003 Kia Rio transmission problems

Filed Dec 27, 2008 · Transmission · 64,263 miles · AZ

The clutch in my 2003 kia rio has failed/broken four times now. My father and I bought the vehicle brand new in march 2003 the first clutch failed around 8000 miles I believe, the second around 24000 miles, the third around 40000 miles, and now is sitting in my garage unable to go into any gear; the car has less than 65000 miles on it. I have been driving stick shifts for 14+ yrs. And I know how to properly operate them, yet whenever I take the vehicle into the dealership I am told it is driver error and charged at least $1000 in repairs. I have had at least three other mechanics look at it and have been told it is a design/bad parts problem not driving error, however I don't want to jeopardize the warranty by having it repaired anywhere but the dealership. With the last repair (clutch #3) my father was allowed to speak to the dealerships mechanic after the car was pulled apart and caught the dealership in a lot of lies based on the total damage done to the clutch and surrounding parts. There was no way that much damage could have been done simply by driving the vehicle. They gave him some free parts and labor but the bill was still over $600 and the problem is still there as evidenced by the vehicle not going into any gear now. I have read over 100 similar reports from other people who own the same make, model, and year as mine. Kia needs to be held responsible for this, not the customer. I have been lucky so far as to not have anyone injured, I drive my five year old daughter in that car, but I have been left stranded in several not nice neighborhoods because of the clutch failure and have had the clutch go out while in the middle of a busy intersection. The problem comes on suddenly with little to no warning of the clutch having problems and is a severe safety hazard, not only to the people inside the vehicle but for the other people on the road. If this continues, someone will be severely injured or killed if it has not happened already. Please help.

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 Jun 13, 2007 · Transmission · 40,318 miles · CA

This 2003 kia rio was purchased used at a dealership a.v. Kia, palmdale, ca, , but soon developed problems with the transmission. Our insurance company replaced the transmission, citing problems which occurred due to our son, which were allegations made by a. V. Kia. Shortly after the car became inoperable and stopped on the freeway quite suddenly. No one was hurt, but our son and his passengers were rather shook up. Fixed one more time, while our son was driving the car when the left front axle fell off. This happened after a. V. Kia repaired the transmission. After being fixed once again with another new transmission, while my husband was driving the car immediately after picking it up from the dealership it once again developed transmission problems. The car stopped at a busy intersection in rosamond, ca. The car was fixed, (sensor problem, and soon taken to a car dealership in lancaster, ca. To be sold on consignment. While the sales representative was taking it out to show and attempt to sell the car again it stopped, this time on very busy sierra highway. The dealer called us to imform us of the problem with the car. A. V. Kia took the car in for repair once again, replacing the transmission!. With all of the transmission problems this car has had we found it extremely dangerous, not only to our family, but potentially to someone else. A. V. Kia continued to just pass the buck without really getting to the root of the problem. We didn't really know where to turn, but we felt that filing a complaint with the dot was a good start. A. V. Kia and kia of america should be held totally responsible for the dangerous junk that they were selling and manufacturing.

Filed Apr 6, 2007 · Transmission · 53,000 miles · IL

At 53,000 the vehicle became impossible to shift from one gear to another. Dealership technician advised it needed a new clutch at a cost of $1600.00. I have driven this vehicle primarily between detroit michigan and cary illinois. Eighty percent of the miles driven so far have been highway miles with little need to constantly shift gears. When the technicians looked at the vehicle he commented on how small the clutch was. I believe kia has installed an inferior clutch system to keep the price of the vehicle down and then refuses to cover the repairs under warranty.

Filed Oct 11, 2006 · Transmission · 15,500 miles · AZ

June 2006 through september 2006 my kia rio has locked up in the parking gear not allowing to remove to reverse or drive. Dealer has had in the shop four times and has changed breaking light twice along with gear console. Now stating even with the vehicle being at shop since the end of september 2006 can not enact problem.

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 Aug 11, 2004 · Brakes, Transmission · 2,000 miles · CO

While accelerating my 2003 kia rio onto the interstate while going uphill, the car's transmission slipped and had no power on the incline even when it was floored. It always does this when passing cars also. I took it to the dealer who said they could find nothing wrong with it. My brakes lock up when they are damp. I did not think this was a problem, but it is.

Filed Apr 6, 2004 · Transmission · VA

While driving at any speed the vehicle stalls. There was a lost to the power steering and power brake systems. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Transmission · CA

In june I was having a over heating problem. If I went up a hill the car would heat up to the peg. It needed a new thermostat. The engine blew up & I had to have a new one. Now their is something wrong with the transmission, so kia has sent for a new transmission. I'm afraid to go anywhere for fear that something else will happen to it. I'm alone, therefore I needed something I can rely on.

Filed Oct 27, 2003 · Transmission · CA

Consumer will not drive over 50 MPH, had difficulty in changing 5 speed gears. A service technician noticed that clutch needed replacement.