I bought this car used a little less than a week ago. There was a thumping noise under the hood so I took the car to the dealer twice for this issue. I looked under the hood tonight and found a bunch of pieces that are not bolted down and the battery is completely unsecured and can move around freely. It’s horribly unsafe because the battery being loose can affect the entire car and the parts that aren’t bolted in place are causing major issues with the AC and other systems.
The worst 2004 Kia Rio problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine12
- Fuel system6
- Electrical5
- Suspension5
- Brakes4
- Transmission4
- Acceleration3
- Airbags3
- Locks2
- Visibility2
- Wheels2
- Body1
- Seat belts1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Kia Rio
Recalls 2
Child seat
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, 'child restraint anchorage systems.' certain child restraint anchors will not fully latch onto the lower latch anchors located between the rear seat back and rear seat cushion because of interference between the child seat anchors and a metal wire located in the frame of the rear seat back. Until the recall repair is completed, follow the instructions provided by your child seats manufacturer on how to properly install the child seat with your vehicle's rear safety belts rather than using the latch system.
- Risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, if the child seat is not properly installed, personal injury or death could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the lower anchors free of charge. The recall began on january 30, 2006. Owners may contact kia at 1‑800‑333‑4542.
Recall number 05V557000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel intake nipple of the fuel distributor is subject to fracture or cracking during removal of the quick connect coupling securing the main fuel tube assembly to the fuel intake nipple, or when force is accidentally applied to the intake nipple during the vehicle assembly process or during engine compartment repairs.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the fuel distributor and main fuel tube assemblies. The recall began june 18, 2004. Owners should contact kia at 1‑800‑333‑4542.
Recall number 04V179000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Kia Rio 12
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Information for headlamp condensation and moisture
- Pitstop - engine component re-use guidelines
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- TSB - use of aftermarket USB charging cables in USB/12V ports
- Automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the...
- Kia: all models. article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear...
- Rio (bc) engine hard to start, runs rough and stalls -- what to check -- crank position sensor (ckp) tone...
- Improved timing belts for the kia rio and optima. tt
- Techline faqs. kia technician times. volume 8, issue 4. tt
2004 Kia Rio fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21-23 | 29-30 | 24-26 |
What 2004 Kia Rio owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My wife got locked in her car in the garage at home. There is a spring on the door latch that holds up a lever, that broke, causing the lever to drop and jam the lock lever. When she tried to unlock her door it would not release and the auto lock function kept the other doors locked too. We were able to use my key to quickly unlock and open the passenger side door and get out by crawling over the center console. A simple google search found a few thousand entries showing this same issue with other kia rios and optimas where people are getting stuck in their cars.
Takata recall 2004 kia rio locks in car broken unable to unlock and get out the car I don't know if there is something wrong with the locking system and it has become a major problem
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia rio. While driving various speeds, there was an abnormal noise underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to multiple independent mechanics and a dealer on numerous occasions where it was diagnosed that the front driver side wheel bearing needed to replaced. The wheel bearing was replaced multiple times; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia rio. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the wheel bearing and the hub from both rear wheels detached. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the wheel bearings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the rear tire bearings were previously replaced multiple times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 163,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia rio. The contact stated that the drivers side door failed to open when using the key or by manually pulling the lock. The contact mentioned that in order to enter the vehicle she had to do so through the front passengers door. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 84,000.
Tl-the contact ct owns a 2004 kia rio. The contact stated that the windshield defroster and heating system failed. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that the windshield defroster and heat button had to be held in to be able to have the windshield defrost and heat system operate. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 87,050. Li
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia rio. The contact stated that the manual door locks on both the interior and exterior front driver's side doors would not release. The contact had to enter the vehicle through the front passenger side door and exit in the same manner. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 21,599.
Vehicle was purchased used approximately 2 years ago. On the approximate incident date, the clutch pedal failed to actuate the clutch after producing a loud noise. Inspection at a repair facility revealed failure in several clutch components and a metal fatigue failure in the clutch and brake pedal support bracket. I am filing this complaint on behalf of my daughter for the failed support bracket, which I have in my possession.
The car caught on fire, kia says they sent a notification to the original owner, years ago. We feel that we were entitled to a recall notice before the car burned down. We feel this is not a small recall, it was a fire, a fire is very dangerous and can burn and kill people. We had 22 kias rios in our fleet and never received recall notices on any of them. Kia did send notices to the original owner however they had the information as to which cars received the recommended repairs and which cars never came in, there needs to be some follow up.
Compare the 2004 Kia Rio
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2004 Kia Rio
Is the 2004 Kia Rio reliable?
Owners have filed 38 complaints about the 2004 Kia Rio, close to a typical Rio model year.
What is the 2004 Kia Rio year score?
The 2004 Kia Rio scores 76 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Kia Rio: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Kia Rio?
Engine and cooling, with 12 complaints, typically around 53,015 miles. Next is fuel system (6).
How many recalls does the 2004 Kia Rio have?
2 recalls, covering child seat and fuel system, gasoline.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Kia Rio get?
Official estimates for the 2004 Kia Rio range from 24 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-23 city and 29-30 highway.
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