2005 Kia Rio engine problems

Filed Jan 8, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 109,000 miles · MO

When the car is exposed to moisture, either from underneath by driving through a small puddle or from above in a rainstorm, the engine compartment gets wet and causes the serpentine belt to slip. This results in sudden loss of power steering and alternator failure, which can lead to the car's power cutting out in the middle of the road. This is an obvious driving hazard, but I am told that this is a common issue due to the construction of the engine compartment in kia vehicles rather than a precipitating mechanical failure causing it.

Filed Sep 24, 2015 · Engine · 65,125 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 kia rio. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact had to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road to a complete stop. The vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing belt fractured and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact also stated that the vehicle was inspected and tagged with license plates one hour before the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 65,125.

Filed Aug 29, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

Not really a safety issue but maybe you can help, please. I check engine light came on telling me I'm at less than 90% efficiency relative to pollution. When the mechanic checks the co2 and other pollution requirements I'm ok. I still get great mileage and good power. The problem is the computer says the converter is off and hence can't get a sticker but the car is not polluting ?? If I lived out side a big city where they do not track this stuff there would be no problem. Ps the cost to replace the cat converter is over $1400.00. While it us still 90% effective??? What gives please help. Thanks,

Filed Mar 15, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 52,000 miles · TX

I have a 2005 kia rio (VIN provided later) purchased 2006, low miles. Summer 2011 car stalled, stopped & check engine light came on & had it towed to the nearest shop, ntb. Replaced timing belt & no damage to my motor. I found out the timing belt needed changing at 60k miles (mine was lower). The mechanic wasn't able to determine a reason for the check engine light. Another suggested a bad sensor & wiped something off under the hood. The light went off after driving less than 5 miles. Replaced the alternator april 2013 (new alternator, belt & parts still under warranty). June 2013 the check engine light started coming on when parked upward on an steep hill, esp when outside temp was very hot (tx). The light would remain on until after parking it in a covered garage & driving hrs later. July 2013 mandatory car inspection. Week or 2 later, problems w/ RPM started; during take after idle. About 2wks later, AC speed suddenly slowed & became warmer. 2days later check engine light on & a strange noise near the driver's side. Again, towed to the nearest shop, the same ntb. All electrical components was still working. At the shop the car started but not long. They were puzzled. After 2days I was told my motor was bad & needed replaced. No one had an explanation.I had to have my car, only transportation for me & my kids towed home. I talked to different mechanics that agree I have a bad sensor & catalyst which caused my motor to lock (pre-ignition). There are several blogs/articles w/this same problem. However, kia has never said anything about the 2005 rio fuel problems, only the 2004 & supposedly correcting it. But it wasn't & mechanics can't diagnose it. Something is wrong & needs investigating. A fatal accident could have occurred if I had been driving on the hwy. Kia should take responsibility for lost $ and time bc they only bandaged the problem & not actually fixing it.

Filed Nov 8, 2013 · Engine · TX

The engine stopped in traffic on hwy, wife was in danger of being hit by other vehicles,no power to get to edge of roadway on bridge, heavy construction, had to climb out passenger door, down embankment to safety. Towed vehicle home to find engine locked up. Maintenance done regular belts, tires,oil changes and battery replaced. Only fuel gauge issue is all problems, ask dealer was told to bring in for estimate 300.00 to check.after issue on highway find out timing belt and engine problems have occur on this model since 2001. Sad for veteran unable to make repairs due to disability. Never buy or recommend kia to anyone.

Filed May 21, 2012 · Engine · CA · fire · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 kia rio. The contact stated that the driver was driving 20 MPH when she attempted to slow down but the brakes failed. The vehicle coasted into an alley. While the vehicle was coasting, the contact smelled burning wires. Smoke began to rise from the hood once the vehicle was stopped. The contact attempted to exit the vehicle, but was restrained by the seat belt and suffered neck and shoulder injuries. Both the contact and the driver successfully exited the vehicle and noticed that sparks and flames were seen under the hood. The fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire was unknown. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer advised the contact to tow the vehicle to an auction. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage is unknown.

Filed Oct 10, 2010 · Engine · 75,000 miles · FL

Going 70 MPH on interstate 4 in orlando fl my 2005 kia rio broke the timing belt causing the vehicle to lose all engine power & rolled to a stop we were able to pull the car over to the right lane & barely avoided getting rear ended.

Filed Sep 19, 2010 · Engine, Fuel system · 38,000 miles · OR

Kia placed a bulletin with you on 1/1/05,#tsb82,#10015272. Apparently kia thought that was enough. My kia was purchased 7/21/05. I was told I had "bumper to bumper coverage if I purchased the additional 4,000. Extended warranty. They were required to furnish me with a complete warranty disclosure before purchase. They did furnish me with a booklet called warranty and consumer information manual and a pamphlet called start up tips for your kia. I did read these. And the timing belt isn't mentioned. Later when I read my owners manual I did notice that the maintenance requirements did mention the timing belt, it should be checked at 30,000 mi, 60,000mi and possibly changed at 105,000. Kia does claim 100,000 warranty, and I had the bumper to bumper cov, so I still felt pretty confident in my car. If kia had completely disclosed all the maintenance at the time of purchase I would have walked. At 38,000 mi I was on my way to wa. I was just about to the top of rice hill when something happened. 6 lanes of 70mph traffic, concrete on all sides and nowhere to go, when the car lost power. It was very disorienting the engine revved but no power, no check engine light, nothing,I was dumbfounded. I put my flashers on and was able to coast to the rt. Lane. We pushed it over the top of rice hill and coasted to the shoulder. I called kia, they told me I had no coverage, because my car was a week past 5 yrs. We towed it to kia where they told me I wasn't covered. So I called kia and they told me it was up to the service man.. I went back to kia, and the manager told me I needed to do a diag test ($174.) which I knew was impos. Because the car won't start. Afterward the service man told me he had looked at my car and the tb was gone but the pistons were fine which is rare. They won't fix it. I went online and found 100 consumers with blown engines and defect. Timing belts. Whats up? This is dangerous! It can cause accidents! I was lucky! Do something.

Filed Aug 23, 2010 · Engine · 68,000 miles · MD

2005 kia rio stalling problem. I've had the car in for repair 4-5 times over the last 18 months, and dealership said they can't find any problem.

Filed May 19, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 45,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 kia rio. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle would suddenly stall. It would resume normally after she depressed the accelerator pedal. The failure became progressively worse over time. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership three times for at least a week so that the dealer could duplicate the failure and find a cause for the failure. The dealer stated that the problem could have been the fuel filter or sensor. The fuel filter and spark plugs were replaced but the failure continued. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The vehicle was currently at the dealership and the contact did not feel it was safe to drive. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. The current mileage was approximately 54,000. The sensors and fuel pump were replaced, however the vehicle continued to stall. Updated 06/22/10.*jb updated 08/11/10. *lj updated 10/05/10