Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2003 Kia RIO: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

74 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

30,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2003 model year. Data updated: . 49 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 10 of 74 complaints (13.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior1925.7%
Engine operation79.5%
Transmission and shifting68.1%
Steering behavior68.1%
Electrical and battery issues45.4%
Fuel system concerns34.1%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Electrical System
10
Engine And Engine Cooling
10
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
7
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
6
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
5
Fuel System, Gasoline
4
Air Bags:Frontal
3
Electrical System:Ignition
3
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System10
Engine And Engine Cooling10
Service Brakes, Hydraulic7
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine6
Power Train:Automatic Transmission5
Fuel System, Gasoline4
Air Bags:Frontal3
Electrical System:Ignition3

Electrical System: 10; Engine And Engine Cooling: 10; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 7; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 6; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 5; Fuel System, Gasoline: 4; Air Bags:Frontal: 3; Electrical System:Ignition: 3

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
23
25,000 to 49,999
5
50,000 to 74,999
9
75,000 to 99,999
7
100,000 to 149,999
4
150,000 and above
1
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00023
25,000 to 49,9995
50,000 to 74,9999
75,000 to 99,9997
100,000 to 149,9994
150,000 and above1

Under 25,000: 23; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 9; 75,000 to 99,999: 7; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 1

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (23). 25 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2002
1
2003
20
2004
19
2005
4
2006
6
2007
5
2008
4
2009
4
2010
2
2011
2
2012
2
2013
2
2014
1
2015
1
2021
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20021
200320
200419
20054
20066
20075
20084
20094
20102
20112
20122
20132
20141
20151
20211

2002: 1; 2003: 20; 2004: 19; 2005: 4; 2006: 6; 2007: 5; 2008: 4; 2009: 4; 2010: 2; 2011: 2; 2012: 2; 2013: 2; 2014: 1; 2015: 1; 2021: 1

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 19 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 7 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 6 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10018897 · 2003-05-19 (May 19, 2003)

I HOPE THAT I AM WRITING THE CORRECT PEOPLE ABOUT THIS HUGE PROBLEM. ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO I PURCHASED A 2003 KIA RIO IN MILWAUKEE WISCONSIN. ABOUT TWO WEEKS AFTER I OWNED THE CAR I RAN INTO PROBLEMS WITH IT. IT SEEMED LIKE EVERY MORNING OR ANY TIME THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING FOR MORE THEN FOUR HOURS IT WOULD NOT START UP. IT WAS LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GAS WHEN I HAD A FULL TANK. IT WOULD TAKE ME ABOUT TWO TO FOUR TRIES BEFORE IT WOULD START. ALSO IT WAS GOING THROUGH MORE GAS THEN WHAT WAS DISCLOSED AS FAR AS MPG. AT THAT POINT I TOOK IT IN TO THE D…

Owner-reported narrative. 400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10018897 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10020839 · 2003-06-01 (June 1, 2003)

2003 KIA RIO. POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *TT

Owner-reported narrative. 4,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10020839 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10021092 · 2003-06-05 (June 5, 2003)

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN JANUARY 2003, FIRST PROBLEM WAS THAT WHILE DRIVING WITH MY 4 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER THE STEERING WHHEL WENT OUT ON ME. I TRIED TO TURN THE CAR WHILE GETTING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL KEPT SPINNING BUT I DID NOT TURN AND ALMOST HIT A CEMENT VIDUCT. NEXT ABOUT 1 MONTH LATER MY CAR BEGAN TO NOT START OR CUT OFF ON ME WHEN I WOULD FIRST START DRIVING AND THE CHIME WILLNOT GO OFF. THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS PROBLEM WITH THEM AND HE WILL CONTACT ME WHEN THE MANUFACTURER TELLS THEM HOW TO…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10021092 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10021426 · 2003-06-11 (June 11, 2003)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 6,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10021426 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10023112 · 2003-06-16 (June 16, 2003)

I BOUGHT MY KIA RIO 2003 FEBRUARY 8, 2003. THE PROBLEMS STARTED ON MAY 15, 2003 MY CAR CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, AS I TRIED TO START THE CAR BACK UP IT TOOK 3 TO 4 TIMES TO GET IT TO FINALLY START. I TOOK IT IN 3 TIMES TO BE SERVICED AND THEY EITHER TELL ME THAT THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT, OR THEY TELL ME TO USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF GAS IN MY CAR AND A DIFFERENT GRADE. THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT KIA INC. SAYS IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE MIDWEST FUEL, YET WHEN I WENT TO THE SERVICE DESK TWO OTHER PEOPLE WERE BEI…

Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10023112 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10023113 · 2003-06-16 (June 16, 2003)

I BOUGHT MY KIA RIO 2003 FEBRUARY 8, 2003. THE PROBLEMS STARTED ON MAY 15, 2003 MY CAR CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING TO WORK, AS I TRIED TO START THE CAR BACK UP IT TOOK 3 TO 4 TIMES TO GET IT TO FINALLY START. I TOOK IT IN 3 TIMES TO BE SERVICED AND THEY EITHER TELL ME THAT THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT, OR THEY TELL ME TO USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF GAS IN MY CAR AND A DIFFERENT GRADE. THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT KIA INC. SAYS IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE MIDWEST FUEL, YET WHEN I WENT TO THE SERVICE DESK TWO OTHER PEOPLE WERE BEING …

Owner-reported narrative. 1,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10023113 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10028504 · 2003-07-17 (July 17, 2003)

BOUGHT 2003 KIA ON 11/16/02 EIGHT MON. AGO,SEATBELT LOCK CAME OFF,TRIMMING AROUND DOORS AND WINDOWS CAME OFF,NOW DRIVINGG INTO THE INTERSTATE CAR CUT OFF,TRANSMISSION VERY SLOW IN SHIFTING GEARS.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10028504 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10029113 · 2003-07-24 (July 24, 2003)

THE CHILD SAFETY RESTRAINT SEAT BELT SYSTEM IN THE REAR SEATS OF OUR NEW KIA RIO CINCO DOES NOT WORK. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, NEW PARTS INSTALLED AND THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE KIA REPRESENTATIVE HAS DECLARED NO PROBLEMS ARE PRESENT. HOWEVER, THE SEAT BELT WILL NOT LOCK DOWN TO INSTALL A CHILD SAFETY SEAT. THE LOCKING MECHANISM RELEASES TO EARLY. THE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT THE SEATBELT SHOULD LOCK ON IMPACT. THIS IS NOT SAFE FOR INSTALLATION OF A CHILD SEAT.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 36 miles reported. Look up ODI 10029113 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

04V179000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery

Reported: 2004-04-09 (April 9, 2004)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
05V557000 · Child Seat

Reported: 2005-12-12 (December 12, 2005)

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
06V294000 · Seat Belts:Rear/Other

Reported: 2006-08-04 (August 4, 2006)

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." WHEN USED WITH CERTAIN CHILD SEATS, THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR) FUNCTION IN THE REAR OUTBOARD SEATBELT ASSEMBLIES MAY DISENGAGE.

Consequence: IF A CHILD SEAT IS NOT PROPERLY SECURED, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR OUTBOARD SEATBELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI-KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

74 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

66.2%Usable mileage49 / 74 records
94.6%Valid incident date70 / 74 records
100.0%Valid filing date74 / 74 records
94.6%Ordered incident and filing dates70 / 74 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Engine
717.9%
ODI 10563853 · 20,000 mi

WHEN CAR SITS OVER NIGHT, THE NEXT MORNING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDDLE IS HARD TO PRESS AND DISENGAGE AS TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE. THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN EVER THE CAR SIT FOR SOMETIME AFTER RUNNING. THIS PART WAS CHANGED UNDER WARRANTY AND NOW AT 20,000 MILES IS ACTING THE SAME WAY AND THE DEALER IN SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO DOESNOT WANT TO CHANGE IT AS A CONTINUING DEFECTIVE PART. THIS PART CONSIST OF PLASTIC AND METAL. MAYBE DUE TO HEAT AND COLD TEMP., THE CONTRACTION AND EXPLANATION CAUSES IT TO MAL FUNCTION. I BELIEVE THIS PART SHOW BE REENGINEERED…

Look up ODI 10563853 at NHTSA ↗

415.4%
ODI 10609827

TRAFFIC CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP, I COULD NOT STOP IN TIME. I HIT THE TIRES OF A SEMI TRAILER, THAT COLLISION THREW ME DOWN AN EMBANKMENT WHERE I HIT A TREE HEAD ON. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

Look up ODI 10609827 at NHTSA ↗

729.2%
ODI 10610220 · 89,130 mi

I'M REALLY NOT SURE WHAT'S WRONG WITH IT BIT THIS IS WAY HAPPENED. I WAS DRIVING TO WORKFROM LUNCH WASN'T HAVING ANY PROBLEMS THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE LIGHT STAYED FLASHING. IN THE 4 MINS THAT FOLLOWED MY CAR STARTED LOOSING POWER SO I PULLED OVER TO A GAS STATION ONCE I STOPPED THE CAR I HEARD A KNOCKING SOUNDS AND THEN THE CAR SHUT OFF. THERE WAS OIL, IT WASN'T BLACK, IT DID NOT HAVE WHITE SPOTS AND THERE WAS NO SMOKE V OF ANY COLOR COMING FROM THE HOOD OR TAILPIPE. WHAT WAS WEIRD WAS THAT THE ANTIFREEZE RESERVOIR WAS COMPLETELY BONE D…

Look up ODI 10610220 at NHTSA ↗

2444.4%
ODI 10565984 · 17,000 mi

MY 2012 KIA RIO CAUGHT FIRE THE OTHER DAY. I PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY, WENT INTO THE HOUSE TO PUT MY LAPTOP DOWN. I HAD SHUT THE CAR OFF. CAME BACK OUT TO GRAB SOME STUFF FROM THE TRUNK AND THE CAR WAS SMOKING FROM THE HOOD. THOUGHT IT HAD OVERHEATED. PULLED HOOD RELEASE AND WENT TO OPEN THE HOOD WHEN I REALIZED FLAMES WERE COMING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ENGINE AREA. TRIED PUTTING THE FIRE OUT WITH A GARDEN HOSE & WAS INSTRUCTED BY 911 TO GET AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE. CAR ENDED UP BURSTING INTO FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO COME AND EXTINGUISH…

Look up ODI 10565984 at NHTSA ↗

5334.6%
ODI 10496819 · 1,768 mi

I DETECT A NOISE COMING FROM THE MOTOR AND WENT TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE DEALER ON JANUARY 14, THEY MAKE A TEST DRIVE AND SAID THAT MAYBE THE PROBLEM IS WITH A "LIFTER" THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE FOR THE 28 OF JANUARY. ON JANUARY 22 I LEFT MY CAR AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT A FEW DAYS LATER, WHEN I CALL FOR INFORMATION THEY TOLD ME THAT THE MANUFACTURER DECIDE TO REPLACE THE COMPLETE MOTOR DUE TO A "RECALL" FOR SOME DEFECTIVES ON THE UNIT THAT WERE POSTED. AT THIS TIME I JUST KNOW THAT THE CAR STILL IN SERVICE WAITING FOR THE M…

Look up ODI 10496819 at NHTSA ↗

2446.2%
ODI 10621331 · 19,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A STRONG ANTIFREEZE AND FUEL ODOR AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000.

Look up ODI 10621331 at NHTSA ↗

2344.2%
ODI 10778005 · 1,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE AND FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. TH…

Look up ODI 10778005 at NHTSA ↗

3849.4%
ODI 10917774 · 14,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED INDEPENDENTLY AFTER A FEW MOMENTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,600.

Look up ODI 10917774 at NHTSA ↗

1135.5%
ODI 11506708

My car needs oil every 3 to 4 days. There is no blue smoke and there is no signs of oil leaks. The vehicle was in an accident before I purchased it.

Look up ODI 11506708 at NHTSA ↗

1553.6%
ODI 11436781

On 10/02/2021 - Was at a stop, put car in drive press the peddle car accelerated at high speed, miss another car and hit tree. Accident cause by acceleration issue with KIA Rio. Need advice on how to get KIA to replace total vehicle. Auto Insurance is just calling it a accident.

Look up ODI 11436781 at NHTSA ↗

628.6%
ODI 11462323

Unknown of specifics. I was driving up a hill. I heard a loud pop. I pulled off the side of the road. The battery light, oil light, and one other came on. I turned my car off. Tried to start it, again however it sounded like the starter wasn't working. Then smoke started to come out of the car. Within 10 minutes my entire car was consumed in flames. A bystander stated the same thing happened to someone she knows- same make & model of car... about two weeks prior. Police believe there was something faulty within the car.

Look up ODI 11462323 at NHTSA ↗

518.5%
ODI 11395702 · 300 mi

WHILE DRIVING, MY 2020 KIA RIO HAS STALLED WHEN ACCELERATING WHILE TURNING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND WHILE ATTEMPTING TP PASS A CAR ON INTERSTATE. ALSO SEVERAL TIME WHEN JNUST DRIVING. VERY SCARY FEELING.

Look up ODI 11395702 at NHTSA ↗

213.3%
ODI 11446051

Vehicle has less than 4000 miles and throttle body had to be replaced

Look up ODI 11446051 at NHTSA ↗

19.1%
ODI 11644932

When my car is running it makes a knocking noise from engine I have taken it th the dealer they heard it but said they can figure out where it's coming from. The engine runs hotter than normal. The rods I think are the cause

Look up ODI 11644932 at NHTSA ↗

325.0%
ODI 11584683

When I started my car, during the warm-up process, it dropped revs and turned off. After several tries, it turned on. While driving, when the vehicle was stopped, it began to jerk slightly. The safety risk is that the car, while I am driving, could turn off and cause an accident, in which people could be at risk, including me. I wouldn't want this to escalate because the dealer doesn't take action on the matter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to evaluate the condition, they say that the technicians did not find anything, that the car did n…

Look up ODI 11584683 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags
1538.5%
ODI 10311080

A 2009 KIA RIO MD. POLICE REPORT BY ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY POLICE . AT APPROXIMATELY 1800 HOURS THE VEHICLE HIT BLACK ICE AT 30-40MPH AND SWERVED OUT OF CONTROL HEAD ON INTO A WOODEN POWER POLE. THE DRIVER HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE OR DRIVING ON THIS ROAD HOME FROM WORK DAILY. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES OF THE ACCIDENT IT BEGAN TO SNOW. THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MAJOR FRONT END DAMAGE INCLUDING CRUSHING THE RADIATOR AND RESULTED INTHE HEADLIGHTS DANGLING FROMTHE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL , SHOWED SEAT BELT BRUISIN…

Look up ODI 10311080 at NHTSA ↗

1038.5%
ODI 10437730 · 12,000 mi

MY 20 YEAR OLD BROTHER WAS ON HIS WAY HOME AND LOST CONTROL ON BLACK ICE TRYING TO AVOID A DOG. HE BEGAN TO SWERVE AND SPUN OUT, RESULTING IN A SINGLE FLIP INTO A DITCH. THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND BELIEVED TO BE TOTALED. THE CAR LANDED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HEAD-FIRST IN THE DITCH. NOT A SINGLE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FOR IT'S SAFETY FEATURES CONSIDERING THE WEATHER WHERE I LIVE. IF I HAD TAKEN MY 5 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER TO TOWN (WHICH I WAS PLANNING TO DO AFTER MY BROTHER RETURNED HOME), I HONESTL…

Look up ODI 10437730 at NHTSA ↗

520.8%
ODI 10423937 · 14,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A TRUCK BUT THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. POLICE REPORT #TX116X0IRX001 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,500.

Look up ODI 10423937 at NHTSA ↗

1222.2%
ODI 10493304 · 12,000 mi

WE RAN INTO A TELEPHONE POLL AT ABOUT 25 MILES AN HOUR AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOOK, PASSENGER HIT THE WINDSHIELD WITH HEAD AND DRIVER HIT HIS CHEST INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND HURT CHEST. *TR

Look up ODI 10493304 at NHTSA ↗

3422.2%
ODI 10532377 · 24,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROPERLY SECURE A CHILD PASSENGER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISING AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND SHOULDER INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

Look up ODI 10532377 at NHTSA ↗

713.5%
ODI 10626031

A 2014 KIA RIO INVOLVED IN A HORRIFIC CRASH. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY? WHY? *TR

Look up ODI 10626031 at NHTSA ↗

59.6%
ODI 10678836 · 450 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AS WELL AS MINOR NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 450.

Look up ODI 10678836 at NHTSA ↗

45.2%
ODI 10914893 · 51,000 mi

ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2016 AT APPROXIMATELY9:12PM, I [XXX] , HAD JUST PICKED UP A PASSENGER WAS INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT . WHERE AS I WAS REAR ENDED WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP AT A SIGNAL LIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTHWESTERN AND MOCKINGBIRD WITH THE PASSENGER IN THE CAR. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT FILED THE NUMBER IS [XXX] THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLORE .....UPDATED 10/26/16 *BF INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Look up ODI 10914893 at NHTSA ↗

39.7%
ODI 11124725 · 5,026 mi

WAS RUN OFF THE ROAD AT 55 MPH HITTING A STOP SIGN A TELEPHONE BOX A OAK TREE THEN A PINE TREE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR DID THE SEAT BELTS LOCK UP WIFE HAS A BROKEN BACK AND CHEST BONE

Look up ODI 11124725 at NHTSA ↗

517.9%
ODI 11385131 · 54,000 mi

I HIT A DEER HEAD ON GOING 74 MPH ON THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE. SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY

Look up ODI 11385131 at NHTSA ↗

314.3%
ODI 11205794 · 102 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN THE RIGHT LANE, ANOTHER VEHICLE TURNED FROM THE CENTER LANE AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, SHOULDER, RIGHT FOOT, AND LEFT KNEE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE CONTACT CALLED CAVENAUGH KIA (LOCATED AT 3315 STADIUM BLVD, JONESBORO, AR 72404, [phone removed]) AND INFORMED THEM OF THE CRASH AND AIR BAG FA…

Look up ODI 11205794 at NHTSA ↗

13.7%
ODI 11445666

Rear ended a car at 60 mph on black ice and the air bags did not deploy

Look up ODI 11445666 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
37.7%
ODI 10980544 · 69,000 mi

PART AFFECTED:-DOOR: THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK, MANUALLY NOR BY KEY-FOB, THEREFORE I'M REDUCED TO USING THREE DOORS ON A FOUR DOOR CAR. *THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS MALFUNCTION HAS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME, IT WAS THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR. ALL-STAR KIA OF BATON ROUGE REPAIRED IT BECAUSE THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY HOWEVER, NOW THAT THE CAR IS PAID FOR AND NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY THEY WANT TO CHARGE A $100.00 DIAGNOSTIC TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW.

Look up ODI 10980544 at NHTSA ↗

311.5%
ODI 10930298 · 88,000 mi

WHEN DRIVING, THE CAR STALLS FOR NO REASON (THERE IS FUEL IN THE CAR, HAS REGULAR OIL CHANGES, AND A BRAND NEW BATTERY). IT TAKES A COUPLE MINUTES BEFORE THE CAR WILL RESTART. WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THEN TURN RIGHT OFF, BUT THE RPM GAUGE STOPS WORKING EVEN THOUGH I AM STILL DRIVING. THERE IS A JERKING MOTION WHEN THAT HAPPENS. THIS HAPPENS ON CITY STREETS AND ON THE HIGHWAY. IT IS BECOMING UNSAFE AND THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT REPLICATE THE SITUATION. ALL THEY DO IS RUN THE CODE BUT NOTHING COMES UP. THIS HAS BEEN HA…

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28.3%
ODI 11102870 · 60,000 mi

MY CAR KEEPS RANDOMLY TURNING OFF WHILE I'M AT A STOP OR WAITING AT A RED LIGHT. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS WAITING AT A RED LIGHT & THEN I TRIED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AFTER IT TURNED GREEN AND IN THE MIDDLE OF ME TRYING TO TURN IT TURNED OFF. THANK HIS THERE WERE NO CARS AROUND OR ELSE SOMETHING COULD HAVE HAPPENED. RANDOM PEDESTRIANS HELPED ME PUSH THE CAR OUT OF THE WAY. & AFTER TRYING TO RESTART IT FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTE SIT FINALLY STARTED. THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED WAS THE VERY NEXT DAY. I WAS WAITING AT A RED LIGHT AND IT JUST TURNED…

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59.3%
ODI 10747222 · 39,240 mi

GOT UP EARLY ONE MORNING TO GO TO WORK, STARTED MY CAR, LET IT RUN FOR 2 MINUTES AND PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT MOVED WITHOUT ME PRESSING ON THE GAS PETAL AND I WAS PARKED DOWN HILL.NOW MY CAR STARTS SOMETIMES AND SOMETIMES IT WON'T. IT DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME, BUT IT STILL NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED. I WANTED TO KNOW WERE THERE A RECALL ON MY CAR FOR THESE PROBLEMS.I HAVEN'T TOOK IT TO A SHOP TO BE CHECKED YET, SPEND ENOUGH MONEY ON CAR PAYMENTS TO HAVE TO FIX MY OWN CAR AND IT'S UNDER WARRANTY

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1912.4%
ODI 10745774

I HAVE A COUPLE ISSUES WITH MY 2013 KIA RIO. THE FIRST ISSUE IS ACCELERATION. AROUND THE 30,000 MI MARK, I TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE THE RECOMMENDED SERVICE WHICH INCLUDED AN INDUCTION SVC. SINCE THEN MY CAR HAS NOT HAD THE SAME GOOD ACCELERATION ABILITY IT HAD WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR. I'VE TAKEN THE CAR TO TWO DEALERSHIPS AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS JUST NORMAL WEAR ON THE CAR. THE SECOND IS SOMETHING WITH THE STARTER, BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, ETC. I USE THE WORD "SOMETHING" BECAUSE NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO PINPOINT WHAT IS THE PROBLEM. I BOUGHT A N…

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611.5%
ODI 10870330 · 32,000 mi

ON MANY OCCASIONS, SINCE WE PURCHASED THIS 2014 KIA RIO, IT HAS HAD A HORRIBLE, INTENSE ODOR OF GASOLINE THAT IS SO STRONG IT OVERWHELMS ANYONE NEAR IT. IT STARTS AFTER 20-30 MINUTES OF DRIVING. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER 4 OR 5 TIMES AND THE WORKERS CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. ONE ONE OCCASION, THE MECHANICS CHANGED SOMETHING CALLED THE PURGE CANISTER BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. I READ ON THE NHTSA THAT AT LEAST TWO OTHER CAR OWNERS COMPLAINED OF THE SAME. I HAVE A NEW BORN AND A 7 YEAR OLD AND I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE IN THIS CA…

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47.7%
ODI 11183190

I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 2015 WITH LOW MILEAGE AND THE ECO BUTTON DIDNT WAS USED FOR WHAT THEY EXPLAINED BECAUSE GAS WAS BURNING ALOT FASTER UNTIL I GOT OVER 50,000 MILES. WHEN GOING UP A HILL IT MAKES A WEIRD NOSE LIKE THE MOTOR IS ABOUT TO GO OUT WITH A LOUD RATTLING NOISE AND ITS ABOUT TO MAKE A STOP. WHEN ITS RAINING AND YOU HIT THE BRAKES IT WANT COMPLETELY STOP, YOU HAVE TO HIT YOUR BRAKES TWICE AND YOU FEEL THIS SOUND LIKE A SPRING OR SOMETHING SKIPPING OVE THE FUCTION FOR IT TO MAKE A COMPLETE STOP AND THIS WILL CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. IT H…

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1519.5%
ODI 11041161 · 9,965 mi

WHEN I TURNED MY RIGHT SIGNAL LIGHT ON THE FRONT AND REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON AND THE HIGH BEAM LIGHT ICON STARTED FLASHING ON THE DASHBOARD.

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619.4%
ODI 11281417 · 45,000 mi

THE TRUNK IS NOT ABLE TO BE OPENED MANUALLY, EXCEPT THROUGH THE KEY FOB. WHEN TRYING TO CLOSE THE TRUNK, THE LATCHING MECHANISM WILL NOT ENGAGE AND THE TRUNK IS UNABLE TO LATCH SHUT. BOTH INCIDENTS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

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517.9%
ODI 11454745

My vehicle was recalled for a "interior trunk release" issue. My trunk will not open at all anymore. Kia's website does not allow me to schedule an appointment due to glitches on website. I also tried calling Kia and got no answer.

Look up ODI 11454745 at NHTSA ↗

838.1%
ODI 11255508

THE CAR VIN NUMBER IS NOT RECOGNIZED IN ANY SITES BY KIA. SO HOW I CAN GET ANY INFORMATION ON RECALLS OR ANY OTHER ISSUE WITH MY CAR??

Look up ODI 11255508 at NHTSA ↗

829.6%
ODI 11361468 · 560 mi

I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT MY BRAKE PROBLEM FIVE DAYS AGO ABOUT THE BRAKES GOING DOWN TO THE FLOOR ALMOST I WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE SO HE GAVE ME THEIR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE NUMBER YOBE PICKED UP THEY DID ON FRIDAY MORNING 9/25/20 THE CAR WAS DELIVERED AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE WOULD CALL ME THAT DAY ABOUT THE PROBLEM BUT I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM HIM I COULD ONLY GET RECORDING ABOUT MAKING AN APPOINTMENT I TALKED TO THE FINANCE MANAGER ABOUT THE BRAKES CAUSING A FIRE ON OTHER SAME BRAND VEHICLES HE TOLD …

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640.0%
ODI 11480234

The steering wheel column does not have a lock therefore someone broke into my car and tried to steal it and destroyed it, also no alarm went off when this happened.

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327.3%
ODI 11503292

Vehicle pulls hard to left since purchased. Had in shop 3 times, but problem still exists. It was aligned and rechecked. Tires were switched on the front (by another shop) and it still has issues of pulling. Dealership refuses to diagnose the trouble, except for the front end alignment and says they voided last repair order (because they did nothing). Took to another shop and they went through it completely, even test-driving it. Verfied a hard pull to the left. They were the shop that transferred front wheels to correct the problem. It…

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541.7%
ODI 11518382

While driving at 71 mph with cruise control and the doors locked, the drivers seat door unlocked and opened. The open door warning light came on on the dashboard. It is available for inspection. It has not been inspected yet at this time. My safety was put in danger as I had to close the door as wind was entering the vehicle. It has only happened once about two weeks ago.

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Electrical System
25.1%
ODI 10632708 · 826 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START INTERMITTENTLY. FOLLOWING THE INITIAL FAILURE, THE SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER THEN STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 826.

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415.4%
ODI 10637625 · 60,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S CD PLAYER OVERHEATED AND PRODUCED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000...UPDATED 10/08/14 *BF THE DEALER WANTED TO CHARGE THE CONSUMER $97.00 TO DIAGNOSE THE OBVIOUS FAULTY WIRING. UPDATED 10/21/14

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416.7%
ODI 10424339 · 3,679 mi

FIRST THE CAR WAS PULLING TO THE DRIVER SIDE WENT TO THE LOCAL FIRESTONE SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THE AIR WAS TOO LOW. IT WAS ONLY 25PSI THEY FIXED ALL MY TYRES AND CHECKED ALL THE TIRE PRESSURE THEN THE CAR STARTED PULLING ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SUDDENLY. STARTED GETTING JERKS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. WENT TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THE ALIGNMENT WAS OFF. THIS WAS A BRAND NEW KIA RIO 2011 NOT EVEN 6 MONTHS OLD. ALSO THE DIDN'T SHOW ME ANY INDICATION THAT MY DRIVERS SIDE FRONT WHEEL HAS LESS AIR. THE TIRE WAS AT 25PSI AND IT DIDN'T SHOW ME ANY INDICATI…

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611.1%
ODI 10472736 · 2,315 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT ENGINE STARTUP, ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FAILED TO WORK THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT AN ELECTRICAL FIRE HAD OCCURRED IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,315 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,318.

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2617.0%
ODI 10465265 · 2,700 mi

WHEN WE PULLED UP TO THE RED LIGHT, THE IDLE STOP AND GO SYSTEM ENGAGED AND STOPPED THE ENGINE. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I RELEASED THE BRAKE AND, AS WE WERE ON A DOWNSLOPE, WE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN ROLLING INTO THE INTERSECTION. UNFORTUNATELY THE GO PART DIDN'T WORK AND THE ENGINE DIDN'T RESTART. THE LIGHT HAD TURNED RED AGAIN BEFORE I COULD FIGURE OUT THAT I HAD TO PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL TO RESTART IT WITH THE KEY. *TR

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59.6%
ODI 10715004 · 10,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. UPDATED 8/19/15*CN UPDATED 10/13/2017*CN

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815.4%
ODI 10778005 · 1,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE AND FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. TH…

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79.1%
ODI 11142173 · 16,003 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA RIO. A MINUTE AFTER THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE DEALER (DYER KIA, 21280 US-27, LAKE WALES, FL 33859) WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,003. *LN*JB

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39.7%
ODI 11518898

This vehicle has electrical issues none stop. One day it randomly stalled out while still in motion and lost all power. No power at all. It was “repaired” and I had it for 2 weeks and it again lost all power while in motion. It put my life completely at risk as I had to pull over into a parking lot after losing all power turning in the middle of a very busy main intersection. Kia dealership said it was the main wiring harness at first and replaced that but then the second time said that the new harness was out again and needed replaced a second…

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414.3%
ODI 11193460 · 5 mi

ON TWO OCCASIONS MY VEHICLE (IN MOTION) HAS GOTTEN SMOKE, I SMELLED BURNT, AND IT WAS ELECTRIC SHOCK WHEN I TOUCHED THE BOARD, I HAVE ALREADY REPORTED IT TO THE AGENCY THAT CORRESPONDS TO ME, HOWEVER THEY HAVE NOT SOLVED MY PROBLEM, I AM AFRAID THAT IT COULD BURN MY VEHICLE, MY PHONE NUMBER IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Look up ODI 11193460 at NHTSA ↗

14.8%
ODI 11559775

My car had been broken into and was attempted to be stolen on December 22, 2022. A few months ago, a neighbor left a note on my car stating that someone was looking through the windows suspiciously. Today, December 12, 2023, my car was stolen from a paid for parking garage at my apartment complex with no cameras. The issue should have been resolved considering my boyfriend and co-owner of the vehicle went to the Kia dealership on November 28, 2023 to have the "anti-theft software update" installed. Apparently, this doesn't work as my car was st…

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518.5%
ODI 11446245

marker lights on the right side won't work both went off line and licence light same side is out same time and bulbs ,fuse replaced and still not working the kia service will not fix in kia of manharttan in kansas andi have 68,000 miles and they didn't offer a basic warrantty to be long when online for my my car and suppose to be under warranty for 110;00

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16.7%
ODI 11540589

Center Console Display blank (screen black) upon startup unable to see cameras and backing up affected creating safety concern.

Look up ODI 11540589 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

18.3%
ODI 11584683

When I started my car, during the warm-up process, it dropped revs and turned off. After several tries, it turned on. While driving, when the vehicle was stopped, it began to jerk slightly. The safety risk is that the car, while I am driving, could turn off and cause an accident, in which people could be at risk, including me. I wouldn't want this to escalate because the dealer doesn't take action on the matter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to evaluate the condition, they say that the technicians did not find anything, that the car did n…

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Service Brakes, Hydraulic
25.1%
ODI 10422448 · 2,900 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE BRAKE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED WHILE ACCELERATING AND WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF FOURTH GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,900 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

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27.7%
ODI 10319614

CAR ACCIDENT ON JAN 01, 2010 INVOLVING A RENTAL VEHICLE KIA RIO 2010 I AM CONVINCED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED WHICH AS A RESULT I CRASHED HEAD ON INTO A TREE. I SUFFERED INJURIES OF WHICH I AM STILL RECOVERING FROM. ALAMO DOES NOT WANT TO COVER ANY OF THE MEDICAL BILLS. I NEED HELP IF ANY INFO IS AVAILABLE. *TR

Look up ODI 10319614 at NHTSA ↗

14.2%
ODI 10425285 · 13,000 mi

SO I AM GOING 5MPH WHEN I GO TO PUSH THE BRAKES BECAUSE THE CAR AHEAD OF ME SUDDENLY STOPS. I DON'T STOP BECAUSE THE CAR'S BRAKES BEGAN PULSATING CAUSING ME TO RUN INTO THE BACK OF THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. WHEN I CALL THE DEALERSHIP I AM TOLD THAT EVEN THOUGH I HAVE OWNED IT FOR 3 MONTHS ITS CONSIDERED A WEAR AND TEAR WHEN I HAVEN'T PUT THAT MANY MILES ON THE CAR YET. *TR

Look up ODI 10425285 at NHTSA ↗

35.6%
ODI 11566519

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Look up ODI 11566519 at NHTSA ↗

2113.7%
ODI 11556451

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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713.5%
ODI 11556104

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started sputtering. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal to come to a stop at the traffic light, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact did not recall whether a warning light was illuminated. The contact engaged the electronic parking brake and stopped the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure recurred. The contact drove to the residence and parked the vehicle. Upon opening the hood, the contact noticed …

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917.3%
ODI 11556453

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Look up ODI 11556453 at NHTSA ↗

1215.6%
ODI 11557899

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Look up ODI 11557899 at NHTSA ↗

619.4%
ODI 11559789

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts …

Look up ODI 11559789 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling
12.6%
ODI 10403717 · 32,000 mi

2009 KIA RIO WITH BLOWN HEAD GASKET AT 32,000 MILES. *TR

Look up ODI 10403717 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.9%
ODI 11470688 · 180,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Rio. The contact stated that after the niece had park and exited the vehicle smoke and flames were present coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The fire department was called to scene to extinguish the flames. During the incident the vehicle was destroyed and towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that prior to the incident the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption but no assistance was offered from local dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failu…

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32.0%
ODI 10465265 · 2,700 mi

WHEN WE PULLED UP TO THE RED LIGHT, THE IDLE STOP AND GO SYSTEM ENGAGED AND STOPPED THE ENGINE. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I RELEASED THE BRAKE AND, AS WE WERE ON A DOWNSLOPE, WE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN ROLLING INTO THE INTERSECTION. UNFORTUNATELY THE GO PART DIDN'T WORK AND THE ENGINE DIDN'T RESTART. THE LIGHT HAD TURNED RED AGAIN BEFORE I COULD FIGURE OUT THAT I HAD TO PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL TO RESTART IT WITH THE KEY. *TR

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

23.8%
ODI 11149408 · 79,553 mi

PURCHASED THE CAR FROM KIA DEALER ON 5/20/17 WITH LIMITED POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. HAD OIL CHANGE DONE ON 7/22/17AND AGAIN ON 10/14/17(COPIES WERE PROVIDED TO THE WARRANTY COMPANY). THE SECOND ONE WAS AT THE DEALER. ON 12/8/17 MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND FELT A JOLT AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE CAR. SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND GET OUT OF THE CAR SAFELY. SOMEONE USED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO PUT OUT THE FIRE BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. IT WAS TOWED TO A DIFFERENT KIA DEALERSHIP WHO SAID "THE ENGINE HAS INTERNAL …

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33.9%
ODI 11589661 · 110,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had an abnormal burning oil odor in the cabin of the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who checked the vehicle and determined that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated again. The contact drove the vehicle back to another independent mechanic who checked t…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

13.6%
ODI 11652874 · 110,000 mi

The contact owned a 2018 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 85 MPH, the engine emitted abnormal noise with no warning lights illuminated. The contact proceeded to exit the highway and enter a gas station parking lot, and upon exiting the vehicle, it was apparent that the engine had begun to catch on fire. The location of the fire was the front engine compartment. The fire was extinguished by bystanders using fire extinguishers. A fire department report was not filed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destr…

Look up ODI 11652874 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
25.1%
ODI 10285232

PASSENGER AIR BAG DOES NOT ACTIVATE WHEN AN ADULT PASSENGER IS IN THE VEHICLE'S PASSENGER SEAT. PASSENGER AIR BAG REMAINS "OFF". MALFUNCTION OCCURS ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. *TR

Look up ODI 10285232 at NHTSA ↗

27.7%
ODI 10347585 · 3,000 mi

1) THE PASSENGER "AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT ON MY NEW 2010 KIA RIO STAYS ON EVEN WHEN SOMEONE IS IN THE SEAT. THIS WITHIN FOUR WEEKS OF MY PURCHASE. 2) IT OCCURS DAILY, NUMEROUS TIMES THROUGHOUT THE DAY. 3) THE KIA DEALER HAS REFUSED TO HELP, EVEN THOUGH THE CAR HAS 4000 MILES ON IT. THEY SAY THAT IT IS ONLY HAPPENING BECAUSE WE ARE SITTING ON IT INCORRECTLY. *TR

Look up ODI 10347585 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Electrical System1,000–77,755 mi5,000 mi8
ODI 10018897 · 400 mi

I HOPE THAT I AM WRITING THE CORRECT PEOPLE ABOUT THIS HUGE PROBLEM. ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO I PURCHASED A 2003 KIA RIO IN MILWAUKEE WISCONSIN. ABOUT TWO WEEKS AFTER I OWNED THE CAR I RAN INTO PROBLEMS WITH IT. IT SEEMED LIKE EVERY MORNING OR ANY TIME THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING FOR MORE THEN FOUR HOURS IT WOULD NOT START UP. IT WAS LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GAS WHEN I HAD A FULL TANK. IT WOULD TAKE ME ABOUT TWO TO FOUR TRIES BEFORE IT WOULD START. ALSO IT WAS GOING THROUGH MORE GAS THEN WHAT WAS DISCLOSED AS FAR AS MPG. AT THAT POINT I TOOK IT IN TO THE D…

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ODI 10020839 · 4,000 mi

2003 KIA RIO. POSSIBLE MALFUNCTION WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *TT

Look up ODI 10020839 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10021426 · 6,000 mi

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10021426 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling2,600–37,308 mi6,400 mi6
ODI 10069182 · 1,000 mi

THE CAR CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING THE CAR HAS A HARD START, IT TAKES AT LEAST 3 TRIES FOR IT TO STAY ON THE BRAKES SQUEAK LOUD WHEN COMING TO A STOP

Look up ODI 10069182 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10069745 · 1,800 mi

IN APRIL 2003 I BOUGHT A 2003 KIA RIO CINCO FOR MY FAMILY. WHEN I TRY TO START IT IN THE MORNING IT WILL NOT START. IT TAKES ABOUT SIX TO TEN TRIES TO GET IT STARTED. THEN IT RUNS BAD FOR MILES. IT ALSO RUNS VERY HOT AND IT SEEMS THE MORE I DRIVE IT THE LESS PREFORMANCE I BEEN GETING. MY BRAKES ARE ALSO BAD WHEN I FIRST DRIVE IT AFTER IT SITS FOR HOURS. KIA TOLD ME THAT IT ALL HAS TO DO WITH THE REFORMULADED GAS WE USE IN MILWAUKEE AND CHICAGO. AFTER MONTHS OF PEOPLE AT KIA NOT CALLING ME BACK AND TRING TO RESOULVE THIS WITH KIA I AM INTERESTE…

Look up ODI 10069745 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10081915 · 5,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 30 MPH. NO IMPACT REPORTED. *AK

Look up ODI 10081915 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, HydraulicToo few reports for a range26,677 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10069182 · 1,000 mi

THE CAR CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING THE CAR HAS A HARD START, IT TAKES AT LEAST 3 TRIES FOR IT TO STAY ON THE BRAKES SQUEAK LOUD WHEN COMING TO A STOP

Look up ODI 10069182 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10069745 · 1,800 mi

IN APRIL 2003 I BOUGHT A 2003 KIA RIO CINCO FOR MY FAMILY. WHEN I TRY TO START IT IN THE MORNING IT WILL NOT START. IT TAKES ABOUT SIX TO TEN TRIES TO GET IT STARTED. THEN IT RUNS BAD FOR MILES. IT ALSO RUNS VERY HOT AND IT SEEMS THE MORE I DRIVE IT THE LESS PREFORMANCE I BEEN GETING. MY BRAKES ARE ALSO BAD WHEN I FIRST DRIVE IT AFTER IT SITS FOR HOURS. KIA TOLD ME THAT IT ALL HAS TO DO WITH THE REFORMULADED GAS WE USE IN MILWAUKEE AND CHICAGO. AFTER MONTHS OF PEOPLE AT KIA NOT CALLING ME BACK AND TRING TO RESOULVE THIS WITH KIA I AM INTERESTE…

Look up ODI 10069745 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10098649 · 51,554 mi

203 KIA RIO PURCHASED 12/02 SINCE PURCHASE HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH BRAKES, I HAVE BROUGHT IT BACK TO DEALER ON 5 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS HAVE HAD SHOES REPLACED HAVE HAD ROTORS TURNED A COUPLE OF TIMES BY DEALER TO WHICH PROBLEM CONTINUED . ON 11/06/04 CAR WAS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT RESULTING FROM REAR DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL LOCKING UP WITHOUT USING THE BRAKES CAUSING TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. *JB

Look up ODI 10098649 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine260–72,000 mi11,462 mi5
ODI 10042532 · 250 mi

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT, AND A LOUD NOISE WOULD BE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, VEHICLE WOULD STALL FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING. DRIVER WOULD MAINTAIN CONTROL AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF ROAD. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC COULD MOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF EITHER PROBLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 10042532 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10044554 · 260 mi

THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TO CHECK FOR A STRONG ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FUMES/ODORS BECAME VERY HEAVY WHEN DRIVING WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO BECOME ILL. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE ODOR THE DRIVER WAS SMELLING WAS CALLED KOSMOLINE AND WOULD EVENTUALLY DISAPPEAR. *AK THERE WAS A NAUSEATING SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER OR PLASTIC FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE. THE CONSUMER WAS ALLERGIC TO THE SMELL AFTER BREATHING THE MELTING KOSMOLINE AND OR UNDERCARRIAGE FOR OVER 3K MILES. THE SMELL HAD COME FRO…

Look up ODI 10044554 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10228612 · 112,000 mi

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). *TR

Look up ODI 10228612 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range15,500 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10086602 · 2,000 mi

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. *JB

Look up ODI 10086602 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10170591 · 15,500 mi

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. *NM

Look up ODI 10170591 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10193294 · 40,318 mi

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…

Look up ODI 10193294 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, GasolineToo few reports for a range69,500 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10117892 · 16,000 mi

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, …

Look up ODI 10117892 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10144431 · 114,000 mi

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. THE FUEL PUMP AND COMPONENTS EXPLODED IN THE GASOLINE STORAGE TANK. THE ENTIRE FUEL SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE FUEL SYSTEM. THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V179000 CONCERNING THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER SAID THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT DUE TO THE RECALL. *AK

Look up ODI 10144431 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10234644 · 69,500 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND APPROACHING A STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED BUT DID NOT SHUT OFF WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND DIAGNOSED WITH FUEL PUMP FAILURE. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY FOUR MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,500.

Look up ODI 10234644 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range52,175 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10073400 · 8,350 mi

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH THE VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A DEER. THE DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO INJURIES REPORTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Look up ODI 10073400 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10264183 · 96,000 mi

TRAVELING APROX 30 MPH, REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK ON ANY PASSENGERS, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

Look up ODI 10264183 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:IgnitionToo few reports for a range1,300 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10040531 · 1,300 mi

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.*AK

Look up ODI 10040531 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10081669 · 50 mi

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 *NM

Look up ODI 10081669 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10117892 · 16,000 mi

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, …

Look up ODI 10117892 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-102026-09

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-09 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 212 reports

2022: 6 complaints · 2023: 12 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2022036
20236912
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20221001
20231200

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentElectrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicEngine And Engine Cooling:EnginePower Train:Automatic TransmissionFuel System, GasolineAir Bags:FrontalElectrical System:Ignition
Electrical System—0000000
Engine And Engine Cooling0—
3
ODI 10069182 · 1,000 mi

THE CAR CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING THE CAR HAS A HARD START, IT TAKES AT LEAST 3 TRIES FOR IT TO STAY ON THE BRAKES SQUEAK LOUD WHEN COMING TO A STOP

Look up ODI 10069182 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10069745 · 1,800 mi

IN APRIL 2003 I BOUGHT A 2003 KIA RIO CINCO FOR MY FAMILY. WHEN I TRY TO START IT IN THE MORNING IT WILL NOT START. IT TAKES ABOUT SIX TO TEN TRIES TO GET IT STARTED. THEN IT RUNS BAD FOR MILES. IT ALSO RUNS VERY HOT AND IT SEEMS THE MORE I DRIVE IT THE LESS PREFORMANCE I BEEN GETING. MY BRAKES ARE ALSO BAD WHEN I FIRST DRIVE IT AFTER IT SITS FOR HOURS. KIA TOLD ME THAT IT ALL HAS TO DO WITH THE REFORMULADED GAS WE USE IN MILWAUKEE AND CHICAGO. AFTER MONTHS OF PEOPLE AT KIA NOT CALLING ME BACK AND TRING TO RESOULVE THIS WITH KIA I AM INTERESTE…

Look up ODI 10069745 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10199220 · 52,067 mi

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 …

Look up ODI 10199220 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic0
3
ODI 10069182 · 1,000 mi

THE CAR CUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING THE CAR HAS A HARD START, IT TAKES AT LEAST 3 TRIES FOR IT TO STAY ON THE BRAKES SQUEAK LOUD WHEN COMING TO A STOP

Look up ODI 10069182 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10069745 · 1,800 mi

IN APRIL 2003 I BOUGHT A 2003 KIA RIO CINCO FOR MY FAMILY. WHEN I TRY TO START IT IN THE MORNING IT WILL NOT START. IT TAKES ABOUT SIX TO TEN TRIES TO GET IT STARTED. THEN IT RUNS BAD FOR MILES. IT ALSO RUNS VERY HOT AND IT SEEMS THE MORE I DRIVE IT THE LESS PREFORMANCE I BEEN GETING. MY BRAKES ARE ALSO BAD WHEN I FIRST DRIVE IT AFTER IT SITS FOR HOURS. KIA TOLD ME THAT IT ALL HAS TO DO WITH THE REFORMULADED GAS WE USE IN MILWAUKEE AND CHICAGO. AFTER MONTHS OF PEOPLE AT KIA NOT CALLING ME BACK AND TRING TO RESOULVE THIS WITH KIA I AM INTERESTE…

Look up ODI 10069745 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10199220 · 52,067 mi

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 …

Look up ODI 10199220 at NHTSA ↗

—00000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine000—
1
ODI 10042018

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD RUN HOT. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE ENGINE ONCE, AND REPLACED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TWICE. HOWEVER, PROBLEM CONTINUED. DEALER HAD NOT FOUND A SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10042018 at NHTSA ↗

000
Power Train:Automatic Transmission000
1
ODI 10042018

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD RUN HOT. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE ENGINE ONCE, AND REPLACED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION TWICE. HOWEVER, PROBLEM CONTINUED. DEALER HAD NOT FOUND A SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10042018 at NHTSA ↗

—000
Fuel System, Gasoline00000—0
1
ODI 10117892 · 16,000 mi

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, …

Look up ODI 10117892 at NHTSA ↗

Air Bags:Frontal000000—0
Electrical System:Ignition00000
1
ODI 10117892 · 16,000 mi

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, …

Look up ODI 10117892 at NHTSA ↗

0—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

5 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

8 mentions · 10.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 11,462 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10040583

IN COLD WEATHER THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO START. ANYTIME THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT TO WARM UP IT WOULD STALL OUT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER. *NLM

Look up ODI 10040583 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10042532 · 250 mi

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH STEERING WHEEL WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT, AND A LOUD NOISE WOULD BE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO, VEHICLE WOULD STALL FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING. DRIVER WOULD MAINTAIN CONTROL AND PULL TO THE SIDE OF ROAD. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC COULD MOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF EITHER PROBLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 10042532 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10059637

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED. DRIVER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND THE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Look up ODI 10059637 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Brake response concerns

3 mentions · 4.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 109,750 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10087715

WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT CONSUMER HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE BRAKES GRABBED ABRUPTLY. WHEN SHE TRIED TO MOVE THE BRAKES THEY GRABBED AGAIN. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP THREE TIMES WITH NO CHANGE IN CONDITION. SHE WAS TOLD THAT WITH THE LEAST ACCUMULATION OF MOISTURE FROM THE PADS GETTING WET BRAKES WOULD GRAB. THIS PROBLEM WAS DUE TO THE PADS NO LONGER CONTAINING ASBESTOS. *AK THE BRAKES GRABBED EXCESSIVELY, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CLIMATE WAS RAINY OR FOGGY. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *SC

Look up ODI 10087715 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10234644 · 69,500 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND APPROACHING A STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED BUT DID NOT SHUT OFF WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND DIAGNOSED WITH FUEL PUMP FAILURE. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY FOUR MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,500.

Look up ODI 10234644 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11406023 · 150,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

Look up ODI 11406023 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 275 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10018897 · 400 mi

I HOPE THAT I AM WRITING THE CORRECT PEOPLE ABOUT THIS HUGE PROBLEM. ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO I PURCHASED A 2003 KIA RIO IN MILWAUKEE WISCONSIN. ABOUT TWO WEEKS AFTER I OWNED THE CAR I RAN INTO PROBLEMS WITH IT. IT SEEMED LIKE EVERY MORNING OR ANY TIME THE CAR WAS NOT RUNNING FOR MORE THEN FOUR HOURS IT WOULD NOT START UP. IT WAS LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GAS WHEN I HAD A FULL TANK. IT WOULD TAKE ME ABOUT TWO TO FOUR TRIES BEFORE IT WOULD START. ALSO IT WAS GOING THROUGH MORE GAS THEN WHAT WAS DISCLOSED AS FAR AS MPG. AT THAT POINT I TOOK IT IN TO THE D…

Look up ODI 10018897 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10039468 · 150 mi

AFTER TWO VISITS TO THE DEALER'S SERVICE SHOP, I FOUND OUT THAT 03 KIA RIOS HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULES. AS SOON AS THE WEATHER IS COOL, IT PREVENTS THE ENGINE FROM GETTING ENOUGH GAS. THE CAR WON'T START COLD UNTIL IT'S BEEN CRANKED FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES, AND ONCE YOU GET IT STARTED, THE CAR WILL CUT OUT FROM LACK OF GAS IF YOU STOP THE CAR.

Look up ODI 10039468 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 6 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10051062 · 6 mi

MY NEW 2003 KIA RIO WAGON WAS LEAKING POWER STEERING FLUID FROM DAY ONE, AND THE DEALER TRIED TO FIX IT,ITS STILL NOT FIXED BUT NOW EVERY TIME I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL THE ENGINE REV UP. *AK I CAN ACTUALLY FEEL THE CAR ACCELERATE. ITS MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN SLOWLY PULLING OUT OF PARKING SPOTS. I AM GOING TO TRY ANOTHER DEALER, BUT IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH THESE CARS AND THEIR STEARING, REPORTED AND HAVE THER BEEN ANY RECALLS ?? PLEASE LET ME KNOW

Look up ODI 10051062 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10066683

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. *MR

Look up ODI 10066683 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 2.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 80,731 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10264775 · 11,462 mi

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. *TR

Look up ODI 10264775 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11406023 · 150,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.

Look up ODI 11406023 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b