Kia Rio Cinco Problems by Year

We compared every Kia Rio Cinco model year from 2002–2004 using 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 1 recall and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2002, which drew far more complaints than other Rio Cinco years at the same age. The best years are 2003 and 2004.

3model years
41complaints
1recalls
2002worst years
2003, 2004best years

Complaints by model year

20022003200421812
Owner complaints per model year, Kia Rio Cinco. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
200412−35%1TransmissionAverage
20038−44%1TransmissionGood
2002212.3×1EngineCaution

* Complaints compared with the median Rio Cinco year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Kia Rio Cinco problems

  • Engine & coolingworst: 2002
    1127%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2002
    922%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2002
    512%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2002
    410%
  • Suspensionworst: 2004
    410%
  • Air bagsworst: 2002
    37%
  • Brakesworst: 2002
    37%
  • Body & structureworst: 2004
    37%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2002
    25%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2003
    25%
  • Steeringworst: 2004
    25%
  • Seatsworst: 2002
    12%
  • Lightsworst: 2002
    12%
  • Other / not specified
    12%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2004
    12%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 2004
    12%

Latest Kia Rio Cinco recalls

Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery

NHTSA recall 04V-179 · Apr 9, 2004 · 187,790 vehicles

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…

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.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Kia Rio Cinco should you avoid?

2002 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Rio Cinco years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2002.

What is the best year for the Kia Rio Cinco?

2003 has the fewest complaints compared with other Rio Cinco years at the same age, followed by 2004. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Kia Rio Cinco problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (11), transmission & drivetrain (9) and fuel & propulsion system (5). Engine complaints peak in the 2002 model year.

How many recalls has the Kia Rio Cinco had?

1 recall across 2002–2004. The model year with the most is 2002.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.