Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Kia Rio owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 MPH and depressing the clutch pedal, the gear shifter would not change gears and control of the vehicle was lost. It crashed into a curb and the engine stalled. The vehicle was restarted and the engine stalled again. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where the clutch plate was replaced and to another independent repair shop, who determined the clutch assembly was detached from the fire wall. There were repairs made to reattach the clutch assembly. The dealer was not contacted.
Dt: the caller said the dealer made new holes in the frame to put the bolts in. The dealer cut the frame to put smaller bolts and nuts in. Another dealer said doing that ruined the integrity of the frame. Also, there was an exhaust leak into the vehicle. The transmission bracket was bent and it would not hold the transmission in place. When the dealer fixed it the bolts fell out. The caller had to take vehicle back to dealer. The check engine light was on constantly. Vehicle will not pass inspection with the light on. Dealer said it will pass inspection with the light on. Manufacturer said they could not do anything to help the caller because the warranty expired. The caller said fuses blew out. He replaced the fuses over 200 times. The dashboard lights,headlights and other exterior lights went out.
Driving in traffic, made right turn into driveway at 30 MPH and the engine died, steering was now unassisted. I rolled the car into a parking spot. The car started upon my return to the car. This has happened at least 6 other times since I've owned the vehicle. The car has less than 60, 000 miles and has amassed numerous repair issues: failure of automatic transmission; rear wheel bearing replacement; defective side mirror that screams at high speeds/freeway driving w/windy conditions; sun visors which do not adhere to placement; and windshield washer pump failure. Upon acquiring the vehicle this was the first problem I took the car in for repair. And on subsequent visits, it has been an issue, but the problem persists.
Vehicle started to vibrate like wheels were out of balance. Turned into driveway driver side rear wheel fell off with brake drum still attached to wheel . Vehicle came to stop. Kia customer service line contacted, because there was no active service bulletin offered no help. Vehicle repaired at local Firestone tire store. Wheel spindle and inner and outer bearings replaced.
My over drive system they said is going to be recalled. I don't know exactly what happened but my over drive light started blinking. I would like this corrected asap. If there is a recall I would like to know.. The guy said I should get a letter. ***** dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****739077.
Put car in park - got out of car and it rolled out of driveway into the street- got back in car to move it out of the street and the shifter would not work at all-car was towed to johnsons Kia in leesburg florida-replaced shift cable assembly-dealer claimed problem was caused by rust on cable-I have the old shift cable assembly
I bought my car used, and have had it for only six months. I read the other complaints filed and feel a little better knowing that it isn't just my car with the problems. But I wish the dealers would recognize that they are ripping us off by not fixing the obviously defective parts. My Rio has the check engine light on (not all of the time) but when it does come on it is accompanied by the the flashing overdrive off light. This usually lasts for a couple of days. Just when I was getting used to that the engine started shaking with only the check engine light on, it did not stall but it would have if I didn't pull into a parking lot and turn the car off. A few hours later I turned it back on and no problems again until just last week the engine started shaking again. Lets not leave out the minor problems though. …
Consumer is reporting premature wear of the engine mounts and a rattling noise coming from the engine area,while idling or driving. Dealer notified and had replaced them. Nlm the consumer has traded this vehicle in due to all of the mechanical problems and is requesting her money back because when she had taken the vehicle the dealer, they didn't repair the problem which was to be covered by warranty. The vehicle has no power and very poor shifting. The ABS and check engine light is on. The left front mirror is not working. The spark plugs are faulty/breaking down. The inner/outer bearing with seals on left rear and right rear-replaced, and the right rear hub assembly-replaced due to over tightening of the spindle nut. There's a noise in the tire(s) the dealer performed a recall that replaced the cooler hose.
Engine check light comes on repeatedly with cause unknown. The only corrective action dealership did was to change a code in the vehicle's computer system. Faulure caused vehicle not to exceed 5 MPH. The brakes were making a loud noise, the air bag light was on, the left window was acting erractically, the regulator had to be replaced, the rear view mirro was inoperative, all 4 door seals were leaking water, there was a shimmy in the steering wheel, the shift indicator strip was out of poistion, the trim around the windshield was loose for the second time, there was a noise coming from the exhaust due to the shiled on the midpipe being loose.
While driving at highway speeds, engine stalls out. Dealer said it was caused by corroded wiring under the hood. The consumer states that two weeks after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle died and would not start when traveling on the highway. A week later the vehicle wouldn't go in reverse, consumer was told that vehicle needed a new transmission. The vehicles airbag and engine light would stay on. Replaced/repaired the following; replaced input speed sensor, repaired the open circuit/driverside airbag, replaced left front hub bearings,inner/outer seals, front brakes replaced, and the rotors machined.
Transmission complaints in other Rio years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Kia Rio?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Kia Rio, 11% of the model year's 223 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Kia Rio transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Kia Rio, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Kia Rio transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.