Most common 2002 Kia Rio problems
Share of the 128 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Rio complaints by model year
Best Rio years: 2011, 2022, 2010. Years to avoid: 2013, 2016, 2001, 2002, 2003. Compare all years →
2002 Kia Rio recalls (1)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 Kia Rio:
Air bag non deploy
This investigation identified a total of 82 reports alleging non-deployment of the dual front air bags.of the 82 reports, only one incident, the fatal crash that was the basis for opening the investigation, has been identified as a moderate to severe crash in which the automotive restraint controller issued a command to deploy but the air bags did not deploy.a safety-related defect has not been identified at this…
What 2002 Kia Rio owners say
Engine & cooling all 40 →
Tl* - the contact owns a 2002 Kia Rio. While driving at 35 MPH the vehicle stalled and the engine lost power. The steering, the brakes and the emergency brake were locked, the contact was unable to steer the vehicle or stop it which caused a crash with a van. The failure mileage was 77,000. There were no injuries. The vehicle was repaired three times due to the failure. The mechanic stated that the failure was due to the fuel injection system, and later claimed it was the timing belt. The contact experienced the failure after the vehicle was repaired. All of the repairs were at cost to the contact. The dealer stated there were no recalls for this year, make and model. Advised the contact of NHTSA recall#04V179000: fuel system, gasoline:delivery. The current mileage was 78,000. Customer did receive a recall letter in the mail. Updated 4/9
I got the second hand 2002 Kia Rio 4 months ago . Me and my wife were driving for 1 mile when the smell of smoke came and in the couple of seconds there was smoke came from the bonnet. I switched off and tried to open the bonnet but the smoke got more and more ,so we left the car immediately and we saw flames came from right part of the bonnet. We were just shocked and scared of fire. We called 911 and firefighters and in less than ten minutes front part of the car was totally ruined. Looking optimistically there was no injury at all . But how about the next one! Can everybody be lucky as we were?! We were just in the middle of the turn line in middle of the street , so other cars were around us I can not imagine what could happened if I was in freeway or if my wife was alone!?
Air bags all 21 →
Vehicle was in a head on collision at 46 MPH. Upon impact, passenger side air bag deployed, but driver side air bag didn't deploy. Steering wheel came completely off, and the driver died as a result. Consumer's wife was hit head on while driving at 50 MPH by a toota tacoma. The drivier of the tacoma was on drugs when crossed over into path of the Rio. The driver of the Rio experienced a severed brain stem, punctured lung from the steering column and a severed arm. The driver of the Rio was wearing the seat belt. During the crash the Rio's driver's seat broke from the mountings and the steering wheel broke off. After the crash the Rio's driver was found under the instrument panel. The tacoma was bent in half and the trucks bed broke off from the frame. Rio has been notifed of the crash. It was assumed the driver of the tacoma was travaling atleast 45-50 MPH at the time of the crash. Cw
I was driving my 2002 Kia Rio on my lunch break going to my home. A young lady pulled out in front of me I was going around 45 when she pulled out. My car hit hers in the side neither my air bags or seat belt functioned like they should have. My air bags didn't even deploy my seat belt allowed me to go into the windshield. As my body was thrown forward the underside of the steering wheel broke my femur in 3 places. I filled a complaint against Kia about the air bags and seat belt they claimed the car under rolled the other car to me the front of the car was pushed back and it was flat. Kia needs to hold up their end 2 items in the car for safety failed. Some people ask did you have your seat belt on the answer is yes I had 2 people show up at the wreck and saw it on me and it burned through 2 shirts I had on at the time of the wreck.
Brakes all 20 →
While braking for a stop light consumer's vehicle was rear ended by a truck. During high humidity the brakes grabbed, causing the vehicle to stop too short. The problem happened more than fifty times with this vehicle. The dealer examined the vehicle four times. An independent mechanic found the brake lining was the problem.
Dt: the consumer purchased two 2002 Kia rios, the first vehicle was fine. The other vehicle within 30 days of purchase at approximately 100 miles, died. This did not happen at any certain speed. The vehicle has been taken into the dealership over 14 times and they have not replaced anything . They have reprogrammed the computer numerous times. The vehicle will work for awhile, no specific time, and then die again. Consumer's daughter actually drove vehicle which was located in south carolina. The visor was replaced. The interior light would not go off, the dealer stated it was a pinched wire. The liftgate latch was replaced and the parking brake was adjusted.
2002 Kia Rio engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 23 / 29 / 26 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 27 / 24 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Kia Rio a good car?
Based on 128 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Rio rates avoid: 3.1× as many complaints as a typical year of the Rio at the same age. It is one of the Rio years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Kia Rio?
The engine & cooling — 40 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the air bags (21) and brakes (20).
How many recalls does the 2002 Kia Rio have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 Kia Rio, the most recent from April 9, 2004 (delivery). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Rio?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2022 and 2010. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2016, 2001, 2002 and 2003. See the full Kia Rio years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Kia Rio problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 38,000 miles; 52% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.