Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dt*: the contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased on January 19th 2005, it has been experiencing problems with the carburetor and a bad odor that comes from the engine. The vehicle was also sold to the contact without notification of recall defect to the carburetor. The vehicle was taken to the dealers to have a part replaced to remedy problems with the carburetor but vehicle consistently experiences the same problems. The vehicle was taken back on ten other occasions for services related to the problem. The vehicle was than taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the problem was related to fuel injection system. The manufacturer was notified and provided a referral to another dealers for service. The vehicle has been taken to the recommended dealer for service. The engine light illuminated, however the dealer refused to address the problem. …
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's front end made a loud clanking noise and was taken to an independent mechanic who determined upon examination that both rotors needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the rotors. Then, the vehicle had problems with the rear end, and was taken to a local dealer who determined that the axle bearing was bad and that the rear wheels were bent. The dealer provided the vehicle with proper maintenance and brake service and repaired the fuel pump. The vehicle was currently at the dealer for further examination of ongoing problems. No further repairs were made. Updated 03/19/07. The fuel pump was repalced. Updated 09/25/07
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle started shaking violently and then crashed into the side of the ramp. When the contact emerged from the vehicle, she noticed the rear passenger tire fractured completely from the suspension system. There were no injuries and the police were notified. A report was available if needed. The vehicle was towed to an auto mechanic shop and the insurance company was also notified. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 85,400.
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, he said it did not apply to my VIN number. I have also had problems with the shocks on my vehicle, they do not absorb much and make noise when I go on a bumpy road. My car also makes a large whistling sound when driving over 50 MPH but it only occurs sometimes.
Vehicle is experiencing problems with the front bearings, causing the wheels to separate from the axle. Owner took the vehicle to the dealer on 4 occasions, but the problem still remained undetermined. Owner stated that the dealer told her that the front bearings were faulty, and they were replaced. Currently, they replaced the front right bearings which were repaired previously. The consumer heard a loud buzzing sound from the left side of the vehicle. The sound was more prevalent when the consumer accelerated to speeds higher than 50 MPH. The front wheel bearing was replaced. The consumer was on her way home from the repair shop and the vehicle stopped. After the consumer inspected the vehicle she found the right tire disconnected from the axle. The vehicle rested on the tire which was 90 degree angle. …
My car pulls hard to the right when I press the gas pedal and I have to turn the steering wheel to the left to compensate for that. As soon as I pull my foot from the gas pedal, the car immediately goes to the left and I have to bring the steering wheel to the normal position. This happens 100% of the time. I feel this is a potentially dangerous situation since I have to pay close attention to the timing in order to keep the car straight at higher speeds. I am the first owner of the car and the car was properly maintained by my local mechanic (I have records of even oil changes) and even after alignment and tire change for the problem by a Kia dealer, the problem is still there. I've been to 2 different Kia dealers and I was told this is a "normal" situation in these kinds of cars and it happens to "all of them at high mileage". …
I have had my Kia for 3 years now (bought on April 24,2001), after only having it one year(April 25, 2002) my two front tires were shredded all the way to the metal. The dealer said that my tires were only covered for a year so I had to replace them, come to find out it was caused by the alignment that showed no sign of being off. Right after that the cooling fan shorted causing the engine to smoke and the car to be in the shop for 2 weeks because Kia couldn't order the right part. Soon after that both of my sunvisors broke to the point they are not usable. Kia told me that it would be $35 each to replace, not covered under warranty considered normal wear and tear. My alignment has been fixed 4 times in 3 years with normal driving conditions and regular maintenance. The shifter ( automatic) has gone out twice. Once resulting in Kia having to replace the whole shifter. …
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Rio years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (22), 2002 (9) and 2004 (5) model years. Suspension complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Kia Rio suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for any Kia Rio model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Kia Rio suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front › wheel bearing (12 mentions), followed by the front (6).
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.