2003 Kia Rio: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Kia Rio: 3 recalls, 74 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V179000 · 2004 · 187,790 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source May result in a fire.
The fix: 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.
Child seat Vehicle recall #05V557000 · 2005 · 90,865 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, if the child seat is not properly installed, personal injury or death could occur.
The fix: Dealers will replace the lower anchors free of charge. The recall began on January 30, 2006.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #06V294000 · 2006 · 32,257 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace both rear outboard seatbelt assemblies free of charge. The recall began on September 15, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (19): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), noise or vibration (3), electrical failure (2).
- Electrical (15): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), fire / smoke (3), won't start (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (12): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (4), stalls / loses power (2).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (12): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
The 2003 Kia Rio has 74 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 24 Rio model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 54). Complaints peaked in 2003 (20 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 30,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (128 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (38 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | Regular |
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Kia Rio.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Kia Rio have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Kia Rio. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Kia Rio problems?
Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (19), electrical (15), transmission & drivetrain (12).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Kia Rio get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Kia Rio repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.