Does the 2002 Kia RIO Cinco have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Kia RIO Cinco, the most recent reported on April 9, 2004 (Fuel system, gasoline: delivery). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Kia RIO Cinco?

Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (8 complaints), followed by fuel system, gasoline (4).

How many 2002 Kia RIO Cinco complaints mention a crash or fire?

3 of 21 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 Kia RIO Cinco recalls and problems

1 recall and 21 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Kia RIO Cinco.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Kia RIO Cinco recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery

NHTSA campaign 04V179000 · reported April 9, 2004 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 187,790 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine and engine cooling8
Fuel system, gasoline4
Air bags3
Electrical system3
Power train3
Service brakes, hydraulic2
Wheels2
Exterior lighting1
Seats1
Suspension1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 19, 2012 · Suspension · 70,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA RIO CINCO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY AND PULSATION OCCURRED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHERE THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WHEEL HUB…

Aug 31, 2007 · Electrical system
ELECTRICAL LINE FROM REAR OF BRAKE SWITCH IS SHORT IN LENGTH AND UNSECURED RESULTING IN WIRE DAMAGE THAT SHORTS ELECTRICAL FUSE TO SWITCH. RESULTS IN BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE AND POSSIBLE REAR END COLLISION DUE TO NO BRAKE LIGHTS. NEW SWITCH FROM FACTORY WAS INSTALLED BY KIA DEALERSHIP- BUT PROBLEM PERSISTS. THE VEHICLE IS…

Jul 21, 2007 · Engine and engine cooling · 60,948 miles
REFER TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V179000 IN JANUARY 2007, I TOOK MY VEHICLE (2002 KIA RIO) TO RAY CARTER KIA DEALERSHIP AT 6373 BLANDING BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244, BECAUSE THE ENGINE WOULD NOT IDLE AND WOULD SOMETIMES CUT OFF DURING ACCELERATION. THE SERVICE TECH TOLD ME I NEEDED THE 60,000 MILE MAINTENANCE…

Jul 18, 2007 · Air bags · 35,000 miles · crash reported
TL CONTACT OWNS A 2002 KIA RIO CINCO. ON JULY 14, 2004, WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. SHE SUSTAINED PERMANENT INJURIES TO HER OCCIPITAL NEURALGIA FROM SNAPPING HER HEAD FORWARD. A SPEC SCAN SHOWED THAT SHE RECEIVED…

Apr 10, 2006 · Engine and engine cooling · 61,000 miles
MY 2002 KIA RIO CINCO'S TIMING-BELT BROKE AND CAUSED SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE RESULTING IN A $2500 FEE TO FIX THE VEHICLE. BECAUSE MY TIMING-BELT WAS NOT CHANGED AT 60000 (WE HAVE 61000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE) THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THEIR WARRANTY. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THESE VEHICLES AND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD…

RIO Cinco model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2001	1	0	0	0
2002	1	21	3	3
2003	1	8	0	0
2004	1	12	1	0

All Kia RIO Cinco years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Kia RIO Cinco have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 Kia RIO Cinco, the most recent reported on April 9, 2004 (Fuel system, gasoline: delivery). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Kia RIO Cinco?: Owners have filed 21 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (8 complaints), followed by fuel system, gasoline (4).
How many 2002 Kia RIO Cinco complaints mention a crash or fire?: 3 of 21 complaints report a crash and 3 a fire; 4 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 19, 2012.