Does the 2003 Kia RIO Cinco have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 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 2003 Kia RIO Cinco?

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (3 complaints), followed by seat belts (2).

How many 2003 Kia RIO Cinco complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 8 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2003 Kia RIO Cinco recalls and problems

1 recall and 8 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 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.

2003 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.

Power train3
Seat belts2
Engine and engine cooling1
Structure1
Unknown or other1

What owners report

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

Dec 12, 2015 · Unknown or other
WHEN YOU PARK THE CAR, SHUTOFF ENGINE, PULL UP THE SHORT UNLOCK STICK, THEN PULL THE OPEN BUTTON TO OPEN THE DOOR. THAT'S NORMAL PROCEDURE. BUT IF YOU ARE IN HURRY, PULL THE DOOR OPEN BUTTON FIRST AND FORGET PULL THE UNLOCK STICK, YOU CANNOT OPEN DOOR ANYMORE, YOU CANNOT GO BACK AND PULL UP THE UNLOCK STICK TO UNLOCK…

Jul 27, 2011 · Seat belts · 50,000 miles
THE REAR SEATBELTS DON'T LOCK INTO PLACE RIGHT. NORMALLY, WHEN YOU PULL A SEATBELT THE FULL WAY OUT THEN LET IT WIND BACK IN, IT SHOULD HAVE TENSION ON IT. THE SEATBELTS IN THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE DON'T DO THIS. THEY CAN BE PULLED BACK OUT WITHOUT STOPPING. THEY CLIP INTO THE BUCKLES FINE THOUGH. I HAVE 2 CAR SEATS IN…

May 4, 2011 · Seat belts · 70,000 miles
TL CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA RIO CINCO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AUTOMATIC SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WAS NOT LOCKING PROPERLY; THEREFORE, THE SAFETY SEAT MIGHT COME LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS…

Dec 12, 2007 · Power train · 79,000 miles
I HAVE SEVERAL ISSUES WITH KIA. I'LL GIVE YOU A QUICK SYNOPSIS OF MY DEALINGS WITH KIA. 1-I WANTED TO BUY THE 2002 RIO CINCO IN AUGUST 2002. I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE, AND PICKED THE ONE I WANTED BEFORE GOING TO A DEALERSHIP. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT HAD BILLBOARDS POSTED ALL OVER GRAND RAPIDS, MI ADVERTISING: $99…

Dec 12, 2007 · Power train · 79,000 miles
CONT...2 OF 3 3-I'VE FOLLOWED THE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE, PROVIDED EVIDENCE FOR ROUTINE OIL CHANGES, TRANSMISSION FLUSHES, AIR CONDITIONER MAINTENANCE., TIRES, BRAKES, ETC. EVERY AUTO I'VE EVERY OWNED (DATING BACK TO 1976) HAS GIVEN ME IN EXCESS OF 200,000 MILES...AND MY TOYOTA HAD OVER 350,000 ... AND THE ENGINE WAS…

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 2003 Kia RIO Cinco have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 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 2003 Kia RIO Cinco?: Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (3 complaints), followed by seat belts (2).
How many 2003 Kia RIO Cinco complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 8 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received December 12, 2015.