Does the 2001 Kia RIO have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Kia RIO, the most recent reported on April 20, 2005 (Wheels). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Kia RIO?

Owners have filed 223 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (52 complaints), followed by air bags (33).

How many 2001 Kia RIO complaints mention a crash or fire?

21 of 223 complaints report a crash and 14 a fire; 12 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2001 Kia RIO recalls and problems

3 recalls and 223 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2001 Kia RIO.

recalls

223

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.

2001 Kia RIO recalls

Wheels

NHTSA campaign 05V159000 · reported April 20, 2005 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 24,119 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: Certain passenger vehicles may have a manufacturing flaw that could cause the wheels to crack under long term driving fatigue. If cracks occur, wheel noise and vibration will result and become progressively worse over time.
The risk: If the crack is severe, the wheel could separate from the vehicle and possibly result in loss of vehicle control and a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace all four wheels free of charge. The recall began on june 22, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.

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.

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA campaign 03V352000 · reported September 24, 2003 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 57,340 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain passenger vehicles, fuel leaks may develop at the fuel distributor assembly because of quality deviations.
The risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel distributor and fuel connector assemblies. Owner notification is expected to begin during the first quarter of 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 cooling52
Air bags33
Wheels31
Electrical system25
Power train25
Fuel system, gasoline23
Suspension22
Unknown or other19
Service brakes, hydraulic17
Seat belts15

What owners report

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

Jan 13, 2017 · Unknown or other · 125,000 miles
DOOR LOCKS ON BOTH FRONT DOORS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION.

Nov 28, 2013 · Latches/locks/linkages · 129,500 miles
PARKED CAR AT WORK CAME BACK OUT AND THE DOOR LOCK WAS DOWN TRIED TO PULL UP BUT IS STUCK OR CAUGHT ON SOMETHING. THE WAY THE SCREWS ARE IN THE DOOR 2 OF THEM CANNOT BE TAKEN OUT WITHOUT HAVING THE DOOR OPEN. WITH LONG LEGS ITS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET IN AND OUT OF VEHICLE!!! ALSO TROUBLE WITH THE ENGINE MISFIRING OF…

Sep 24, 2013 · Latches/locks/linkages · 140,000 miles
IT IS DIFFICULT TO ENTER THE CAR WITH THE KEY AND WHEN I PULL THE DOOR HANDLE THE LOCK DROPS DOWN TO THE CLOSE POSITION AND I CAN'T GET OUT THIS HAPPENS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE,I HAVE TO HOLD THE LOCK ON THE UP POSITION WITH A PIECE OF METAL OR LEAVE THE REAR DOORS UNLOCKED IN CASE I HAVE TO…

Aug 17, 2012 · Electrical system · crash reported · fire reported
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10136024 COMPONENT: WHEELS GAS IGNITION? YOU TELL ME? WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LEMONS KIA-2001 DETAILS: DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT…

Jul 29, 2012 · Wheels · 103,000 miles
I WAS ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE DOING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 65 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP SOUND. THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I IMMEDIATELY PUT ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND SLOWED DOWN TO REACH THE NEAREST EXIT RAMP. I WAS ALONE IN THE CAR AND THANK GOD I HAD NO CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND AS SOON AS I…

RIO model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	0	3	0	0
2001	3	223	21	14
2002	1	128	25	6
2003	3	74	8	2
2004	2	38	4	2

Across all years, the 2001 RIO has the most complaints (223). All Kia RIO years →

Questions

Does the 2001 Kia RIO have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Kia RIO, the most recent reported on April 20, 2005 (Wheels). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Kia RIO?: Owners have filed 223 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (52 complaints), followed by air bags (33).
How many 2001 Kia RIO complaints mention a crash or fire?: 21 of 223 complaints report a crash and 14 a fire; 12 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 13, 2017.