Does the 2004 Kia RIO have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Kia RIO, the most recent reported on December 12, 2005 (Child seat). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia RIO?

Owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (12 complaints), followed by electrical system (5).

How many 2004 Kia RIO complaints mention a crash or fire?

4 of 38 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2004 Kia RIO recalls and problems

2 recalls and 38 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Kia RIO.

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.

2004 Kia RIO recalls

Child seat

NHTSA campaign 05V557000 · reported December 12, 2005 · KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. · 90,865 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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 recall repair is completed, follow the instructions provided by your child seats manufacturer on how to properly install the child seat with your vehicle's rear safety belts rather than using the latch system.
The risk: 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. 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.

Most reported problems

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

Engine and engine cooling12
Electrical system5
Fuel system, gasoline5
Suspension5
Power train4
Service brakes, hydraulic4
Air bags3
Unknown or other3
Vehicle speed control3
Latches/locks/linkages2

What owners report

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

Mar 2, 2024 · Electrical system
I bought this car used a little less than a week ago. There was a thumping noise under the hood so I took the car to the dealer twice for this issue. I looked under the hood tonight and found a bunch of pieces that are not bolted down and the battery is completely unsecured and can move around freely. It’s horribly…

Apr 20, 2019 · Unknown or other · 136,000 miles
MY WIFE GOT LOCKED IN HER CAR IN THE GARAGE AT HOME. THERE IS A SPRING ON THE DOOR LATCH THAT HOLDS UP A LEVER, THAT BROKE, CAUSING THE LEVER TO DROP AND JAM THE LOCK LEVER. WHEN SHE TRIED TO UNLOCK HER DOOR IT WOULD NOT RELEASE AND THE AUTO LOCK FUNCTION KEPT THE OTHER DOORS LOCKED TOO. WE WERE ABLE TO USE MY KEY TO…

Feb 28, 2019 · Unknown or other
TAKATA RECALL 2004 KIA RIO LOCKS IN CAR BROKEN UNABLE TO UNLOCK AND GET OUT THE CAR I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE LOCKING SYSTEM AND IT HAS BECOME A MAJOR PROBLEM

Aug 22, 2016 · Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MULTIPLE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND A DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE WHEEL BEARING WAS…

Jun 16, 2015 · Wheels · 163,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE WHEEL BEARING AND THE HUB FROM BOTH REAR WHEELS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE…

RIO model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2001	3	223	21	14
2002	1	128	25	6
2003	3	74	8	2
2004	2	38	4	2
2005	1	37	4	4
2006	1	74	12	0
2007	1	46	11	1

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

Questions

Does the 2004 Kia RIO have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Kia RIO, the most recent reported on December 12, 2005 (Child seat). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Kia RIO?: Owners have filed 38 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine and engine cooling (12 complaints), followed by electrical system (5).
How many 2004 Kia RIO complaints mention a crash or fire?: 4 of 38 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 2 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 2, 2024.