9.4

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
1,300 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2001 Kia Rio:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #1

Oct 052001

Rio 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,300 miles
The caller said the dealer made new holes in the frame to put the bolts in. The dealer cut the frame to put smaller bolts and nuts in. Another dealer said doing that ruined the integrity of the frame. Also, there was an exhaust leak into the vehicle. The transmission bracket was bent and it would not hold the transmission in place. When the dealer fixed it the bolts fell out. The caller had to take vehicle back to dealer. The check engine light was on constantly. Vehicle will not pass inspection with the light on. Dealer said it will pass inspection with the light on. Manufacturer said they could not do anything to help the caller because the warranty expired. The caller said fuses blew out. He replaced the fuses over 200 times. The dashboard lights, headlights and other exterior lights went out.

- Beaumont, CA, USA