2004 Kia Rio recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Kia Rio; the most frequently affected component is child seat. Owners filed 50 complaints, most often about engine and engine cooling. Among the 21 model years of this model in the database, 2004 ranks #3 for number of recalls.

Recalls2

Complaints50

Crashes reported3in stored complaints

Fires reported2in stored complaints

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (2)

Child seatCampaign 05V557000 · 12 Dec 2005

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.

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, if the child seat is not properly installed, personal injury or death could occur.

Remedy: 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 — DeliveryCampaign 04V179000 · 09 Apr 2004

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.

Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Remedy: 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.

What owners complain about

Share of the 33 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Engine and engine cooling9 · 27%

Suspension5 · 15%

Fuel system4 · 12%

Gasoline4 · 12%

Electrical system4 · 12%

Power train4 · 12%

Service brakes4 · 12%

Hydraulic4 · 12%

When complaints were filed

20051

200610

20072

20084

20092

20103

20112

20122

20142

20151

20161

20192

20241

From owner complaints

The car caught on fire, kia says they sent a notification to the original owner, years ago. We feel that we were entitled to a recall notice before the car burned down. We feel this is not a small recall, it was a fire, a fire is very dangerous and can burn and kill people. We had 22 kias rios in our fleet and never…
Fuel system · Dec 2011 · NHTSA complaint record

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70 mph on normal road conditions a lost of engine power was noticed. There were no engine warning lights to alert the contact of an engine problem. The vehicle was taken to an independent certified mechanic who determined the engine blew out due to the presence of coolant mixed…
Engine and engine cooling · Dec 2006 · NHTSA complaint record

I was at a stop sign and my 2004 kia rio died , i pushed it to the mechanic and was told the timing belt lost its teeth and there is now no compression in 3 and 4 , the mileage on car is 68040. I was told basically the engine is toast and i wasn't even moving ,i was told by a couple of mechanics that the belt that kia…
Engine and engine cooling · May 2010 · NHTSA complaint record

Dt: the contact stated vehicle jerked and cut out. When this happened the engine light came , on and there was a burning smell. The vehicle was taken to the dealership seven times, and they stated it was an electrical problem. They replaced the electrical throttle module every time, and stated there was a poor…
Electrical system · Nov 2005 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

Full specifications All model years 2004 Kia lineup

Source

Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.

2003 Kia Rio recalls and complaints Recalls
2001 Kia Rio recalls and complaints Recalls
2002 Kia Rio recalls and complaints Recalls
2005 Kia Rio recalls and complaints Recalls
2004 Kia Rio Car specs
2005 Kia Rio Car specs
2003 Kia Rio Car specs