MotorDeets

2003 Kia Rio Cinco: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2003 Kia Rio Cinco: 1 recall, 8 owner complaints.

1vehicle recalls
8owner complaints
0mention a crash
–best combined mpg
No free-license photo yet

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V179000 · 2004 · 187,790 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Transmission & drivetrain3
Seat belts2
Engine & cooling1
Body & structure1
Other / unknown1

What owners describe

The 2003 Kia Rio Cinco has 8 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 4 Rio Cinco model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 10). Complaints peaked in 2007 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 70,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (21 complaints, 1 recalls), 2004 (12 complaints, 1 recalls).

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Kia Rio Cinco.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2003 Kia Rio Cinco manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2003 Kia Rio Cinco manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2003 Kia Rio Cinco manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2003 Kia Rio Cinco manual

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FAQ

Does the 2003 Kia Rio Cinco have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 Kia Rio Cinco. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2003 Kia Rio Cinco problems?

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (3), seat belts (2), engine & cooling (1).

Where can I get a 2003 Kia Rio Cinco repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Rio Cinco years

2001200220032004