2001 Kia Rio: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2001 Kia Rio: 3 recalls, 223 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #03V352000 · 2003 · 57,340 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, fuel leaks May develop at the fuel distributor assembly because of quality deviations.
Why it matters: 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.
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.
Wheels Vehicle recall #05V159000 · 2005 · 24,119 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 14 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (52): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (22), warning light on (18), noise or vibration (9).
- Airbags (33): the most common themes are warning light on (9), fails to deploy (7).
- Wheels (31): the most common themes are noise or vibration (15), tire tread / blowout (11).
- Transmission & drivetrain (25): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (11), hard / delayed shifting (8), warning light on (5).
The 2001 Kia Rio has 223 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 24 Rio model years for complaints (4.1× the average Rio year). Complaints peaked in 2002 (52 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 48,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2000 (3 complaints, 0 recalls), 2002 (128 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 29 | 26 | Regular |
| 1.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 25 | Regular |
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 2001 Kia Rio.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2001 Kia Rio have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2001 Kia Rio. 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 2001 Kia Rio problems?
Owners have filed 223 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (52), airbags (33), wheels (31).
What gas mileage does the 2001 Kia Rio get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (1.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2001 Kia Rio 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.