MotorDeets

2005 Kia Rio: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2005 Kia Rio: 1 recall, 37 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
37owner complaints
4mention a crash
25best combined mpg
2005 Kia Rio
Photo: TuRbO_J from Adelaide, Australia · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

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

Child seat Vehicle recall #05V557000 · 2005 · 90,865 vehicles

What's wrong: 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…

Why it matters: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling12
Engine5
Airbags4
Seat belts4
Electrical4
Speed control / throttle3
Transmission & drivetrain3
Steering3

What owners describe

The 2005 Kia Rio has 37 owner complaints, ranking #14 of 24 Rio model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 54). Complaints peaked in 2005 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 51,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (38 complaints, 2 recalls), 2006 (74 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.6 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive222925Regular
1.6 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive212924Regular

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 2005 Kia Rio.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2005 Kia Rio 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 2005 Kia Rio 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 2005 Kia Rio 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 2005 Kia Rio manual

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FAQ

Does the 2005 Kia Rio have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2005 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 2005 Kia Rio problems?

Owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (12), engine (5), airbags (4).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Kia Rio get?

EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2005 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.

Other Rio years

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