2001 Kia Rio Complaint Log

DOOR LOCKS ON BOTH FRONT DOORS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION.

PARKED CAR AT WORK CAME BACK OUT AND THE DOOR LOCK WAS DOWN TRIED TO PULL UP BUT IS STUCK OR CAUGHT ON SOMETHING. THE WAY THE SCREWS ARE IN THE DOOR 2 OF THEM CANNOT BE TAKEN OUT WITHOUT HAVING THE DOOR OPEN. WITH LONG LEGS ITS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET IN AND OUT OF VEHICLE!!! ALSO TROUBLE WITH THE ENGINE MISFIRING OF SPARKPLUG WITH SOME LOSS OF POWER. *TR

IT IS DIFFICULT TO ENTER THE CAR WITH THE KEY AND WHEN I PULL THE DOOR HANDLE THE LOCK DROPS DOWN TO THE CLOSE POSITION AND I CAN'T GET OUT THIS HAPPENS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE,I HAVE TO HOLD THE LOCK ON THE UP POSITION WITH A PIECE OF METAL OR LEAVE THE REAR DOORS UNLOCKED IN CASE I HAVE TO JUMP OUT..THIS CAR IS A LEMON I HAVE REPLACED SENSORS ALTERNATOR, STARTER, AC PARTS AND MANY OTHER PARTS THE ONLY THING GOOD IS THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ENGINE... *JS

I WAS ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE DOING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 65 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP SOUND. THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I IMMEDIATELY PUT ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND SLOWED DOWN TO REACH THE NEAREST EXIT RAMP. I WAS ALONE IN THE CAR AND THANK GOD I HAD NO CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND AS SOON AS I REACHED THE EXIT RAMP I GOT OFF THE EXIT AND CALLED AAA. THEY SENT A TOW TRUCK BUT WHEN THE DRIVER WENT TO PUT THE CAR UP HE NOTICED THE RIGHT BACK WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE AND THEN CALLED FOR A FLAT BED. WHILE BEING TOWED TO MY MECHANIC WITH THE CAR ON THE FLAT BED THE WHEEL CAME COMPLETELY OFF. I LOOKED ONLINE FOR RECALLS ON MY CAR AND THERE WAS ONE ISSUED IN 4/20/2005 AND I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED BY KIA OR THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR ABOUT THIS ISSUE WHEN THE RECALL BEGAN ON 6/22/2005. I AM WORRIED NOW THAT I MAY HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THIS REPAIR WHICH KIA MOTORS SHOULD HAVE NOTIFIED ME ON. *JS

BOTH DOOR LOCKS GET STUCK ON BOTH THE PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVERS SIDE. WE HAVE HAD TO CLIMB IN THE BACK SEAT TO EXIT THE CAR. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE DEATH OR INJURY IF A FIRE AND COULD NOT EXIT THE CAR. *TR

REF 2001 KIA RIO. PERPETUAL INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF FUEL PUMP TO OPERATE. FUEL PUMP REPLACED, RELAY REPLACED, AND ECM REPLACED. PUMP WON'T TURN ON AT START UP AND PERIODICALLY, THE PUMP STOPS OPERATING AFTER IT DOES COME ON WHILE DRIVING. NO WARNING. CAUSES SAFETY PROBLEM ON ROAD BY NOT HAVING ANY POWER TO MOVE CAR OFF ROAD. *TR

THIS IS A KIA RIO 4 DR. 2001 ..WITH 12,000 APROX MILES WHEN THE ECU FUSE BROKE, ON HWY 127 NEAR DEATH VALLEY ..HAD TO GET TOWED INTO MY DESTINATION.IT TOOK ABOUT 5 DAYS TO GET A PART FROM CALIF,UPS TO ME FROM A FRIEND, I CHANGED THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR,,WHICH I THOUGHT WAS THE PROBLEM...THE NEAREST KIA DEALER WAS 80 MILES AWAY IN LAS VEGAS,,,I LATER DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS A BLOWN ECU FUSE..NOT A SENSOR..I THEN DROVE THE CAR APTROX 500 MILES BACK TO CALOIF,WHEN IT BLEW AGAIN ON THE HWY 15 NEAR FONTANA,...I TOOK THE CAR TO KIA DEALER IN ONTARIO CALIF, THEY ONLY DID 2 WARRANTY ITEMS ON THE CAR.#1 WAS AN UPGRADE OF THE ECM.AND #2 REPLACED A FUEL DIST SENSOR////THE DEALER SAID IT WOULD FIX THE FUSE ISSUE,,,WHICH I TOLD THEM UP FRONT. THEY RETURNED THE CAR I WAS GOING BACK TO NEVADA IT BLEW A FUSE ECU ON HWY 15 HAD IT TOWED HOME AGAIN,,,,THE DEALER PICKED UP THE CAR FROM RIALTO 10 MILES AWAY FROM MY PARENTS....THEY HAD THE CAR 4 DAYS AND TOLD ME IT WOULD TAKE APROX 600$ TO GET UNDER THE DASH WHERE THEY BELIEVE THERE IS A SHORT THAT IS CAUSING THIS ECU TO BLOW,,I HAD THE CAR RETURNED ON MY AAA AGAIN TOOK IT FOR A SECOND OPINION,,,AGAIN THEY ALSO SAID IT COULD BE UNDER THE DASH AND THE AMOUNT THEY WANTED TO FIX IT AND KEEP THE CAR FOR ABOUT 3 OR 4 DAYS TO MAKE SURE THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. THE DEALER NEVER TEST DROVE THE CAR AFTER THE WARRANTY WORK..AS PER THE INVOICE MILEAGE IN AND MILEAGE OUT...THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM...AGAIN...AFTER THE 2ND OPINION..I HAD TO TOW IT AGAIN WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT HOME ON THE STREETS..THAT WAS 55 MILES FROM MY PARENTS HOUSE... I HAVE ALL THE AAA RECORDS ON TOWING ...I'M OUT OF TOWS... THIS CAR COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ....ONLY BECAUSE THE CAR WILL STOP RUNNING WITH OUT ANY NOTICE AND SO FAR I WAS LUCKY THAT NOTHING WENT WRONG. *TR

I WAS INVOLVED IN A 45MPH HEAD ON COLLISION. THE OTHER CAR WAS A CHEVY COBALT. SHE HAD RUN A STOP SIGN AND HIT US IN THE FRONT. I WAS THE PASSENGER IN THE KIA BOTH ME AND THE DRIVER OF THE KIA WERE FORCED INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND HE HIT HIS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL AS WELL. NEITHER OF THE AIRBAGS IN MY CAR WENT OFF. BUT BOTH THE AIRBAGS IN THE COBALT DID. MY CAR WAS ALSO CALLED A TOTAL WITH DAMAGE DONE TO THE FRONT BUMPER AND FRAMING. TWO MECHANICS THAT LOOKED AT THE CAR COULD NOT BELIEVE THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

I BOUGHT A 2001 KIA RIO IN 2007 AND WITHIN 8 MONTHS MY FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. A YEAR LATER MY CAR STARTED SPUTTERING AND SHUTTING OFF RANDOMLY WHILE I DROVE IT. I ENDED UP HAVING TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP TWO MORE TIMES. I RECENTLY TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WERE THEY INFORMED ME I NEEDED ANOTHER FUEL PUMP. IM SORRY BUT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG IF I HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER 4 TIMES IN A 2 YEAR TIME SPAN. NOW MY CAR DOES NOT EVEN RUN, AND I REFUSE TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP AGAIN WHEN I KNOW IT WONT DO ANYTHING. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH LANES WHEN SHE HEARD AN UNUSUAL NOISE SIMILAR TO RUMBLING METAL, FOLLOWED BY A LOUD CLUNK. THE CONTACT WAS BARELY ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE YET WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE SHE WAS ADVISED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING SPACER WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE YET THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN SIX MONTHS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED EIGHT TIMES FOR THE FAILURE SINCE PURCHASE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.

I PURCHASED NEW TIRES AROUND FEBRUARY 2007 FROM SEARS AT THE VIRGINIA CENTER COMMONS STORE LOCATION. WITHIN THREE WEEKS BETWEEN APRIL AND MAY OF 2008 I EXPERIENCED THREE FLATS. TWO OF THE FLATS WERE ON THE SAME DAY WITHIN 2 HOURS OF EACH OTHER. I HAD THE FOURTH ONE REPLACED AT THIS TIME. ALL THREE FLATS WERE BECAUSE OF FAULTY VALVE STEMS. RECENTLY I READ ABOUT A 6 MILLION RECALL OF TR413 VALVE STEMS FROM TECH INTERNATIONAL A DISTRIBUTOR OF SHANGHAI BAOLONG. I BELIEVE MY PROBLEM IS PART OF THE RECALL WHICH NOTIFIED THE CLIENTS BUT NOT THE PUBLIC. FORTUNATELY NONE OF THE FLATS OCCURRED AT HIGH SPEED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY BUT ON SECONDARY ROADS AT SPEEDS OF 45MPH OR LESS. I DID COMPLAIN TO SEARS ON THEIR FEEDBACK SURVEY BUT RECEIVED NO REPLY. I HAD PURCHASED ROAD HAZARD WITH THE TIRES SO I WAS NOT CHARGED FOR ANY OF THE REPAIRS BUT AM UPSET ABOUT THE LACK OF REPLY AND THE LACK OF NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. I AM UNSURE IF ANY TIRE DAMAGE RESULTED FROM THE FLATS. SINCERELY DENISE BARWICK *TR

VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE LIKE WHEELS WERE OUT OF BALANCE. TURNED INTO DRIVEWAY DRIVER SIDE REAR WHEEL FELL OFF WITH BRAKE DRUM STILL ATTACHED TO WHEEL . VEHICLE CAME TO STOP. KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE CONTACTED, BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ACTIVE SERVICE BULLETIN OFFERED NO HELP. VEHICLE REPAIRED AT LOCAL FIRESTONE TIRE STORE. WHEEL SPINDLE AND INNER AND OUTER BEARINGS REPLACED. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 KIA RIO. WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY, ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING AT 50 MPH, CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER WHO WAS EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE, RUN OVER BY THE OTHER VEHICLE AND IS DECEASED. THE DRIVER TRIED TO ENGAGE REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS OPENED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STRUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT AND PICTURES ARE AVAILABLE. THE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

DASH LIGHTS WILL NOT WORK. COME OFF AND ON. CHECK ENGINE ALSO COMES OFF AND ON. REPAIRED TWICE, STILL COMES ON AFTER SHORT DRIVE. WARNED BY POLICE FOR DASH LIGHTS. CAR WILL BE TOWED BECAUSE UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. CAN NOT AFFORD COSTLY REPAIR TO WIRING SYSTEM AT THIS TIME. *TR

ASIDE FROM THE FACT THAT WE HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ONE RECALL NOTICE FROM KIA OR THE DEALER, ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2007, MY 2001 KIA RIO (WHICH WE BOUGHT NEW IN 1/2001) ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER THE CAR ENGINE HAD WARMED UP, AND THE CAR BEGAN TO LURCH AND CHUG. IT STALLED AT A LIGHT AND RESTARTED WHEN I TURNED THE KEY. I APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR AND IT REVVED TO A HIGHER GEAR AND LUNGED FORWARD THEN IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO STALL IN THE INTERSECTION. I NURSED THE VEHICLE BACK HOME. IT WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE THE CODE CLAIMED AN O2 CENSOR WAS BAD. WHAT WAS FOUND WAS A PLUG MISSING FROM A PANEL AREA (?). THOUGHT CAR WAS FIXED. WENT TO DRIVE IT HOME AND AGAIN THE SAME IDENTICAL PROBLEM ONLY THIS TIME THE ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON, MY ONLY INDICATION OF THE PROBLEM WAS THE ATTEMPT AT STALLING AGAIN! THIS HAPPENED AFTER THE ENGINE WAS WARMED UP. SAME SYMPTOMS AND PROBLEMS ONLY NO WARNING ENGINE LIGHT. THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING DANGER SINCE IT HAPPENS WITH NO WARNING AND KIA HAS FAILED TO NOTIFY US OF ANY RECALL NOTICES THEY HAVE ISSUED CONCERNING OUR VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THEY HAD OUR ADDRESS FROM US PAYING THEM FOR THE CAR NOTE EACH MONTH! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THEIR LACK OF NOTICE TO OWNERS AND WARM ENGINE STALLING PROBLEMS. I HAVE NO WAY OF GETTING THE CAR TO A DEALER SINCE IT WILL NOT STAY RUNNING! *TR

MY CAR HAD A RECALL BECAUSE OF STALLING ISSUES BEFORE ALSO AGAIN WHEN I HAD THIS PROBLEM THE FUEL INJECTOR WAS UNPLUGGED NOW IT STALLS ALL THE TIME ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON HAD A AIRFLOW SENSOR LIGHT CHANGED AND IT IS STILL STALLING EVEN MORE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON BUT GOES OFF BEFORE I CAN GET IT CHECKED AND SO I AM GETTING NOWHERE AND I AM SCARED TOO DEATH OFF HAVING A ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE I THINK THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE IT IS A 2001 KIA RIO CAN YOU HELP ME I HAVE CONTACTED KIA ALREADY. *TR

FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK IN 2004. REPAIRED AT DEALERSHIP AT COST TO ME OF $300. DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK IN 2007. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IS RARELY USED AS THERE IS ONLY ONE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

TWO YEARS AGO WHEN TRYING TO GET INTO MY 2001 RIO THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK STUCK. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAITED 2 WEEKS FOR THE REPLACEMENT PART. NOW I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY PASSENGER DOOR. CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, SO I AM UNABLE TO USE MY PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. ALSO CAR STALLS WHEN IT RAINS AND SHAKES REALLY BAD WHEN IT DOES RUN. I HAVE TO GET A RIDE WHEN IT RAINS, INTERIOR LIGHTS DON'T WORK, BUMPER HAS COME LOOSE....CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH SPARK PLUGS, AND LEAKS OIL. *JB

DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, MADE RIGHT TURN INTO DRIVEWAY AT 30 MPH AND THE ENGINE DIED, STEERING WAS NOW UNASSISTED. I ROLLED THE CAR INTO A PARKING SPOT. THE CAR STARTED UPON MY RETURN TO THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 6 OTHER TIMES SINCE I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 60, 000 MILES AND HAS AMASSED NUMEROUS REPAIR ISSUES: FAILURE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION; REAR WHEEL BEARING REPLACEMENT; DEFECTIVE SIDE MIRROR THAT SCREAMS AT HIGH SPEEDS/FREEWAY DRIVING W/WINDY CONDITIONS; SUN VISORS WHICH DO NOT ADHERE TO PLACEMENT; AND WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP FAILURE. UPON ACQUIRING THE VEHICLE THIS WAS THE FIRST PROBLEM I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR REPAIR. AND ON SUBSEQUENT VISITS, IT HAS BEEN AN ISSUE, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. *NM

I HAVE A KIA RIO. STOCK #06520901,CASE 0067, MODEL K32B NA3,YEAR 2001, VINKNADC1234165XXXXX RA, MOTOR ASD21403 COLOR BI. THE COMPACT BASE THAT HOLDS THE RADIATOR SPLIT AT THE CENTER. THE TWO SIDES OF THIS BASE BROKE IN TWO. MY HUSBAND TALKED TO VARIOUS PERSONS WHO ALSO HAVE A KIA. TO HIS SURPRISE, THEY ALL TOLD HIM, "THESE CARS MUST HAVE COME WITH A DEFECT BECAUSE THE SAME BASE IS ALSO BROKEN ON MY CAR". SO FAR, 4 PERSONS OWING A KIA HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM . I FELT I SHOULD REPORT THIS BECAUSE AS I WAS RUNNING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR STARTED TO MAKE A CACKLING SOUND. I STOPPED THE CAR AND CALLED MY HUSBAND. HE ARRIVED AND CHECKED THE CAR AND SHOWED ME THE BROKEN BASE. IT SPLIT AT THE CENTER AND BROKE OFF OF BOTH SIDES OF THE BASE. I WAS REALLY HAIR RAISED BECAUSE IF ANY THE PARTS INVOLVED WOULD HAD COME DOWN, DEFINITELY, IT WOULD HAVE CAUSE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. PLEASE LET ME KNOW BECAUSE MY HUSBAND SENT THE PART TO BE SOLDERED BUT I FEEL UNSECURED. *NM

2001 KIA RIO WITH ENGINE FAILURE**NAR**CC *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH PEDAL, THE GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NOT CHANGE GEARS AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOST. IT CRASHED INTO A CURB AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE ENGINE STALLED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CLUTCH PLATE WAS REPLACED AND TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO DETERMINED THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY WAS DETACHED FROM THE FIRE WALL. THERE WERE REPAIRS MADE TO REATTACH THE CLUTCH ASSEMBLY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED.

01 RIO IS A LEMON & SAFETY HAZARD. MANY MAJOR REPAIRS DONE INCLUDING THE TIMING BELT & VALVES REBUILT, NEW COOLING SYSTEM, BOTH CONTROL ARMS & BOOTS. WHEEL DEFECT RECENTLY RECALLED CAUSED EXCESS WEAR/ TEAR ON CONTROL ARMS, BOOTS, ALIGNMENT, TIRES, COSTING THOUSANDS OF AVOIDABLE REPAIRS. FUEL INTAKE DID COME LOSE, NEARLY CAUSING AN ENGINE FIRE DUE TO DEFECTIVE PART WHICH WAS RECALLED. IT CONTINUOUSLY MISFIRES, ENGINE KNOCKS, STALLS. ECM WAS RECALLED BUT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. REPLACED SPARK PLUGS & WIRES (3 TIMES IN 6 MONTHS), IGNITION COIL, SENSORS (OXYGEN, KNOCK, CRANKSHAFT, TEMP). IT STOPS FOR A 1-2 DAYS, THEN COMES BACK. ANNOYING & DANGEROUS. ALSO HAS ACCELERATION PROBLEM. AT TIMES, IT WON'T GO OVER 40 MPH & ALSO ACCELERATES BY ITSELF. BRAKES HAVE COMPLETELY FAILED, THOUGH THERE'S NO CRACK IN THE LINE, NO LEAKING FLUID. THE CAR IS A COMPLETE LEMON. ONLINE, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. DEALERS ARE AWARE BUT CONVENIENTLY CAN'T SEEM TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEMS ESPECIALLY MISFIRING. CONSUMERS GET NICKEL & DIMED DOING NEEDLESS REPAIRS THAT DON'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THE OPTIMA HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS W/CRANKSHAFT POS. SENSOR WHICH WAS RECALLED, BUT DEALER DENIES ANY RELATION TO PROBLEMS WITH THE RIO. ANOTHER PROBLEM - LACK OF AVAILABILITY & HIGH COST OF PARTS. ITS BAIT/SWITCH TO SELL A CAR WITH KNOWN PROBLEMS, THEN GUESS AT NEEDLESS REPAIRS & SELL PARTS AT AN ASTRONOMICAL MARKUP. IT'S CHEAP TO BUY, BUT REPAIR COSTS MAKE IT VERY EXPENSIVE. RESEARCH SHOWS MISFIRING/ENGINE KNOCK HAS ALSO LED TO ENGINE FIRES. ALSO PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAGS. MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE PURCHASED, BUT DEALER HAS YET TO FIX IT. ALSO DOOR LOCKING PROBLEMS, PEOPLE BEING LOCKED IN VEHICLES. MY DRIVERS DOOR LOCKS BY ITSELF (MANUAL LOCKS). IN CASE OF ENGINE FIRE OR ACCIDENT, A LOCK MALFUNCTION COULD CAUSE UNNECESSARY DEATH/INJURY. THESE ARE KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS, YET KIA HAS DONE NOTHING TO ADDRESS THEM. THE 01 RIO IS A LEMON AND SAFETY HAZARD. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE TIRES WERE BEING ROTATED AT AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, IT WAS DETERMINED THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS WERE LOOSE. THE REPAIR SHOP TIGHTENED THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. AFTER THE INITIAL FRONT WHEEL BEARING TIGHTENING, DURING NORMAL MAINTENANCE, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS LOOSE AS WELL. THE REAR WHEEL BEARING WAS TIGHTENED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THERE WERE NO PREVIOUS WARNING INDICATORS FOR THE WHEEL BEARING LOOSENESS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.

PURCHASED CAR, 2001 KIA RIO, IN OCTOBER OF 2000. WITHIN A FEW DAYS AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. THIS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES OVER A ONE YEAR PERIOD AND HAD TO BE TAKEN BACK TO DEALER FOR REPAIR AT LEAST FOUR TIMES. RECALL WAS RECEIVED FOR FUEL SYSTEM. THIS WAS REPLACED WITHOUT PROBLEM. NEXT PROBLEM OCCURRED WITH WHEELS, WHICH WAS ALSO A RECALL. I HAD TO ORDER THE WHEELS WHICH TOOK AT LEAST A MONTH TO COME IN LEAVING ME TO DRIVE TO AND FROM WORK, 65 MILES EACH WAY, ON VIOLENTLY VIBRATING WHEELS. WHEELS WERE FINALLY REPLACED. PROBLEM OCCURRED IN WINTER 2005 WITH DOOR LATCH. DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD LOCK AND STAY LOCKED. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ORIGINAL DEALER FOR REPAIR ONLY TO HAVE OLD PART REPAIRED WHILE BEING CHARGED FOR NEW PART AND LABOR. WITHIN A FEW DAYS, DOOR LATCH FAILED AGAIN. TOOK VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO ORDERED NEW PART. IN THE MEANTIME I WAITED FOR PART TO ARRIVE, AND DROVE AROUND IN A CAR WHOSE DOOR DIDN'T LOCK, LEAVING MY CAR PREY TO THIEVES, WHO STOLE THINGS CONSTANTLY FROM ME. FINALLY THIS WAS FIXED BUT, THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK DID THE SAME THING. I LOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD ME THAT THEY COULD NOT FIX IT SINCE MY WARRANTY WAS UP AND TO FIX IT WOULD COST ME $700 OR MORE. I'VE ALSO NOTICED A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR STALLING IN TRAFFIC. THIS IS A NEW PROBLEM. EXAMPLE: I STOP TO GET GAS, START THE CAR AND TURN OUT INTO TRAFFIC AND THE CAR SHUTS DOWN. DURING THE WINTER OF 2005 WHILE WAITING FOR DOOR LOCKS TO COME IN, MY DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING WENT OUT. THIS WAS REPAIRED BUT SUBSEQUENTLY THE NEXT DAY AFTER REPAIR WHILE DRIVING INTO WORK, WHEEL BEARING LITERALLY CRUMBLED. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THAT AN OLD PART WAS MISTAKENLY PUT BACK ON THE CAR. THIS WAS REPAIRED AND REPLACED WITH A NEW PART. THESE ARE ALL SAFETY AND QUALITY CONTROL ISSUES. *JB

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SELDOM GOES OFF. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE AND TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM, LIGHT WENT BACK ON IN LESS THAN 100 MILES AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP. SAME THING HAPPENED LAST TIME I TOOK IT IN. *NM

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. CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V159000 - CALLED KIA TO SEE IF MY CAR WAS UNDER THIS RECALL AND THEY SAID ONLY CARS BUILT IN 2000. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS IF WE GOT ALL THE CARS BECOUSE MY 2001 RIO IS DOING THE SAME THING THAT IS LISTED ABOVE?

(1) THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE ENGINE FAILURE (2) FOR NO REASON WHAT SO EVER, THE ENGINE JUST SEIZED WHILE I WAS SITTING AT A STOP SIGN. THERE WAS PLENTY OF OIL AND WATER IN THE ENGINE. ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE HAD BEEN PERFORMED. I AM NOW BEING TOLD I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE. I AM 14,000 MILES OVER THE 60,000 MILE WARRANTY. I HAVEN'T EVEN OWNED THIS CARE AN ENTIRE YEAR. *JB

WE OWN A 2001 KIA RECALL WHICH HAS A SAFETY RECALL ON IT THAT REQUIRES ALL 4 WHEELS TO BE REPLACED . OUR VEHICLE IS MAKING THE NOISES DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL . WE CONTACTED ANN ARBOR AUTOMOTIVE MATT THE SERVICE PERSON HAS TOLD US KIA IS WITHHOLDING THE PARTS TO FIX THESE VEHICLES . THE PARTS ARE CURRENTLY ON BACK ORDER THROUGH KIA . WE HAVE BEEN WAITING 8 WEEKS SO FAR AND WE HAVE BEEN TOLD IOT COULD TAKE ANOTHER MONTH TO GET THE PARTS IN . I AM CONCERNED FOR MY HUSBANDS SAFETY ,HE DRIVES THIS VEHICLE DAILY. I WOULD LIKE TO STAND ON RECORD NOW BY SAYING IF ANYTHING HAPPENS TO THE VEHICLE AND CAUSE HARM OR INJURY TO MY FAMILY WE WILL TAKE EXTENSIVE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST KIA. THANK YOU LILLIAN FIERRO. *NM

I OWN A 2001 KIA RIO, I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO ASSIST WITH ANY OF THEM. I NO LONGER HAVE USE OF MY FRONT DOORS AND HAVE TO CLIMB THROUGH THE BACK DOOR TO GET INTO THE CAR. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM. NOT ONLY THAT BUT THE SEAT BELTS IN THE BACK KEEP DEFRAYING AND ARE NOT SAFE. AND THE SEAT HAS METAL IN IT THAT HAS CUT THROUGH THE FABRIC ON THE SEATS. *NM

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR SEAT BELTS NO LONGER RETRACTED. WHEN SHE TRIED TO USE THE SEAT BELTS THEY BECAME STUCK, AND WOULD NOT MOVE NOR RETRACT ENOUGH TO LOCK INTO THE BUCKLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SEAT BELT RETRACTORS. THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY OF THE VEHICLE. *AK

KIA INITIATED A RECALL ON THE 2001 KIA RIO FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE FOUR STANDARD STEEL WHEELS WITH FOUR ALLOY WHEELS. THE RECALL WAS MADE BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL THAT THE STANDARD STEEL WHEELS COULD CRACK LEAD TO WHEEL FAILURE. THE LETTER INDICATED ALL 4 WHEELS WOULD BE REPLACED. I TOOK THE CAR TO ARLINGTON KIA IN PALATINE TO HAVE THE RECALL SERVICED. I PRESENTED THE LETTER TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. RATHER THAN REPLACING THE WHEELS, THE DEALER ONLY INSPECTED THEM, INDICATING THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. WHILE I AM GLAD TO KNOW THIS, I AM NOT QUITE CERTAIN THIS IS THE RIGHT RESPONSE TO THE ISSUE. I AM NOT SATISFIED BY KIA'S SOLUTION. WHILE THERE WAS NO DAMAGE UPON THEIR INSPECTION, IT DOES NOT GUARD AGAINST DEVELOPMENT. UNSATISFIED WITH THE DEALER'S RESPONSE, I CONTACTED CUSTOMER CARE TO INQUIRE WHETHER OR NOT THE DEALERSHIP HAD DONE ENOUGH I TALKED TO [XXX], A CUSTOMER CARE MANAGER, WHO EXPLAINED TO ME, WHILE THE LETTER DID SAY KIA WOULD "REPLACE ALL FOUR ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WHEELS AT NO COST," WHAT THAT REALLY MEANT WAS THAT I WOULD GET A TEN MINUTE INSPECTION, AND IF NOTHING WAS WRONG, I'D BE LEFT WITH THE POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE PART. I FIND IT DISCOURAGING THAT KIA HAS NOT FOLLOWED THROUGH ON WHAT WAS INDICATED IN THE LETTER. IM NOT SURE WHAT THE NHTSA CAN DO IN THIS MATTER, SINCE IT SEEMS TO BE A POLICY ON KIAS PART, BUT RATHER THAN ASSURING I WAS A HAPPY CUSTOMER, [XXX]TOLD ME TO MAKE A COMPLAINT. THE CAR IS OWNED BY [XXX] PH# [XXX] MY NAME IS [XXX], MY WIFE [XXX] DRIVES THE CAR, THE DWYERS ARE HER PARENTS. THEY PURCHASED THE CAR FOR HER WHILE SHE WAS IN COLLEGE AND IT REMAINS IN THEIR NAME. I CAN BE REACHED AT [XXX] THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER. *NM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

DT: CONSUMER HAS A 2001 KIA RIO. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN JUNE OF 2005. SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURE AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE SEPTEMBER BEFORE DEALER WOULD HAVE PARTS TO DO RECALL REPAIRS. MANUFACTURER CONTACTED HER BACK ON AUGUST 18, 2005 TO TELL HER IT WOULD BE SEPTEMBER 9, 2005 BEFORE THE RIMS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. SHE ASKED IF SHE COULD GET A LOANER OR RENTAL VEHICLE UNTIL VEHICLE WOULD BE FIXED.*AK

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10136024 COMPONENT: WHEELS GAS IGNITION? YOU TELL ME? WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LEMONS KIA-2001 DETAILS: DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID FIRE STARTED FROM HEAT OF POWER EQUIPMENT AND THE IGNITION BURNED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL REGARDING THE WHEELS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE SAME TIRE THAT THE BLEW OUT WAS THE SAME ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 08/06/2005 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATABASE: 9/9/2005 [FILE] YOUR OWN COMPLAINT ON THIS MODEL CAR. *TR

DT: THE CONCUSMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID FIRE STARTED FROM HEAT OF POWER EQUIPMENT AND THE IGNITION BURNED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL REGARDING THE WHEELS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCAHSED. THE SAME TIRE THAT THE BLEW OUT WAS THE SAME ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB

DT: CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR SEAT BELTS WERE NOT PROPERLY WORKING. WHEN THE CONSUMER TRIED TO USE THE SEAT BELTS THEY WILL NOT EXTRACT ENOUGH TO ATTACH TO THE BUCKLE. CONSUMER HAD AN APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER ON TUESDAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED. T CONSUME NEVER HAD TO USE THE REAR SEAT BELTS UNTIL RECENTLY. THEREFORE, SHE DID NOT KNOW IF THERE WERE PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR SEAT BELTS. UPON INSPECTION UNDERNEATH THE SEATS THERE WAS NO ADDITIONAL LAP WEBBING CONNECTED TO THE SEAT BELT. *AK

DT: THE CONSUMER HAD A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE WHEELS. SHE CONTACTED THE LOCAL KIA DEALER AT BOB DAN'S KIA IN MERRITT ISLAND SPOKE TO ARCH TAMUMU, HE WAS THE GENERAL MANAGER AND SERVICE MANAGER. HE SAID THE PARTS WERE ON BACK ORDER. THE CONSUMER ASKED FOR A LOANER VEHICLE AND THEY WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH THE CONSUMERS REQUEST. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER 3 TIMES AND LEFT HER NUMBER, AND THEY STILL HAVE NOT CALLED HER BACK. THERE WAS NO RECALL # AVAILABLE ON THE NOTICE. VIN IS ALSO NOT AVAILABLE.*AK

2001 KIA RIO RECALL NOTICE FOR WHEEL REPLACEMENT WAS RECEIVED BUT THE WHEELS NEEDED FOR REPLACEMENT WERE NOT IN STOCK.*MR *JB

DT: CONSUMER HAS A 2001 KIA RIO; RECEIVED CREALL NO 05V159000. WHEN CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO ARRANGE FOR REPAIS. HE WAS TOLD THEY WERE GOING TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE CONSUMER'S FAMILY WOULD BE SENT HOME SO THE DEALERSHIP COULD ORDER THE PARTS. THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN BACK, BUT IF THE VEHICLE WAS DETERMINED TO BE UNSAFE IT WOULD HAVE TO BE LEFT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS 30 MILES FROM CONSUMER'S HOME, AND HIS FAMILY WOULD BE STRANDED. THE CONSUMER HAS CALLED KIA. THE RECALL STATED THE TIME REQUIRED TO FIX THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE AN HOUR. THE NOTICE DID NOT MENTION NUMEROUS TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP OR LEAVING THE VEHICLE. *AK

DT: RECEIVED A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL FOR 2001 KIA RIO. CONTACTED THE DEALER THREE TIMES TO ARRANGE FOR REPAIRS. THE LAST TIME HAD THE PART BUT DID NOT HAVE THE COVER. CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, THEY SAID CONSUME R HAD TO CONTACT THE DEALERSHIP TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. CONSUMER MADE AN APPOINTMENT AT DEALERSHIP AND THEY DIDN'T HAVE EVERYTHING THAT WAS NEEDED. THIS HAPPENED ON JUNE 22, 2005.*AK

2001 KIA REO BRAKES WET COMPLEATLY OUT BECASE OF RUSED OUT BRAK LINING THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR IS ALL RUSED OUT AND IS VERY UN SAFE MY DELER PHIL SMIHT OF FL. 954 545 7194 HAS TOLE ME THE CAR IS UN SAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CODISION WITH LIMETED REPARES OTHRIZED BY KIA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A SQUEAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED FIVE TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE NOISE WAS NOT COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL # 05V159000 (WHEELS). THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 54,527 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

DT: , A STEEL WHEEL IS CRACKED AND VIBRATED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHO BALANCED TIRES. STILL EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS AND DISCOVERED THE CRACK IN THE WHEEL. THIS WAS VERY EVIDENT, BUT THE DEALER DID NOT NOTE THIS TO THE OWNER. THERE WAS A KIA RECALL REGARDING WHEELS, BUT THIS VEHICLE DID NOT COMPLY DUE TO THE VIN. HAD TO HAVE THIS WHEEL REPLACED. NO OTHERS WHEELS AS OF YET ARE CRACKED. *AK

PUT CAR IN PARK - GOT OUT OF CAR AND IT ROLLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY INTO THE STREET- GOT BACK IN CAR TO MOVE IT OUT OF THE STREET AND THE SHIFTER WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL-CAR WAS TOWED TO JOHNSONS KIA IN LEESBURG FLORIDA-REPLACED SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY-DEALER CLAIMED PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY RUST ON CABLE-I HAVE THE OLD SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE 2001 KIA RIO HAD THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT IT WAS NOT CHECKED FOR THE AIR BAG LIGHT. THE CONSUMER SAID THAT THE DEALER DID A VISUAL CHECK. THE TIRES WERE PREMATURELY WORN OUT. THE CONSUMER SPECIFICALLY SAID IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE WHEEL RECALL 50V159000 THAT THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. FRONT AND REAR BRAKES HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED ALSO AT 20,000 MILES. *AK UPDAED *JB

WHEEL CAME APART WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 55 PMH. THERE WAS A NOISE BEFORE THE WHEEL CAME. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED BY THE OWNER REPLACING THE ENTIRE HUB ASSEMBLY ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. NOW THE OTHER SIDE IS MAKING A CLICKING NOISE AND MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED.

LOUD REPEATING NOISE COMING FROM WHEEL. TOOK IT INTO MECHANIC, TOLD ME IT WAS THE HUBCAP RUBBING ON THE RIM. APPLIED TAPE TO HUBCAP TO SOLVE PROBLEM. *AK NOISE CONTINUED, I DECIDED TO CHECK THE PROBLEM, AND JUST BEFORE I ARRIVED HOME, MY TIRE FELL OFF. THE RIM FAILED. HALD WAS BOLDED TO THE CAR, THE OTHER HALF WAS IN THE TIRE. NO ONE HAS SEEN THIS HAPPEN BEFORE, AND IT APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE TIRE RIM.

THE WEBBING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FRAYED AND THE LATCH ON THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT CAME OFF. *AK

CONSUMER HAS AN ISSUE THAT THE LUG WENCH THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BREAK LOOSE THE LUGS:NUTS AND/OR APPLIED THE PROPER TORQUE WHEN TIGHTENED. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT TOOL MEETS THE DOT SPECS.*AK

DT: THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2001 KIA RIO AND IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE CONSUMER SMELLED AN ODOR COMING FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. SHE HAS REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS FINE. THE HANGER UNDER THE EXHAUST SYSTEM BROKE AND NOW THERE IS A NOISE. IT WAS WELDED BACK TOGETHER THREE TIMES AND IT HAS BROKEN AGAIN. *JB