There are 2 owner-reported speed control & cruise complaints for the 2001 Kia Rioin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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.
AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 35 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATES UP TO 100 MPH. THE DRIVER HAS TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. DURING THIS PERIOD, THE DRIVER HAD TO USE EXCESSIVE FORCE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *PH
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026