The 2002 Kia Rio has 158 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and air bags. Owners most often flag lack of power and highway instability: described as feeling "dicey" on the interstate, lacking power for confident merging and passing. frequency: recurrent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Kia Rio vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 8 Rio model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2000) to 158 (2002). With 158 complaints, the 2002 Rio sits abovethe model's median of 31.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery
Campaign 04V179000ON 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…
Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on generation and purchase context. The Rio is consistently described as an affordable, basic, and economical mode of transportation, appreciated for its low purchase price, good fuel economy, and…
Owner insights cover all generations of the Rio. See the full Rio owner picture and every model year.
Used Rio listings typically run $9,999–$14,479 across 2010 to 2023 model years.
Compare every Rio year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.