2002 Kia Rio: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Rio years.
One of the Kia Rio years to avoid. All Rio years
158 owner complaints, most about engine and engine cooling. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2002 Rio?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.
Safety record for the 2002 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Kia Rio vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Rio years only. How we score it
Is 2002 a good year for the Rio?
Across the 23 Rio model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2000) to 227 (2001). With 158 complaints, the 2002 Rio sits above the model's median of 46.
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.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2002 Rio
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, OR WHEN FORCE IS ACCIDENTALLY APPLIED TO THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR DURING ENGINE COMPARTMENT REPAIRS.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on generation and purchase context.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Rio. See the full Rio owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Rio listings typically run $10,249–$14,795 across 2013 to 2023 model years.
Other Rio model years
Compare every Rio year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Rio against its rivals
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