Model year
2003 Kia Rio
NHTSA lists 3 recalls and 74 complaints for the 2003 Kia Rio (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). NHTSA also lists 1 recall and 8 complaints under RIO CINCO. Those counts are separate from the numbers above. The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10), ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (10), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC (7). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 25–26 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,600–$2,700, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2001 223 complaints
- 2002 128 complaints
- 2003 74 complaints
- 2004 38 complaints
- 2005 37 complaints
- 2006 74 complaints
- 2007 46 complaints
- 2008 46 complaints
- 2009 39 complaints
- 2010 26 complaints
- 2011 24 complaints
- 2012 54 complaints
- 2013 153 complaints
- 2014 52 complaints
- 2015 52 complaints
- 2016 78 complaints
- 2017 31 complaints
- 2018 28 complaints
- 2019 22 complaints
- 2020 27 complaints
- 2021 15 complaints
- 2022 12 complaints
- 2023 12 complaints
Recalls
06V294000 · Aug 4, 2006
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." WHEN USED WITH CERTAIN CHILD SEATS, THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR) FUNCTION IN THE REAR OUTBOARD SEATBELT ASSEMBLIES MAY…
05V557000 · Dec 12, 2005
CHILD SEAT
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…
04V179000 · Apr 9, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
ON 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…
Complaints
74 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 8, fire flag on 2, injury field 7, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Other NHTSA names
These names matched the same EPA model but are not included in the headline counts above.
| Name | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|
| RIO CINCO | 1 | 8 |
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA02009 | AIR BAG NON DEPLOY · AIR BAGS | Jul 2, 2002 | Jul 2, 2003 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio · 1.6L · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 22 | 30 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
| Rio · 1.6L · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 23 | 30 | 26 | — | — | $2,600 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 Kia Rio at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.