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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2003 Kia RIO Cinco Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
38%of 8 total for the year
Median mileage
79,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Kia RIO Cinco, 38% of the 8 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have several issues with Kia. I'll give you a quick synopsis of my dealings with Kia. 1-I wanted to buy the 2002 Rio Cinco in august 2002. I researched it online, and picked the one I wanted before going to a dealership. I went to the dealership that had billboards posted all over grand rapids, mi advertising: $99 down / $99 per month. I waited over 2 hours to be waited on. When the salesman finally waited on me, I was told they had to get the car I wanted from another dealership, and I could pick it up in 2 days. …”

NHTSA complaint #10211541, filed 2007-12, 79,000 miles

“Cont...2 of 3 3-I've followed the maintenance schedule, provided evidence for routine oil changes, transmission flushes, air conditioner maintenance., tires, brakes, etc. Every auto I've every owned (dating back to 1976) has given me in excess of 200,000 miles...and my toyota had over 350,000 ... And the engine was still purring (I just got tired of having to replace the floor). A person doesn't get that kind of mileage on a regular basis without taking care of it! 4-the engine light first appeared in february 2004. I took it to burlingame garage. …”

NHTSA complaint #10211545, filed 2007-12, 79,000 miles

“7-the engine light is again on at 89,000. This time steve took the car to a local mechanic we know & trust, and was told the transmission was slipping. Again, steve took the car to a dealership around 90,000...this time the transmission was slipping. At this point, the dealership mechanics could not deny this was a transmission problem. Now, we were forced to jump through several hoops providing evidence that we've provided routine maintenance. Which we did, but they still have not made a decision to replace the transmission. 8-the car now does not have reverse! …”

NHTSA complaint #10211554, filed 2007-12, 79,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2004325%
2003338%
2002314%

Other parts of the 2003 Kia RIO Cinco

Seat belts
2 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Body and structure
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 Kia RIO Cinco

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology