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Air bagsPart report

2001 Kia RIO Air bags Problems

Complaints
33about this part
Share
15%of 223 total for the year
Median mileage
24,500miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the air bags of the 2001 Kia RIO, 15% of the 223 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,500 miles. 14 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“My car had a recall because of stalling issues before also again when I had this problem the fuel injector was unplugged now it stalls all the time engine check light comes on had a airflow sensor light changed and it is still stalling even more check engine light comes on but goes off before I can get it checked and so I am getting nowhere and I am scared too death off having a accident because of this issue I think this is a real safety issue it is a 2001 Kia RIO can you help me I have contacted Kia already.”

NHTSA complaint #10196659, filed 2007-07, 60,000 miles

“Dt: the consumer stated that the 2001 Kia RIO had the air bag light on the dashboard. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, but it was not checked for the air bag light. The consumer said that the dealer did a visual check. The tires were prematurely worn out. The consumer specifically said it was because of the wheel recall 50v159000 that the tires were replaced. Front and rear brakes have had to be replaced also at 20,000 miles. Updaed”

NHTSA complaint #10136440, filed 2005-09, 20,000 miles

“I was involved in a 45mph head on collision. The other car was a chevy cobalt. She had run a stop sign and hit us in the front. I was the passenger in the Kia both me and the driver of the Kia were forced into the windshield and he hit his off the steering wheel as well. Neither of the airbags in my car went off. But both the airbags in the cobalt did. My car was also called a total with damage done to the front bumper and framing. Two mechanics that looked at the car could not believe that the airbags did not deploy.”

NHTSA complaint #10247514, filed 2008-11

“Purchased car, 2001 Kia RIO, in october of 2000. Within a few days airbag light came on. This occurred several times over a one year period and had to be taken back to dealer for repair at least four times. Recall was received for fuel system. This was replaced without problem. Next problem occurred with wheels, which was also a recall. I had to order the wheels which took at least a month to come in leaving me to drive to and from work, 65 miles each way, on violently vibrating wheels. Wheels were finally replaced. Problem occurred in winter 2005 with door latch. …”

NHTSA complaint #10155956, filed 2006-04

“Problems with vehicle's engine. When the consumer attempted to accelerate from slowing down, the vehicle jerked into gear. The dealer could not find anything wrong with the vehicle after several visits. Many people have experienced this same problem per dealer. The front end made noises, and the vehicle had been taken to the dealer on five occasions for the air bag.”

NHTSA complaint #10083762, filed 2004-07

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202014%
2019314%
2018518%
2017310%
201656%
2015510%
2014713%
20133422%
20121222%
2011521%
20101246%
20091744%
20082759%
20072146%
20065068%
2005411%
200438%
200345%
20022116%
20013315%

Other parts of the 2001 Kia RIO

Engine cooling
52 complaints
Wheels
31 complaints
Electrical system
25 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
25 complaints
Fuel system
24 complaints
Suspension
22 complaints
Other or unknown
19 complaints
Brakes
17 complaints
Seat belts
15 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
11 complaints
Equipment
10 complaints
Body and structure
9 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2001 Kia RIO

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