2001 Kia RIO Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 8%of 223 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Kia RIO, 8% of the 223 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 miles. 1 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.
“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“The contact owns a 2001 Kia RIO. While driving 40 MPH, the contact heard a squeaking noise coming from the front passenger side of the vehicle. The brakes were replaced five times. The dealer stated that the noise was not coming from the brakes. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA recall # 05v159000 (wheels). The current mileage is 54,527 and failure mileage was 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10194746, filed 2007-06, 30,000 miles“While driving any speed vehicle stalls intermittently dealer has been contacted. . Consumer also stated the interior panel around the windshield has broken off, also the vehicle has poor gas mileage, the overdrive light is coming on, the check engine light is on, the steering wheel locks up and is difficult to unlock, and the brake pedal goes too far down.”
NHTSA complaint #8003958, filed 2002-02“While driving at highway speeds, engine stalls out. Dealer said it was caused by corroded wiring under the hood. The consumer states that two weeks after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle died and would not start when traveling on the highway. A week later the vehicle wouldn't go in reverse, consumer was told that vehicle needed a new transmission. The vehicles airbag and engine light would stay on. …”
NHTSA complaint #8013485, filed 2002-07“While driving at any speed and brakes were depressed steering wheel shook hard. Dealership serviced vehicle four times, rotors were turned three times, and brake system replaced once.”
NHTSA complaint #10079690, filed 2004-06Related service bulletins
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia…
- 10013878Apr 27, 2005Rear brake noise.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 17% |
| 2021 | 3 | 20% |
| 2020 | 3 | 11% |
| 2019 | 1 | 5% |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2017 | 7 | 23% |
| 2016 | 18 | 23% |
| 2015 | 12 | 23% |
| 2014 | 10 | 19% |
| 2013 | 30 | 20% |
| 2012 | 6 | 11% |
| 2011 | 4 | 17% |
| 2010 | 4 | 15% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 11% |
| 2007 | 8 | 17% |
| 2006 | 3 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 11% |
| 2003 | 13 | 18% |
| 2002 | 20 | 16% |
| 2001 | 17 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2001 Kia RIO
52 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsWheels
31 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
11 complaintsEquipment
10 complaintsBody 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 30, 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