2001 Kia RIO Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 11%of 223 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,279miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Kia RIO, 11% of the 223 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,279 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving home from work, and when I was approximately 1 minute from my home, my check engine light came on, and my car began chugging . I made it as far as 3 houses away from my driveway when my car just stalled out. Rather than re-starting, I decided to roll to my driveway. I didn't even make it as far as my driveway, and my car caught on fire. The black smoke was so thick, you couldn't even see through it. My whole engine went up in flames, and my car is now totaled. I have had absolutely no problems with this car until now.”
NHTSA complaint #10005277, filed 2003-02, 34,000 miles“While driving 40 MPH up an incline vehicle ran rough. Consumer noticed smoke was coming from under the hood. Consumer immediately pulled over. Within a half a minute, vehicle was on fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10063028, filed 2004-04, 60,000 miles“Dt: the concusmer was involved in an accident and a tire blew out. After the vehicle stopped spinning, the consumer got out of the vehicle and it burst into flames, the fire department came and they said fire started from heat of power equipment and the ignition burned. This happened on august 6, 2005. The consumer stated she was not informed about the recall regarding the wheels. The consumers daughter complained that the steering wheel vibrated from the time the vehicle was purcahsed. The same tire that the blew out was the same one that had been replaced numerous times.”
NHTSA complaint #10136024, filed 2005-10, 58,000 miles“Dt: the caller said the dealer made new holes in the frame to put the bolts in. The dealer cut the frame to put smaller bolts and nuts in. Another dealer said doing that ruined the integrity of the frame. Also, there was an exhaust leak into the vehicle. The transmission bracket was bent and it would not hold the transmission in place. When the dealer fixed it the bolts fell out. The caller had to take vehicle back to dealer. The check engine light was on constantly. Vehicle will not pass inspection with the light on. Dealer said it will pass inspection with the light on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10136333, filed 2005-09, 1,300 miles“Problems with 2001 Kia RIO. The consumer's vehicle experienced multiple fuel system problems. The consumer received a recall notice in reference to the fuel distributor and main fuel tube assembly. The consumer contacted the dealer who indicated that the problems were not related. The vehicle also had other problems. The engine would hesitate while driving. The dealer replaced the spark plugs and wires. The rear end vibrated. The dealer replaced both rear dampers. The consumer heard a clunking noise during acceleration. The dealer determined that he motor mounts were cracked. …”
NHTSA complaint #10083897, filed 2004-07, 36,279 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10183431Apr 4, 2016TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 17% |
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 5 | 19% |
| 2019 | 1 | 5% |
| 2018 | 5 | 18% |
| 2017 | 3 | 10% |
| 2016 | 9 | 11% |
| 2015 | 9 | 17% |
| 2014 | 5 | 10% |
| 2013 | 27 | 18% |
| 2012 | 6 | 11% |
| 2011 | 5 | 21% |
| 2010 | 4 | 15% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 8 | 17% |
| 2006 | 3 | 4% |
| 2005 | 4 | 11% |
| 2004 | 5 | 13% |
| 2003 | 15 | 20% |
| 2002 | 8 | 6% |
| 2001 | 25 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2001 Kia RIO
52 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsWheels
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsBrakes
17 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 27, 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