2001 Kia RIO Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 223 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,650miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2001 Kia RIO, 2% of the 223 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,650 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.
“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“My brake lights have blown out 4 times...the first time I took it to an advanced auto parts store and got the fuse replaced...2 hours later they were out again...then they told me to take it to my dealer to get a brake light switch replaced...took it to the dealer and they ignored my suggestion of a brake light switch and replaced the fuse on march 14...2 hours later the lights were out again....took car back to dealer march 15.....fixed problem again this time replaced brake light switch....returned the vehicle to me march 19, by nightfall the lights were out again. …”
NHTSA complaint #759563, filed 2002-03“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 2002-02Related service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 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…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2020 | 2 | 7% |
| 2019 | 1 | 5% |
| 2018 | 2 | 7% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2013 | 6 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 7% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 5 | 2% |
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 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsSeat belts
15 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
11 complaintsEquipment
10 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