2001 Kia RIO Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 11%of 223 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,242miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the fuel system of the 2001 Kia RIO, 11% of the 223 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,242 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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“Ref 2001 Kia RIO. Perpetual intermittent failure of fuel pump to operate. Fuel pump replaced, relay replaced, and ECM replaced. Pump won't turn on at start up and periodically, the pump stops operating after it does come on while driving. No warning. Causes safety problem on road by not having any power to move car off road.”
NHTSA complaint #10392541, filed 2011-03, 26,483 miles“Consumer smelled burning rubber, and then the vehicle stalled and flames emitted from under the hood. The insurance inspector indicated the fire was caused by a fuel line failure at the passenger side firewall. The vehicle was totaled, but dealership didn't offer any contributions to fix the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10011120, filed 2003-07, 22,000 miles“While driving, a motorist flashed their lights to get consumers attention, consumer noticed vehicle was on fire, an automotive analyst stated the cause of the fire was due to the failure of the fuel system components related to either a failure of the connection between the steel fuel line mounted to the firewall and the fuel injector fuel rail or a fuel line leak within the hose assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #742172, filed 2001-09, 12,000 miles“Since december '03, check engine light has come on at least a dozen times. On 2 occassions, car bucks while driving and stalls. Have had it in to the dealer 4 times since december. I am now scared to drive the car for fear it will break down again.”
NHTSA complaint #10059064, filed 2004-02, 36,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V179000Apr 9, 2004On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel intake nipple of the fuel distributor is subject to fracture or cracking during removal of the quick connect coupling…Covers: Kia RIO 2001–2004, RIO Cinco 2001–2004
- 03V352000Sep 24, 2003On certain passenger vehicles, fuel leaks may develop at the fuel distributor assembly because of quality deviations.Covers: Kia RIO 2001
Related service bulletins
- 10015755Jan 1, 2004Vacuum leak after tsb sc036. Kia technician times.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% |
| 2018 | 2 | 7% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 2 | 4% |
| 2014 | 4 | 8% |
| 2013 | 8 | 5% |
| 2012 | 8 | 15% |
| 2011 | 1 | 4% |
| 2010 | 2 | 8% |
| 2009 | 3 | 8% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 4% |
| 2006 | 3 | 4% |
| 2005 | 3 | 8% |
| 2004 | 6 | 16% |
| 2003 | 7 | 9% |
| 2002 | 15 | 12% |
| 2001 | 24 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2001 Kia RIO
52 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsWheels
31 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 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 29, 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