2001 Kia RIO Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 4%of 223 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,400miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the body and structure of the 2001 Kia RIO, 4% of the 223 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,400 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.
“Parked car at work came back out and the door lock was down tried to pull up but is stuck or caught on something. The way the screws are in the door 2 of them cannot be taken out without having the door open. With long legs its very difficult to get in and out of vehicle!!! Also trouble with the engine misfiring of sparkplug with some loss of power.”
NHTSA complaint #10554083, filed 2013-11, 129,500 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“While traveling at 65 MPH, consumer heard a little crack, vehicle suddenly went to the left of road, consumer pulled over. A piece of plastic had fallen that was attached to a piece metal near the motor. This caused bumper to crack. Please provide any further infomation.ak”
NHTSA complaint #8019171, filed 2002-09“Air leaks around the doors, the doors were adjusted which has only somewhat corrected the problem, vehicle is equipped with a 5 MPH bumper, the plastic attachments do not hold the bumper to the vehicle securely and while driving over 50 MPH a vibration was coming from the front end.”
NHTSA complaint #563585, filed 2001-10“Engine check light comes on repeatedly with cause unknown. The only corrective action dealership did was to change a code in the vehicle's computer system. Faulure caused vehicle not to exceed 5 MPH. …”
NHTSA complaint #8018110, filed 2002-09Related 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…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 8% |
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2019 | 1 | 5% |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 2 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 4% |
| 2014 | 6 | 12% |
| 2013 | 3 | 2% |
| 2011 | 2 | 8% |
| 2010 | 2 | 8% |
| 2009 | 3 | 8% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 4% |
| 2005 | 2 | 5% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 8 | 6% |
| 2001 | 9 | 4% |
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 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