2001 Kia RIO Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 11%of 223 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 43,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Kia RIO, 11% of the 223 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 43,500 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.
“My over drive system they said is going to be recalled. I don't know exactly what happened but my over drive light started blinking. I would like this corrected asap. If there is a recall I would like to know.. The guy said I should get a letter. ***** dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****739077.”
NHTSA complaint #10006354, filed 2001-01, 1,728 miles“2001 Kia RIO transmission has failed after only 40,000 miles. The company won't replace it unless we pay them, even though we're still covered by their 10 year/100,000 mile warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10004979, filed 2003-01, 40,000 miles“Vehicle started to vibrate like wheels were out of balance. Turned into driveway driver side rear wheel fell off with brake drum still attached to wheel . Vehicle came to stop. Kia customer service line contacted, because there was no active service bulletin offered no help. Vehicle repaired at local firestone tire store. Wheel spindle and inner and outer bearings replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10225442, filed 2008-04, 107,695 miles“Put car in park - got out of car and it rolled out of driveway into the street- got back in car to move it out of the street and the shifter would not work at all-car was towed to johnsons Kia in leesburg florida-replaced shift cable assembly-dealer claimed problem was caused by rust on cable-I have the old shift cable assembly”
NHTSA complaint #10120573, filed 2005-05, 47,165 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia…
- 10024032Dec 1, 2007Rio (bc) engine hard to start, runs rough and stalls -- what to check -- crank position sensor (ckp) tone ring.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 17% |
| 2021 | 2 | 13% |
| 2020 | 5 | 19% |
| 2019 | 2 | 9% |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 6 | 12% |
| 2013 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 7% |
| 2006 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 8% |
| 2004 | 4 | 11% |
| 2003 | 12 | 16% |
| 2002 | 8 | 6% |
| 2001 | 25 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2001 Kia RIO
52 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsWheels
31 complaintsElectrical system
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 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