2002 Kia RIO Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 16%of 128 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 6,122miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Kia RIO, 16% of the 128 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,122 miles. 2 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.
“T proportioning valve is leaking on my 2002 Kia, loosing all brake fluid. Kia dealer said this is a common problem they can repair for $230.00. The proportioning valve should not fail on any car. Has this been reported before? I feel this should be a warranty item and possibly a dealer recall, what can you tell me?”
NHTSA complaint #10289413, filed 2009-10, 87,000 miles“I have a Kia RIO with 15,000 miles on it, and the passenger side front brakes are shot. The other brakes are not shot. They are like brand new. If this would be wear and tear it would be all around. This is poor make of this vehicle and Kia does not care. The front brake broke and dug into the rotor causing much damage. And the caliber is also shot. Not a wear and tear problem and Kia does not want to fix this. I bought a new car so I would not have any problems. Boy was I wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #10052326, filed 2004-01, 15,000 miles“Slowing to turn into gas station, rear axle broke do to excessive rust rot. The body on this car had stated to rust at 8000 miles, rear frame has excessive rust rot also. Numerous other Kia RIO owners are reporting this issue this is alarming I could have slammed into the gas pumps as the brakes locked do to severing a brake line.”
NHTSA complaint #10597220, filed 2014-06, 61,000 miles“Dt: in the high humidity or rain the rear brakes lock. It makes a scraping and scratching noise, when the brakes dry out. There is no forewarning; noticed this problem since purchasing the vehicle on september 1, 2002. Have contacted three dealers, and a manufacturer's representative said that this was normal. One dealer did replaced the brake lines.”
NHTSA complaint #10137815, filed 2005-09, 100 miles“While braking for a stop light consumer's vehicle was rear ended by a truck. During high humidity the brakes grabbed, causing the vehicle to stop too short. The problem happened more than fifty times with this vehicle. The dealer examined the vehicle four times. An independent mechanic found the brake lining was the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10067230, filed 2004-06, 25 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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…
- 10013878Apr 27, 2005Rear brake noise.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 17% |
| 2021 | 3 | 20% |
| 2020 | 3 | 11% |
| 2019 | 1 | 5% |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2017 | 7 | 23% |
| 2016 | 18 | 23% |
| 2015 | 12 | 23% |
| 2014 | 10 | 19% |
| 2013 | 30 | 20% |
| 2012 | 6 | 11% |
| 2011 | 4 | 17% |
| 2010 | 4 | 15% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 11% |
| 2007 | 8 | 17% |
| 2006 | 3 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 3% |
| 2004 | 4 | 11% |
| 2003 | 13 | 18% |
| 2002 | 20 | 16% |
| 2001 | 17 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2002 Kia RIO
39 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsSeat belts
16 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsTires
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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