2002 Kia RIO Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 6%of 128 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Kia RIO, 6% of the 128 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles. 3 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“2002 Kia RIO, purchased new and maintained in excellent condition with regular maintenance. Had 61,000 miles and while driving, my daughter smelled something burning, engine light came on and at the same time, smoke was coming in through the air vents. She immediately pulled over, stopped the car and removed her keys. The ignition started on its own and the car engine erupted into flames. The car is totally destroyed. Fire and highway patrol reports were taken at the scene and car was towed to Kia dealership in clovis ca. Service manager stated he had taken pictures and became investigation. …”
NHTSA complaint #10191739, filed 2007-05, 61,000 miles“Dt: the consumer purchased two 2002 Kia rios, the first vehicle was fine. The other vehicle within 30 days of purchase at approximately 100 miles, died. This did not happen at any certain speed. The vehicle has been taken into the dealership over 14 times and they have not replaced anything . They have reprogrammed the computer numerous times. The vehicle will work for awhile, no specific time, and then die again. Consumer's daughter actually drove vehicle which was located in south carolina. The visor was replaced. The interior light would not go off, the dealer stated it was a pinched wire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10131673, filed 2005-09, 100 miles“2002 Kia RIO stalling during driving, check engine light on, concerned for my safety. Three time compliant to el cajon mazda Kia, first time they said(nothing wrong) 2nd (the computer need reprogram) today again back to dealer, I am afraid for my safety”
NHTSA complaint #10124375, filed 2005-06“The car has been towed on 9/2 and 9/6 due to the car shutting down they said first it was the alternator and fuel pump now they say it is the battery cable today is the 15th of sept. And I still do not have the new car I bought please help before it shuts down in highway traffic and I get killed. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #767204, filed 2002-09“Due to an electrical problem the dealer had my vehicle for approximately 25 days. The car just shuts down. Dealer placed four fusible links on line that leads to fuse #13. The dealer had spliced into wiring harness, and they a did sloppy job. The dealer and manufacturer refused to correct this defect. My wife and family are now fearful of driving this vehicle due to unpredictable nature of defect and potential for serious physical harm to us.”
NHTSA complaint #10010816, filed 2003-03Related service bulletins
- 10183431Apr 4, 2016TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 17% |
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 5 | 19% |
| 2019 | 1 | 5% |
| 2018 | 5 | 18% |
| 2017 | 3 | 10% |
| 2016 | 9 | 11% |
| 2015 | 9 | 17% |
| 2014 | 5 | 10% |
| 2013 | 27 | 18% |
| 2012 | 6 | 11% |
| 2011 | 5 | 21% |
| 2010 | 4 | 15% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 8 | 17% |
| 2006 | 3 | 4% |
| 2005 | 4 | 11% |
| 2004 | 5 | 13% |
| 2003 | 15 | 20% |
| 2002 | 8 | 6% |
| 2001 | 25 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2002 Kia RIO
39 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsSeat belts
16 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSuspension
9 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 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