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Fuel systemPart report

2002 Kia RIO Fuel system Problems

Complaints
15about this part
Share
12%of 128 total for the year
Median mileage
41,072miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the fuel system of the 2002 Kia RIO, 12% of the 128 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,072 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Over the last month my car has stalled out over ten times, usually during heavy traffic. I have taken it to the dealer three times but they have not been able to duplicate or fix the problem. According to them the engine light needs to be on; once it stalled and the light came on, I immediately drove it to the dealer but the technicians said it was not on when they restarted the car. The car also runs rough and feels like it loses power intermittently. I have lost all confidence in the car and worry about where and when it may stall out. …”

NHTSA complaint #10102661, filed 2004-12, 30,000 miles

“Recall no.#04v179000, fuel system/gasoline delivery: while sitting at a stop sign, another motorist informed the consumer that the back of her vehicle was on fire. After crossing the intersection the consumer left the vehicle and saw that the fuel tank area was actually on fire. The fire department arrived and extinguished the flames of the vehicle. The manufacturer isn't going to issue the recall notice until june of 2004.”

NHTSA complaint #10073804, filed 2004-05, 50,000 miles

“The consumer took the vehicle into the dealer for a recall and was told that no parts were in. The dealer informed him that the part was not in after they set up the initial appointment. The manufactuer was informed and the consumer was told that their hands were tied.”

NHTSA complaint #10080286, filed 2004-07, 32,145 miles

“- the contact owns a 2002 Kia RIO. While driving at 35 MPH the vehicle stalled and the engine lost power. The steering, the brakes and the emergency brake were locked, the contact was unable to steer the vehicle or stop it which caused a crash with a van. The failure mileage was 77,000. There were no injuries. The vehicle was repaired three times due to the failure. The mechanic stated that the failure was due to the fuel injection system, and later claimed it was the timing belt. The contact experienced the failure after the vehicle was repaired. …”

NHTSA complaint #10185609, filed 2007-03, 78,780 miles

“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

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202218%
202117%
201827%
201645%
201524%
201448%
201385%
2012815%
201114%
201028%
200938%
200824%
200724%
200634%
200538%
2004616%
200379%
20021512%
20012411%

Other parts of the 2002 Kia RIO

Engine cooling
39 complaints
Air bags
21 complaints
Brakes
20 complaints
Seat belts
16 complaints
Suspension
9 complaints
Electrical system
8 complaints
Body and structure
8 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
8 complaints
Tires
4 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
3 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
Equipment
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2002 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