2002 Kia RIO Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 6%of 128 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 4,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Kia RIO, 6% of the 128 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,000 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.
“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: 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“Vehicle shook uncontrollably and swayed from left to right while driving. Driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, pulled over, and turned the vehicle off. Then, driver restarted the vehicle, and transmission failed to shift or move on its own. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the frame was bend, and transmission had blown out, and needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10113501, filed 2005-03“If vehicle is on the slightest incline the trunk lid will collapse when opened fully. Once when this occurred it rendered the consumer unconscious. Dealership replaced the trunk lid spring, but it didn't correct the problem. Also, at 4000 miles the truck is having problem with excessive front tire tread wear on the inside only. At 6000 miles the front tires were replaced, and a front alignment was performed. Front tire tread wore out again at 12000 miles. The factory representative was contacted, but didn't provide any assistance. …”
NHTSA complaint #10095272, filed 2004-10“Back window on driver side of vehicle is leaking, interior smells like mildew. Vehicle was repaired by dealer, on october 18th consumer noticed it leaking again. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8021525, filed 2002-10Related 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 2002 Kia RIO
39 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsSeat belts
16 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsElectrical system
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