2002 Kia RIO Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 7%of 128 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Kia RIO, 7% of the 128 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,000 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.
“My car pulls hard to the right when I press the gas pedal and I have to turn the steering wheel to the left to compensate for that. As soon as I pull my foot from the gas pedal, the car immediately goes to the left and I have to bring the steering wheel to the normal position. This happens 100% of the time. I feel this is a potentially dangerous situation since I have to pay close attention to the timing in order to keep the car straight at higher speeds. …”
NHTSA complaint #10228237, filed 2008-05, 90,000 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“Vehicle is experiencing problems with the front bearings, causing the wheels to separate from the axle. Owner took the vehicle to the dealer on 4 occasions, but the problem still remained undetermined. Owner stated that the dealer told her that the front bearings were faulty, and they were replaced. Currently, they replaced the front right bearings which were repaired previously. The consumer heard a loud buzzing sound from the left side of the vehicle. The sound was more prevalent when the consumer accelerated to speeds higher than 50 MPH. The front wheel bearing was replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10107272, filed 2005-03, 32,149 miles“Air conditioner went out of car so had it looked at. Was told that it was the computer chip or something. This caused the defroster in the car to not work. Before I could get it in to be replaced, started hearing a strange noise from the back of the car. Called to get an appointment for the next day about the air and the noise. That day, while driving on a very busy interstate, the noise began to get worse. I then heard a loud noise from the back of the car, and lost control of the car. The steering would not respond, and the car felt like it was floating along the interstate. …”
NHTSA complaint #10038677, filed 2003-09“When driving 65 MPH vehicle swerves from left to right. Vehicle is hard to control. Took to dealer and dealer indicated vehicle needed new bushings, front end alignment and tires. Consumer stated that the dealer has not agreed that any thing is wrong with the vehicle. But 9 alignments, 4 new tires and ball bearings were replaced at less than 2000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #8008340, filed 2002-04Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 17% |
| 2020 | 1 | 4% |
| 2019 | 1 | 5% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 13% |
| 2003 | 4 | 5% |
| 2002 | 9 | 7% |
| 2001 | 22 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2002 Kia RIO
39 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsBrakes
20 complaintsSeat belts
16 complaintsFuel system
15 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 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