2002 Kia RIO Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 6%of 128 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 15,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Kia RIO, 6% of the 128 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 15,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“I purchased my Kia 02 in 8/02, I had it less than 5 months and the transmission went out at less than 20,000 miles. A new transmission was installed in 1/03. In 11/03 the first gear in the transmission was gone. My Kia needed to be towed to and was again repaired with a new transmission, so I was told. It took two and a half weeks for my car to be repaired. I was not given the paper work from the repair shop then and was told that it would be mailed to me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10052739, filed 2004-01, 18,000 miles“Since approximately one year after purchasing my 2002 Kia RIO, I have had on-going transmission problems. At various times while driving the transmission 'slams' into gear, or shutters. Although I have brought this issue to the attention of three different dealerships, and Kia corporate, they claim that there is no issue or that they can not identify the problem. They claimed at one point that the transmission fluid was dirty (although it was well below the recommended service mileage), so I had a third party service station perform a complete transmission fluid/filter change. …”
NHTSA complaint #10157410, filed 2006-05, 12,000 miles“While driving at a speed of 40-45mph vehicle lost power. Sometimes this happened in heavy traffic. Consumer took vehicle to dealer to have it checked out. Vehicle kept on over heating. It was found that cooling fan on enguaging caused vehicle to over heat. Transmission jerked at times. Check engine light came on and dealership failed to duplicate concern.”
NHTSA complaint #10059297, filed 2004-04“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“Front seat belts do not retract properly. The dealer had to replace both seat belt systems. When the consumer went to the dealer they declined to repair the safety features, the consumer was told the buckle assembly was worn due to dirt being inside the assembly and was not a warranty issue.. * cb the dealer recommended that the brakes, transmission and engine mounts be replaced. Also the radiator was stopped up with mud.”
NHTSA complaint #10042442, filed 2004-01Related service bulletins
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia…
- 10024032Dec 1, 2007Rio (bc) engine hard to start, runs rough and stalls -- what to check -- crank position sensor (ckp) tone ring.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 17% |
| 2021 | 2 | 13% |
| 2020 | 5 | 19% |
| 2019 | 2 | 9% |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 6 | 12% |
| 2013 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 7% |
| 2006 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 8% |
| 2004 | 4 | 11% |
| 2003 | 12 | 16% |
| 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 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsBody and structure
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