2002 Kia RIO Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 128 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the visibility of the 2002 Kia RIO, 2% of the 128 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100 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.
“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“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“No accident yet on this defect. We have noticed over the past 2 years of driving this vehicle a serious defect in the way the dash is constructed that seriously obstucts both viewing of the road through the windshield by the driver and viewing the dash instrumentation (speedometer, etc) virtually impossible under normal driving conditions. …”
NHTSA complaint #10126905, filed 2005-06Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2020 | 1 | 4% |
| 2016 | 2 | 3% |
| 2013 | 6 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 1 | 3% |
| 2004 | 2 | 5% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 3 | 2% |
| 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 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsTires
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
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 28, 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