2003 Kia RIO Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,044miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Kia RIO, 5% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,044 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.
“So far there has not been any accidents caused by the cold start problem my car is having. The 2003 Kia RIO cinco has been in the shop numerous times for the same cold start problem. In the 1.5 years I have had the car I have nothing but problems with it. They have stated that the problem is fixed every time, however it continues.”
NHTSA complaint #10074617, filed 2004-06, 4,768 miles“I bought my 03 Kia RIO in 04 and within a mo. Have had problems ever since. I took it to the dealership every month for the first 2yrs when it was still in warranty. There was always something constantly wrong or breaking. The tail pipe rattled extremely loud to the point of slightly shaking the car, randomly when I would came to a stop. It was so loud that people in other cars could hear it and stare. Of course the repair shops could never find the problem. I finally gave up ever having it fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10402359, filed 2011-05, 80,020 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Kia RIO. The contact stated the brake lights failed to function while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11406023, filed 2021-04, 150,000 milesRelated 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…
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2020 | 2 | 7% |
| 2019 | 1 | 5% |
| 2018 | 2 | 7% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2013 | 6 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 7% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 5 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Kia RIO
19 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Kia RIO
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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