2003 Kia RIO Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 74 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Kia RIO, 5% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,000 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.
“While driving 35 MPH steering wheel would pull to the right, and a loud noise would be coming from the steering wheel. Also, vehicle would stall for no reason while driving. Driver would maintain control and pull to the side of road. Had vehicle towed to dealership, and mechanic could mot determine the cause of either problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10042532, filed 2003-10, 250 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Kia RIO. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle started shaking violently and then crashed into the side of the ramp. When the contact emerged from the vehicle, she noticed the rear passenger tire fractured completely from the suspension system. There were no injuries and the police were notified. A report was available if needed. The vehicle was towed to an auto mechanic shop and the insurance company was also notified. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 85,400.”
NHTSA complaint #10454667, filed 2012-04, 85,400 miles“My back passenger side wheel bearing has gone bad three times with a year's time. The last bearing was replaced in september 06, and the same bearing is going bad again (currently mid october).”
NHTSA complaint #10171094, filed 2006-10Suspension: 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 2003 Kia RIO
19 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSteering
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 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