2004 Kia RIO Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 13%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Kia RIO, 13% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,750 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.
“Dealer changed computer, wiring harness , 2 injectors, plug, timing belt, sensor and replaced comes switches . Bought a 2004 Kia RIO in march 2005. It has been in the shop for the past 3 weeks. The consumer picked the car up at the shop, and it didn't make it off the lot before the car broke down again. Dealer offered me a rental car. Went back one week later to pick up the car and only went two miles before the car broke down again. Took the car back to dealer, and requested another car just like the one that I had a 2004 Kia RIO. Dealer said could not trade the car without refinancing it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10118855, filed 2005-08, 23,500 miles“Dt: the contact stated vehicle jerked and cut out. When this happened the engine light came , on and there was a burning smell. The vehicle was taken to the dealership seven times, and they stated it was an electrical problem. They replaced the electrical throttle module every time, and stated there was a poor connection at the engine bulk. The problem has not been corrected at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #10143539, filed 2005-11, 22,957 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Kia RIO. The contact was driving at various speeds. The engine completely stalled and the entire electrical system failed without warning. The engine would restart after waiting for approximately one minute. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they were unable to locate the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10360357, filed 2010-10, 78,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10183431Apr 4, 2016TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 17% |
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 7% |
| 2020 | 5 | 19% |
| 2019 | 1 | 5% |
| 2018 | 5 | 18% |
| 2017 | 3 | 10% |
| 2016 | 9 | 11% |
| 2015 | 9 | 17% |
| 2014 | 5 | 10% |
| 2013 | 27 | 18% |
| 2012 | 6 | 11% |
| 2011 | 5 | 21% |
| 2010 | 4 | 15% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 8 | 17% |
| 2006 | 3 | 4% |
| 2005 | 4 | 11% |
| 2004 | 5 | 13% |
| 2003 | 15 | 20% |
| 2002 | 8 | 6% |
| 2001 | 25 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2004 Kia RIO
12 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Kia RIO
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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