2004 Kia RIO Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 13%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,122miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the suspension of the 2004 Kia RIO, 13% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,122 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.
“The left lower control arm came loose from the car, pulling the cv axle out of place. The left lower control arm was bolted back into place and the cv axle shaft was repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10354082, filed 2010-09, 109,318 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Kia RIO. While driving between 50-55 MPH uphill, the vehicle began weaving, vibrating, and shaking. The failure recurred the same day. The dealer confirmed that the lateral stabilizer bar failed. The vehicle is currently at the dealer, awaiting the parts to arrive. The contact has pictures. The current and failure mileages were 76,243.”
NHTSA complaint #10222564, filed 2008-03, 76,243 miles“The contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased on january 19th 2005, it has been experiencing problems with the carburetor and a bad odor that comes from the engine. The vehicle was also sold to the contact without notification of recall defect to the carburetor. The vehicle was taken to the dealers to have a part replaced to remedy problems with the carburetor but vehicle consistently experiences the same problems. The vehicle was taken back on ten other occasions for services related to the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10162588, filed 2006-07, 5,529 miles“The contact stated the vehicle's front end made a loud clanking noise and was taken to an independent mechanic who determined upon examination that both rotors needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the rotors. Then, the vehicle had problems with the rear end, and was taken to a local dealer who determined that the axle bearing was bad and that the rear wheels were bent. The dealer provided the vehicle with proper maintenance and brake service and repaired the fuel pump. The vehicle was currently at the dealer for further examination of ongoing problems. No further repairs were made. …”
NHTSA complaint #10172443, filed 2006-11, 54,000 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Kia RIO. While driving various speeds, there was an abnormal noise underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to multiple independent mechanics and a dealer on numerous occasions where it was diagnosed that the front driver side wheel bearing needed to replaced. The wheel bearing was replaced multiple times; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #10897541, filed 2016-08Suspension: 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 2004 Kia RIO
12 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsElectrical system
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 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