2004 Kia RIO Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 11%of 38 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,132miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Kia RIO, 11% of the 38 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,132 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.
“Vehicle was purchased used approximately 2 years ago. On the approximate incident date, the clutch pedal failed to actuate the clutch after producing a loud noise. Inspection at a repair facility revealed failure in several clutch components and a metal fatigue failure in the clutch and brake pedal support bracket. I am filing this complaint on behalf of my daughter for the failed support bracket, which I have in my possession.”
NHTSA complaint #10443859, filed 2012-01, 69,000 miles“On friday, 8/22/08, the vehicle stalled after being driven for less than a quarter of a mile from my home and in a 25 m.p.h. Zone. On monday 8/25/08, I had the vehicle towed to the dealership where I purchased the vehicle. There I met with the service technician. The service technician felt that the timing belt may have failed and that the event would likely not be covered under my warranty because, as the customer, I should have had the timing belt replaced at 60,000 miles. My vehicle had 79,418 miles at the time the vehicle stalled. …”
NHTSA complaint #10240850, filed 2008-09, 79,418 miles“The contact owns a 2004 Kia RIO. When the contact approached a stop light, the vehicle began accelerating and a noise was present in the front of the vehicle. The transmission was replaced on three occasions within the last 1000 miles. The dealer informed the contact that the transmission needed to be replaced. The current mileage was 55700 and the failure mileage was 30000.”
NHTSA complaint #10281226, filed 2009-08, 30,000 miles“The contact stated while traveling at speeds below 25 MPH, the transmission would not downshift, causing severe hesitation. The dealership determined the problem was in the transmission and no repair was available. 11/30/06.”
NHTSA complaint #10172536, filed 2006-11, 51,264 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia…
- 10024032Dec 1, 2007Rio (bc) engine hard to start, runs rough and stalls -- what to check -- crank position sensor (ckp) tone ring.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 17% |
| 2021 | 2 | 13% |
| 2020 | 5 | 19% |
| 2019 | 2 | 9% |
| 2018 | 1 | 4% |
| 2017 | 1 | 3% |
| 2016 | 5 | 6% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 6 | 12% |
| 2013 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 4% |
| 2007 | 3 | 7% |
| 2006 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 8% |
| 2004 | 4 | 11% |
| 2003 | 12 | 16% |
| 2002 | 8 | 6% |
| 2001 | 25 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2004 Kia RIO
12 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsBrakes
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