2005 Kia RIO Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 8%of 37 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 9,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Kia RIO, 8% of the 37 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 9,500 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.
“At about 5,000 miles or maybe even sooner I began to detect and hear something that sounded and acted like the transmission. Each time taking vehicle for oil change I told the service technician to check the transmission. It jumped in 2nd gear while in reverse. They forgot each time, and due to the fact that my appointment was either cancelled or no oil change person was there when I took vehicle at scheduled time, it went unresolved until the oil change on january '6, 2006. During the january 6, 2006 oil change the mechanic said that transmission didn't sound right. …”
NHTSA complaint #10148544, filed 2006-01, 10,000 miles“I was driving on public street loss control due to a pot hole in the street the car lost control flipping sliding then flip up right till it came to a stop on apt wall then when it was all over and done the airbag deployed go off on my arm right arm giving me second to third degree burns the purpose of the air bag ? I have broken back car was totaled now I got chronic pain everyday I lost my car am limited on mobilebility was going get screws placed on my back and un able to set walk or stand do to chronic pain”
NHTSA complaint #11374512, filed 2020-11“The contact owns a 2005 Kia RIO. While driving at lows speeds the vehicle began to randomly hesitate. The failure usually occurred when the engine was cold or it has not rained within a few hours. The vehicle began to drive normally when the engine was shut off and restarted. The dealer has made several attempts to diagnose the failure. Two weeks later the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. An authorized mechanic diagnosed the failure on a third visit to the dealer and stated that they were able to repair the vehicle; however, they were unable to say what component was repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #10284768, filed 2009-09, 9,000 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 2005 Kia RIO
12 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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