general problems of the 2001 Kia Motor RIO

Consumer noticed that the center of the wheels cracked and fell apart. Consumer began to hear a clanking sound coming from the left rear wheel. As the consumer began to remove the wheel the center broke up in the process. This problem affected the two back wheels.

While driving at any speed consumer heard a thumping sound coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. Upon closer inspection right rear wheels had severe cracks in the walls. The cracks were such that one could actually hold the wheels to the light and see through them. The dealer replaced the bad rim under warranty and kept the bad rim.

Consumer is reporting premature wear of the engine mounts and a rattling noise coming from the engine area,while idling or driving. Dealer notified and had replaced them. Nlm the consumer has traded this vehicle in due to all of the mechanical problems and is requesting her money back because when she had taken the vehicle the dealer, they didn't repair the problem which was to be covered by warranty. The vehicle has no power and very poor shifting. The abs and check engine light is on. The left front mirror is not working. The spark plugs are faulty/breaking down. The inner/outer bearing with seals on left rear and right rear-replaced, and the right rear hub assembly-replaced due to over tightening of the spindle nut. There's a noise in the tire(s) the dealer performed a recall that replaced the cooler hose.

The vehicles drivers side front tire rim developed 14 inch cracks all around and pieces of the rim were falling off. The consumer believes the tire may fall off. Please describe further. Son notified owner at @ 45k miles that there was a strange noise coming from the front end of the vehicle and he thought there might be a problem, perhaps with the brakes. Owner went for a ride with the son to confirm noise but owner could not hear it. Shortly thereafter, the son complained to his father again about the noise, stating it was now much worse. Owner took vehicle for a test drive and he could hear a loud grinding/cracking/popping noise from the front end. He removed the front driver side wheel to inspect and he saw large cracks at the wheel hat area about 2-3" above the lug holes on the wheel disc. There were several circumferential cracks approximately 14 inches in length almost completely circling the wheel. When he removed the wheel large pieces of the wheel in the area of the cracks crumbled and fell out onto the ground. Also noticed front passenger side wheel had several 5" cracks in same area. Both wheels were the standard equipped 13x5j steel wheels. Neither wheel had any scrapes, scratches, or bends indicative of abuse. Reported issue to dealer and manufacturer, both refused to provide assistance because vehicle no longer covered under warranty. Owner took vehicle to an independent wheel shop where he purchased 2 replacement steel wheels.