Three problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2002 Kia Motor RIO. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Kia Motor RIO based on all problems reported for the 2002 RIO.
We were just 10 minutes driving from home, when we saw the smoke coming from front of the car. We were approaching the light so the speed was about 10 miles . Within 5/6 meters we stopped in turn line and turned off the engine. The smoke got more and more. So we get out of the car and we were just shocked. Somebody told us call 911 and we did and we called fire fighters as well. During that period fire was coming out of the bonnet and other cars were around us. I was just afraid of explosion . In couple of minutes police came and block the road. Then fire fighters came and put the fire out. But our car was totally damaged and out of order. We towed it to the auto body and some days later they told can't do anything with it.
I have a 2002 kia Rio with approx. 51,000 miles. The car suddenly broke down and would not start. I had the car towed to the dealership who told me the engine had seized due to sludge in the oil system. I provided kia with all the oil maintenance receipts every 3000 miles. Kia's response was that the oil was not maintained properly and the maintenance records were fake. Basically, they say that I and a certified mechanic (owner of a auto and towing shop) are liars. Kia will not pay for the engine repair and I cannot afford to fix a problem that was caused by an engine malfunction (oil and receipts were maintained properly). It has been 1 month ago, I have no car and seriously at risk of losing my job due to this problem and kia will not reconsider any information I provide.
The consumer purchased two 2002 kia Rios, the first vehicle was fine. The other vehicle within 30 days of purchase at approximately 100 miles, died. This did not happen at any certain speed. The vehicle has been taken into the dealership over 14 times and they have not replaced anything . They have reprogrammed the computer numerous times. The vehicle will work for awhile, no specific time, and then die again. Consumer's daughter actually drove vehicle which was located in south carolina. The visor was replaced. The interior light would not go off, the dealer stated it was a pinched wire. The liftgate latch was replaced and the parking brake was adjusted.