Two problems related to rear seat belt 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.
The rear seat belts have shreaded at the base of the seat belt. I had the belts replaced by an independent mechanic, I was advised that it wasnot a warranty item, and he determined that the belts will continue to shred due to a design flaw that has the retractor at an angle and the teeth of the retractor are catching the belt. The only way to know that the belt shreaded was to pull it out all of the way. We have a belt out of another kia Rio that has also started shredding. Kia advised that it was not a warranty issue and that at some point and time the owner must take care of items such as this. They felt that it was from usage. We have checked the drivers seat belt, and it showed no signs of shreading and it gotb more use than the back seat belts. Parents need to know to check these belts before they give away during an accident.
The rear seat belts were installed backwards, and therefore they did not lock.