Five problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 2003 Kia Motor RIO. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Kia Motor RIO based on all problems reported for the 2003 RIO.
Seat belts, car seat retaining hooks, ecm, and distributor are recalled. Cheyenne kia had 3 weeks before original appointment to get the parts. I delivered the car for repairs only to get a call 4 hours later that they cannot find the parts. It has now been 6 weeks since picking up my car and they cannot find the parts to do the recall repairs. All I have been able to do is leave a message with jennifer xt 45960 at 800 333 4542 case # k3094095 kia customer care to find out when I can safely put my kids in the backseat of the car.
Timing belt broke at 72000 miles without warning. Kia says change at 60000 miles in ky, but warranty in CA allow for 105000 mile change. Kia refused to honor warranty. Stranded for 45 minutes. Had to pay diagnostic testing at kia dealer.
Bought 2003 kia Rio new. In Jan 2005 at about 53,000 miles I heard a rattle at about 50 miles per hour. In a few seconds the engine just shutdown (timing belt broke which destroyed the engine) kia replaced under warranty. May 21 2008 while driving about 45 miles per hour we heard a squeal and again the engine shutdown. Coasted to a stop, once again the timing belt which means another engine (58,000 since the last engine) no longer under warranty (an engine cost almost as much as the car itself).
While driving on the highway at approximately 60 mph, the car lost total power without warning. The driver was able to steer and control the car and coasted to the side of the road. Several cars had to swerve out of the way as they were going the speed limit but the car concerned was going significantly slower. Upon inspection, the timing belt sprocket was hanging outside of the plastic cover which was burning from melted plastic. The car is within the limits of the warranty and we are awaiting a final diagnosis from the dealer and coverage determination from the manufacturer.
: the contact stated while attempting to turn a corner at 10 mph the timing belt broke. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where it was determined as being the timing belt rendering the engine inoperable. No repairs have been made.