2001 Kia RIO
KNEDC241226038262
Vehicle record for the 2001 Kia RIO (VIN KNEDC241226038262). Gray, wagon / suv, gasoline. Registered in Zhytomyr. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.
No photo of this model yet2001 Kia RIO · Gray on the registration record
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN KNEDC241226038262, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 3 recall campaigns for this model year are shown free further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2001 Kia RIO.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2001 Kia RIO costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2001 Kia RIO. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 6
STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE Closed
ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-030) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 12 THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2000. WHEELS WERE MANUFACTURED DURING THIS PERIOD USING A TOOL (RING DIE) THAT HAD IMPROPER SURFACE TREATMENT. THIS ALLOWED TOOL D…
NHTSA #EA04020 · Wheels · opened Jul 2004 · closed Apr 2005STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE Closed
ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES. THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MAY 12 AND OCTOBER 18, 2000. WHEELS WERE MANUFACTURED DURING THIS PERIOD USING A TOOL (RING DIE) THAT HAD IMPROPER SURFACE TREATMENT. THIS ALLOWED TOOL DAMAGE TO DEV…
NHTSA #PE04030 · Wheels · opened Mar 2004 · closed Jul 2004FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE Closed
ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES. THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003. ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003, THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (03V-352) TO INSPECT THE…
NHTSA #EA03015 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Aug 2003 · closed Apr 2004ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed
KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 22 NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES OF ANY OR UNSPECIFIED CAUSE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. NINE FIRES (OF WHICH 4 WERE ALSO REPORTED TO ODI) ARE IDENTIFIED AS BEING DUE TO A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK ORIGINATING BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL (P/N 0K30E 13 150) IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AREA OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE REMAINING FIRES WERE DUE TO VARIED OR UNKNOWN CAUSES. ALL 9 FIRES CAUSED…
NHTSA #PE03016 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Apr 2003 · closed Aug 2003AIR BAG NON DEPLOY Closed
THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 82 REPORTS ALLEGING NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DUAL FRONT AIR BAGS. OF THE 82 REPORTS, ONLY ONE INCIDENT, THE FATAL CRASH THAT WAS THE BASIS FOR OPENING THE INVESTIGATION, HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A MODERATE TO SEVERE CRASH IN WHICH THE AUTOMOTIVE RESTRAINT CONTROLLER ISSUED A COMMAND TO DEPLOY BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS T…
NHTSA #EA02009 · Air Bags · opened Jul 2002 · closed Jul 2003AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT FRONTAL CRASH Closed
IN ADDITION TO THE DECEMBER 2001 FATAL CRASH REPORTED TO ODI THAT PROVIDED THE BASIS FOR OPENING PE02-022, KIA PROVIDED ODI 29 ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF ALLEGATIONS OF NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG IN A CRASH. NO ADDITIONAL FATAL CRASHES ARE REPORTED. AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO CONDUCT FURTHER ANALYSIS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE'S AIR BAG SYSTEM.
NHTSA #PE02022 · Air Bags · opened Feb 2002 · closed Jul 2002An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 21
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 21.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides inf…
Bulletin TSB_BOD055_R1 · Structure, Exterior Lighting · Sep 2021PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
Bulletin PS539 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2018TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nu…
Bulletin TSB-GEN085R1 · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Jan 2017TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pi…
Bulletin TSB-GEN085 · Latches/locks/linkages, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Nov 2016TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to…
Bulletin PS443 · Electrical System, Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · Apr 2016TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL, THEN REFERENCE THE…
Bulletin TSBTRA046 · Power Train · Dec 2013KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE
Bulletin KT-2008082201 · Parking Brake, Exterior Lighting · Aug 2008RIO (BC) ENGINE HARD TO START, RUNS ROUGH AND STALLS -- WHAT TO CHECK -- CRANK POSITION SENSOR (CKP) TONE RING. *NJ
Bulletin 106 · Power Train · Dec 2007STEEL WHEEL REPLACEMENT. SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE STEEL WHEELS MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT COULD CAUSE THE WHEEL TO CRACK UNDER LONG-TERM DRIVING FATIGUE. *TT
Bulletin 046 · Wheels · Jun 2005IMPROVED TIMING BELTS FOR THE KIA RIO AND OPTIMA. *TT
Bulletin 82 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2005Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RIO. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2001 Kia RIO. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Wheels
Certain vehicle may have a manufacturing flaw that could cause the wheels to crack under long term driving fatigue. If cracks occur, wheel noise and vibration will result, becoming progressively worse. If the crack is severe, the wheel could separate from the vehicle which could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace all four wheels.
Transport Canada #2005161 · May 2005Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the fuel intake nipple of the fuel distributor is subject to fracture or cracking during removal of the quick connect coupling securing the main fuel tube assembly to the fuel intake nipple, or when force is accidentally applied to the intake nipple during the vehicle assembly process or during engine compartment repairs. If this occurs, fuel leakage can re…
Transport Canada #2003279 · Nov 2003Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Kia RIO
The Kia Rio is a subcompact car manufactured by Kia, produced from 1999 to 2023.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 3
WHEELS
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT COULD CAUSE THE WHEELS TO CRACK UNDER LONG TERM DRIVING FATIGUE. IF CRACKS OCCUR, WHEEL NOISE AND VIBRATION WILL RESULT AND BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FOUR WHEELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
NHTSA Campaign #05V159000 · manufacturer #SC046 · 20/04/2005FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE OF THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE OR CRACKING DURING REMOVAL OF THE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING SECURING THE MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY TO THE FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE, OR WHEN FORCE IS ACCIDENTALLY APPLIED TO THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR DURING ENGINE COMPARTMENT REPAIRS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR AND MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
NHTSA Campaign #04V179000 · manufacturer #SC036 · 09/04/2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUEL LEAKS MAY DEVELOP AT THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY BECAUSE OF QUALITY DEVIATIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR AND FUEL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
NHTSA Campaign #03V352000 · 24/09/2003Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 227 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Kia RIO, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 21 involved a crash 🔥 14 involved a fire 🚑 12 reported injuries
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 227
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2001 Kia RIO.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DOOR LOCKS ON BOTH FRONT DOORS STUCK IN THE LOCKED POSITION.
NHTSA ODI #10945096STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,ENGINE
PARKED CAR AT WORK CAME BACK OUT AND THE DOOR LOCK WAS DOWN TRIED TO PULL UP BUT IS STUCK OR CAUGHT ON SOMETHING. THE WAY THE SCREWS ARE IN THE DOOR 2 OF THEM CANNOT BE TAKEN OUT WITHOUT HAVING THE DOOR OPEN. WITH LONG LEGS ITS VERY DIFFICULT TO GET IN AND OUT OF VEHICLE!!! ALSO TROUBLE WITH THE ENGINE MISFIRING OF SPARKPLUG WITH SOME LOSS OF POWER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10554083ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT
IT IS DIFFICULT TO ENTER THE CAR WITH THE KEY AND WHEN I PULL THE DOOR HANDLE THE LOCK DROPS DOWN TO THE CLOSE POSITION AND I CAN'T GET OUT THIS HAPPENS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE,I HAVE TO HOLD THE LOCK ON THE UP POSITION WITH A PIECE OF METAL OR LEAVE THE REAR DOORS UNLOCKED IN CASE I HAVE TO JUMP OUT..THIS CAR IS A LEMON I HAVE REP…
NHTSA ODI #10545123STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES,WHEELS
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10136024 COMPONENT: WHEELS GAS IGNITION? YOU TELL ME? WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LEMONS KIA-2001 DETAILS: DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTM…
Crash · Fire · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #10471283WHEELS
I WAS ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE DOING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 65 MPH WHEN I HEARD A LOUD POP SOUND. THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE. I IMMEDIATELY PUT ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND SLOWED DOWN TO REACH THE NEAREST EXIT RAMP. I WAS ALONE IN THE CAR AND THANK GOD I HAD NO CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND AS SOON AS I REACHED THE EXIT RAMP I GOT OFF THE EXI…
NHTSA ODI #10468136LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
BOTH DOOR LOCKS GET STUCK ON BOTH THE PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVERS SIDE. WE HAVE HAD TO CLIMB IN THE BACK SEAT TO EXIT THE CAR. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE DEATH OR INJURY IF A FIRE AND COULD NOT EXIT THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10419394FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I BOUGHT A 2001 KIA RIO IN 2007 AND WITHIN 8 MONTHS MY FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. A YEAR LATER MY CAR STARTED SPUTTERING AND SHUTTING OFF RANDOMLY WHILE I DROVE IT. I ENDED UP HAVING TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP TWO MORE TIMES. I RECENTLY TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WERE THEY INFORMED ME I NEEDED ANOTHER FUEL PUMP. IM SORRY BUT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG IF I HAV…
NHTSA ODI #10406167FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
REF 2001 KIA RIO. PERPETUAL INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF FUEL PUMP TO OPERATE. FUEL PUMP REPLACED, RELAY REPLACED, AND ECM REPLACED. PUMP WON'T TURN ON AT START UP AND PERIODICALLY, THE PUMP STOPS OPERATING AFTER IT DOES COME ON WHILE DRIVING. NO WARNING. CAUSES SAFETY PROBLEM ON ROAD BY NOT HAVING ANY POWER TO MOVE CAR OFF ROAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10392541+ 219 more complaints on record.
