2004 Kia RIO
KNEDC241346212180
Vehicle record for the 2004 Kia RIO (VIN KNEDC241346212180). Gray, sedan, gasoline. Registered in Odesa. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Free specifications, registration region and recall data.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN KNEDC241346212180
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
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
What's a 2004 Kia RIO worth?
What comparable 2004 Kia RIO vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2004 Kia RIO.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 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.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Kia RIO.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2004 Kia Rio 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2004 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 2004 Kia RIO — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 13
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 13.
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 MOTORS: INSTALLING AN ADDITIONAL GROUND CABLE TO THE BATTERY MAY CAUSE SENSOR PROBLEMS. *RM
Bulletin TSB-015 · Electrical System · Jun 2011KIA: 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 2007TECHLINE FAQS. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4. *TT
Bulletin 84 · 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 2004 Kia RIO. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 210.2. The child restraint fixture anchor may contact the rear seat back frame. This interference prevents the forward most portion of the anchor from adequately penetrating the child lower anchors. In the event of a crash, if the child seat is not properly secured, personal injury or death could occur. Correction:…
Transport Canada #2005404 · Dec 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 2
CHILD SEAT
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' CERTAIN CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS WILL NOT FULLY LATCH ONTO THE LOWER LATCH ANCHORS LOCATED BETWEEN THE REAR SEAT BACK AND REAR SEAT CUSHION BECAUSE OF INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE CHILD SEAT ANCHORS AND A METAL WIRE LOCATED IN THE FRAME OF THE REAR SEAT B…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER ANCHORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
NHTSA Campaign #05V557000 · manufacturer #SC057 · 12/12/2005FUEL 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 · 09/04/2004Note: 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 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Kia RIO, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 5 involved a crash 🔥 2 involved a fire 🚑 2 reported injuries
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
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 50
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2004 Kia RIO.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I bought this car used a little less than a week ago. There was a thumping noise under the hood so I took the car to the dealer twice for this issue. I looked under the hood tonight and found a bunch of pieces that are not bolted down and the battery is completely unsecured and can move around freely. It’s horribly unsafe because the battery being loose c…
NHTSA ODI #11575004UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY WIFE GOT LOCKED IN HER CAR IN THE GARAGE AT HOME. THERE IS A SPRING ON THE DOOR LATCH THAT HOLDS UP A LEVER, THAT BROKE, CAUSING THE LEVER TO DROP AND JAM THE LOCK LEVER. WHEN SHE TRIED TO UNLOCK HER DOOR IT WOULD NOT RELEASE AND THE AUTO LOCK FUNCTION KEPT THE OTHER DOORS LOCKED TOO. WE WERE ABLE TO USE MY KEY TO QUICKLY UNLOCK AND OPEN THE PASSENGE…
NHTSA ODI #11202631UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TAKATA RECALL 2004 KIA RIO LOCKS IN CAR BROKEN UNABLE TO UNLOCK AND GET OUT THE CAR I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE LOCKING SYSTEM AND IT HAS BECOME A MAJOR PROBLEM
NHTSA ODI #11183157STRUCTURE
DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK. WHEN LOCKED FROM INSIDE THE CAR YOU HAVE TO CRAWL OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE AND GO AROUND TO DRIVER DOOR, PUT THE KEY IN THE LOCK AND WIGGLE THE INSIDE DOOR LOCK LEVER. SOMETIMES IT TAKES MINUTES TO GET IT TO UNLOCK. IF YOU WERE TO HAVE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE …
NHTSA ODI #11062844SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MULTIPLE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND A DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE WHEEL BEARING WAS REPLACED MULTIPLE TIMES; HOWEVER, THE FAILUR…
NHTSA ODI #10897541SUSPENSION
THE KIA WAS UNDER WARRANTY AT THIS TIME: IT REQUIRED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I WAS TOLD IT WAS ABOUT TO 'DROP'. DESPITE BEING UNDER WARRANTY, I WAS MADE TO PAY FOR IT. 2007 THE PASSENGER REAR DOOR STOPPED WORKING AND WOULD NOT OPEN. IN 2008 THE ELECTRICAL WENT. NO INTERIOR LIGHTS, RADIO AND NO 'DOOR AJAR' WARNING. 2008 THE DOOR BEHIND DRIVER WOULD NOT OPEN. 2…
NHTSA ODI #10750410WHEELS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE WHEEL BEARING AND THE HUB FROM BOTH REAR WHEELS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEEL BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRE BEARINGS WERE PREVIOUSLY REPLAC…
NHTSA ODI #10725617SUSPENSION
OK, MY CAR MAKES A THUMPING NOISE UNDER THE TIRE, THOUGHT WAS THE WHEEL BEARING IT'S NOT SOMEONE SAID IT WAS THE AXLE I DON'T KNOW ALSO, THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON I CHANGED THE AIR FILTER, I READ THAT SOMEONE ELSE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FILTER, I READ THAT THE AXLE RUSTS OUT, I THINK THIS CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM…
NHTSA ODI #10614790+ 42 more complaints on record.
