2005 Kia Rio: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 36 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (25% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2005
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 36 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I was driving on public street loss control due to a pot hole in the street the car lost control flipping sliding then flip up right till it came to a stop on apt wall then when it was all over and done the airbag deployed go off on my arm right arm giving me second to third degree burns the purpose of the air bag ? I have broken back car was totaled now I got chronic pain everyday I lost my car am limited on mobilebility was going get screws placed on my back and un able to set walk or stand do to chronic pain”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2020
“When the car is exposed to moisture, either from underneath by driving through a small puddle or from above in a rainstorm, the engine compartment gets wet and causes the serpentine belt to slip. This results in sudden loss of power steering and alternator failure, which can lead to the car's power cutting out in the middle of the road. This is an obvious driving hazard, but I am told that this is a common issue due to the construction of the engine compartment in kia vehicles rather than a precipitating mechanical failure causing it.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 kia rio. While driving approximately 40 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact had to maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road to a complete stop. The vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing belt fractured and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact also stated that the vehicle was inspected and tagged with license plates one hour before the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 65,125.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“The blower stopped blowing air. For a short while it would come on, rare occasions and eventually stopped working. Changed the blower motor and resistor, still didn't work. Pulled the dash apart to change the blower switch and found that it had melted the plastic connector. Not sure what caused the malfunction, however once the new switch was put it the blower worked. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · Nov 2014
“Not really a safety issue but maybe you can help, please. I check engine light came on telling me I'm at less than 90% efficiency relative to pollution. When the mechanic checks the co2 and other pollution requirements I'm ok. I still get great mileage and good power. The problem is the computer says the converter is off and hence can't get a sticker but the car is not polluting ?? If I lived out side a big city where they do not track this stuff there would be no problem. Ps the cost to replace the cat converter is over $1400.00. While it us still 90% effective??? What gives please help. Thanks, *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2014
“Kia rio 2005 is a very poorly built car. The passengers door will not open, a mechanism in the door is broken. Since the door won't open no one seems to know how to repair this problem. The door panel can not be removed from the door without the door being open. Never again will I buy a kia of any kind. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2013
“The engine stopped in traffic on hwy, wife was in danger of being hit by other vehicles,no power to get to edge of roadway on bridge, heavy construction, had to climb out passenger door, down embankment to safety. Towed vehicle home to find engine locked up. Maintenance done regular belts, tires,oil changes and battery replaced. Only fuel gauge issue is all problems, ask dealer was told to bring in for estimate 300.00 to check.after issue on highway find out timing belt and engine problems have occur on this model since 2001. Sad for veteran unable to make repairs due to disability. Never buy or recommend kia to anyone. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2013
“The passenger door won't open. And this is a problem that many kia rio owners have with their car. Car is a piece of junk. It is by far the worst car I have ever owned. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 kia rio. The contact stated that the air bag and seat belt warning lights randomly flashed. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 12v244000 (air bags); however, the contact did not receive a recall notification. The vehicle was to be taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2012
“The driver seat belt latch assembly is split in two. There were no events leading up to the event, it just happened one day. It has not been repaired or replaced, it is currently being held together with duct tape. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Nov 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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 BACK. UNTIL THE RECALL REPAIR IS COMPLETED, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED BY YOUR CHILD SEATS MANUFACTURER ON HOW TO PROPERLY INSTALL THE CHILD SEAT WITH YOUR VEHICLE'S REAR SAFETY BELTS RATHER THAN USING THE LATCH SYSTEM.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2005 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Rio by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Kia Rio reliable?
NHTSA has 36 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2005 Kia Rio. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Kia Rio problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 52,000 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Kia Rio have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning child seat. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.