2003 Kia Rio review from North America

At 20,000km the car required new tires

At 24,000km a section of the exhaust fell off.

At 40,000km the check engine light has been going on and off. For the past 3 months I have been going to 2 dealers for the light. They have replaced the wheel sensor and transmission sensor. The light came back on again and indicated the wheel sensor again. They finally decided to diagnose the problem. It was corroded wires.

The two Kia dealers were not very helpful as they did not offer a pick up or drop off service.

It has been very inconvenient to keep taking the car in for the engine light.

The engine does not have a protective plate underneath it, so the entire engine compartment is covered with sand and salt from one winter driving.

The car makes loud whistle sounds when driving at high speeds. A complaint was made and I was informed that it is just the design of the car.

After the first oil change at 15,000km I noticed that the fuel mileage would worsen with every tank of gas. I started with about 450km per 30L tank. Now I only get 360km per tank.

Parts come from Korea and take a long time to come in.

The car is not made for tall people.

I am not happy with the Kia dealers as they do not inform you as to how the work is proceeding (if at all).