2001 Kia Rio Base
KNADC123216051128
Vehicle history report for the 2001 Kia Rio Base (VIN KNADC123216051128). Green, sedan/saloon, 1.5L 4-cyl, gasoline. 133,575 mi reported. Registered in Fl. No open recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN KNADC123216051128
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.
Safety recalls None found
No open NHTSA recall campaigns were found for this 2001 Kia Rio.
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Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 227 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Kia Rio, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 3 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire 🚑 4 reported injuries
🔍 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.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test all accessories — sunroof, climate, seats, electronics — for proper operation.
🔍 Check tread depth, the DOT age date, and that all four tires match with even wear. Look for bulges or cracks.
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.
