Model year guide

2002 Kia Rio

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2002 Kia Rio is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 15 on record.

2002 Kia Rio — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2002 Kia Rio at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints158
Combined25 mpg
Typical price$1,086

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2002 Kia Rio recalls 1

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery NHTSA Campaign #04V179000 · 09/04/2004

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2002 Kia Rio common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 158 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Air Bags
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.

2002 Kia Rio MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,450

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2002 Kia Rio worth?

Low
$650
Typical price
$1,086
High
$1,400

From 11 comparable 2002 Kia Rio listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2002 Kia Rio costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,250
Fuel only$12,250
Per mile$0.16

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.

2002 Kia Rio trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Cinco
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl

2002 Kia Rio vehicles on record

2002 Kia Rio 2002 Kia Rio BaseKNADC123X26128412 2002 Kia Rio 2002 Kia Rio BaseKNADC123826187927 2002 Kia Rio BaseKNADC123026086526 2002 Kia Rio 2002 Kia Rio CincoKNADC163726060502 2002 Kia Rio BaseKNADC123126175960 2002 Kia Rio 2002 Kia Rio BaseKNADC123026101638 2002 Kia Rio 2002 Kia Rio CincoKNADC163326041297 2002 Kia Rio 2002 Kia Rio CincoKNADC163826089619 2002 Kia Rio 2002 Kia Rio BaseKNADC123626145966 2002 Kia Rio 2002 Kia Rio BaseKNADC123726161268 2002 Kia Rio 2002 Kia Rio BaseKNADC123126157927 2002 Kia Rio 2002 Kia Rio BaseKNADC123426185852 2002 Kia Rio 2002 Kia Rio CincoKNADC163426052230 2002 Kia Rio BaseKNADC123426164922 2002 Kia Rio CincoKNADC163126046322

Other Kia Rio model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2001

2002 Kia Rio — frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Kia Rio have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2002 Kia Rio. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Kia Rio?

Based on 158 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, seat belts, suspension.

What gas mileage does the 2002 Kia Rio get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2002 Kia Rio at about 25 mpg combined (23 city / 28 highway).

How much is a 2002 Kia Rio worth?

Comparable 2002 Kia Rio listings run roughly $650–$1,400, typically around $1,086 (from 11 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.