Model year guide

2003 Kia Rio

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Kia Rio is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 15 on record.

2003 Kia Rio — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Kia Rio at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints84
Combined26 mpg
Typical price$1,033

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

2003 Kia Rio recalls 3

Seat Belts:rear/other NHTSA Campaign #06V294000 · 04/08/2006

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." WHEN USED WITH CERTAIN CHILD SEATS, THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR) FUNCTION IN THE REAR OUTBOARD SEATBELT ASSEMBLIES MAY DISENGAGE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR OUTBOARD SEATBELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI-KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Child Seat NHTSA Campaign #05V557000 · 12/12/2005

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 R…

Fix: 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.

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.

2003 Kia Rio common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Seat Belts
Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2003 Kia Rio MPG & running costs

Combined26 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,400

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

What's a 2003 Kia Rio worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$1,033
High
$2,000

From 9 comparable 2003 Kia Rio listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Kia Rio costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,000
Fuel only$12,000
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.

2003 Kia Rio trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Cinco
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl

2003 Kia Rio vehicles on record

2003 Kia Rio 2003 Kia Rio BaseKNADC125836249491 2003 Kia Rio 2003 Kia Rio BaseKNADC125636251448 2003 Kia Rio 2003 Kia Rio BaseKNADC125636211855 2003 Kia Rio 2003 Kia Rio BaseKNADC125X36226939 2003 Kia Rio 2003 Kia Rio BaseKNADC125736233086 2003 Kia Rio BaseKNADC125536233605 2003 Kia Rio 2003 Kia Rio BaseKNADC125336255019 2003 Kia Rio 2003 Kia Rio BaseKNADC125736211329 2003 Kia Rio 2003 Kia Rio BaseKNADC125X36230134 2003 Kia Rio 2003 Kia Rio BaseKNADC125936253033 2003 Kia Rio 2003 Kia Rio BaseKNADC125436217900 2003 Kia Rio 2003 Kia Rio BaseKNADC125X36205301 2003 Kia Rio 2003 Kia Rio CincoKNADC165236154919 2003 Kia Rio CincoKNADC165336151768 2003 Kia Rio 2003 Kia Rio BaseKNADC125736258084

Other Kia Rio model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2002 2001

2003 Kia Rio — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Kia Rio have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Kia Rio?

Based on 84 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are seat belts, electrical system, exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Kia Rio get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Kia Rio at about 26 mpg combined (23 city / 30 highway).

How much is a 2003 Kia Rio worth?

Comparable 2003 Kia Rio listings run roughly $500–$2,000, typically around $1,033 (from 9 vehicles).

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