Model year guide

2004 Kia Rio

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Kia Rio is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 13 on record.

2004 Kia Rio — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Kia Rio at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints50
Combined25 mpg
Typical price$1,660

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

2004 Kia Rio recalls 2

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.

2004 Kia Rio common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

2004 Kia Rio MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,450

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

What's a 2004 Kia Rio worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$1,660
High
$4,490

From 9 comparable 2004 Kia Rio listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 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.

2004 Kia Rio trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · Cinco · F/L
Engines
1.6L

2004 Kia Rio vehicles on record

Other Kia Rio model years

2004 Kia Rio — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Kia Rio have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2004 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 2004 Kia Rio?

Based on 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are suspension, structure, latches/locks/linkages.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Kia Rio get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2004 Kia Rio at about 25 mpg combined (22 city / 30 highway).

How much is a 2004 Kia Rio worth?

Comparable 2004 Kia Rio listings run roughly $500–$4,490, typically around $1,660 (from 9 vehicles).

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