The 2001 Kia Rio has 5 recalls, the most serious being two distinct defects that can each lead to a fire or loss of vehicle control: cracking wheels and a fuel system prone to leaking near ignition sources.
The wheel defect causes noise and vibration that grow worse over time, and if a crack becomes severe enough, the wheel can separate from the car entirely, causing the driver to lose control. On the fuel side, the fuel distributor's intake nipple can crack or fracture, and a separate issue involves the fuel distributor assembly developing leaks due to quality problems. Both conditions allow fuel to escape into the engine compartment, where any ignition source can start a fire.
At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing flaw can cause wheels to crack from driving fatigue. Cracks create noise and vibration that worsen over time. Severe cracks may cause wheel separation, resulting in loss of control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace all four wheels.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Manufacturing defect causes wheels to crack under long-term driving stress. Cracks lead to noise and vibration that worsen progressively.
What the fix does
Dealers replace all four wheels at no cost. Recall began June 22, 2005. Contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel intake nipple on the fuel distributor can crack or break when the fuel tube coupling is disconnected, or if the nipple is accidentally bumped during vehicle assembly or engine repairs.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel distributor and main fuel tube assemblies.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel distributor's fuel intake nipple can crack or fracture when the fuel tube coupling is removed or if the nipple is accidentally bumped during assembly or repairs, potentially causing fuel leaks and fire.
What the fix does
A redesigned fuel distributor and main fuel tube assembly will be installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Fuel may leak from the fuel distributor assembly due to manufacturing quality issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel distributor and fuel connector assemblies.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
