2005 Kia Rio Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
28/100
#14 most-complained of 19 Rio years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2005 Kia Rio has 36 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 28 out of 100 — #14 highest of 19 Rio model years (verdict: Good). The most reported problem area is engine (19 complaints, 53% of the total). Complaints report 4 crashes, 4 fires, 8 injuries, and 1 death.
- Complaints
- 36
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24.5
- 21.5 city / 29 hwy
Top 2005 Kia Rio problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine19 (53%)
- Airbags4 (11%)
- Electrical System4 (11%)
- Seat Belts4 (11%)
- Fuel System3 (8%)
- Steering3 (8%)
- Structure & Body3 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (8%)
- Brakes1 (3%)
- HVAC1 (3%)
2005 Kia Rio recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 05V557000Dec 12, 2005Other90,865 vehicles
Child seat
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 recall repair is completed, follow the instructions provided by your child seats manufacturer on how to properly install the child seat with your vehicle's rear safety belts rather than using the latch system.
Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, if the child seat is not properly installed, personal injury or death could occur.
Remedy: 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.
2005 Kia Rio fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21.5 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 24.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Rio years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Kia Rio a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Kia Rio ranks #14 of 19 among Rio model years (Complaint Index 28/100, verdict: Good). It has 36 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Kia Rio?
- The most reported problem areas are engine (19 complaints), airbags (4 complaints), and electrical system (4 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 51,000 miles.
- Does the 2005 Kia Rio have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2005 Kia Rio, most recently reported 2005, covering other.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Kia Rio?
- EPA rates the 2005 Kia Rio at 24.5 MPG combined (21.5 city / 29 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,650. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.