Kia Rio First generation (DC) - Facelift (2003 - 2005)

Custom-fit Add-ons
First generation (DC) - Facelift of Kia Rio has been in production since 2003 by 2005.
In addition to external changes, the model has undergone changes in technical terms. First generation (DC) - Facelift is longer than the previous generation by 1 inches . The weight of the car has increased by 161 lbs.
Kia Rio First generation (DC) - Facelift dimensions and specs
Compare two Kia Rio generations
First generation (DC) - Facelift | |
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Body style | Wagon, Sedan, Coupe |
Engine options | B4ED, 1.6L I-4, 107 HP, 108 lb/ft |
Length | 166.90 in |
Width | 65.90 in |
Height | 56.70 in |
Wheelbase | 94.90 in |
Curb weight | 2403 - 2447 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 |
Seating capacity | 5 |
Front hip room | 51.60 in |
Rear hip room | 53.50 in |
Front Headroom | 39.40 in |
Rear Headroom | 37.60 in |
Front shoulder room | 53.20 in |
Rear shoulder room | 52.80 in |
Fuel tank capacity | 11.90 gal |
MPG (City/Highway) | 25 - 26/31 - 33 |
Towing capacity | 1700 - 2000 lbs |
0-60 mph / 0-100 kph | 9.8 - 9.9 sec |
¼ mile time | 17.1 - 17.2 sec |
Kia Rio Common Problems generations
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a perfect car. Each car has its own design flaws and problems that the user has to deal with. During the Kia Rio First generation (DC) - Facelift production period from 2003 to 2005 drivers have reported 145 complaints. The most common problems are ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE.
Model Year | Complaints |
2005 Rio |
35
|
2004 Rio |
37
|
2003 Rio |
73
|
Problem Category | Number of Problems |
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING dt: the caller said the vehicle loses power when accelerating. heit only happens when vehicle accelerates from a standstill. no... |
27
~ 31623 miles |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM tl*the contact owns a 2005 kia rio. while driving 20 mph the air conditioner button became stuck when the contact... |
18
~ 41660 miles |
ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING failure of vehicle repair x 3 weeks. 3 different repairs still not fixed. kia refuses to give loan/rental to drive |
10
~ 32618 miles |
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC dt*: the contact stated the brakes on the vehicle have been making loud screeching noises every time the brake pedal... |
10
~ 16497 miles |
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE kia placed a bulletin with you on 1/1/05 #tsb82 #10015272. apparently kia thought that was enough. my kia was purchased... |
7
~ 57157 miles |
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN dt*: the contact stated while traveling at speeds below 25 mph the transmission would not downshift causing severe hesitation. the |
7
~ 19869 miles |
ENGINE tl* the contact owns a 2005 kia rio. the contact stated that the driver was driving 20 mph when she... |
6
~ 47354 miles |
SEAT BELTS our son was driving a 2005 kia rio 15 miles south of mcminnville or when he went off the road... |
6
~ 32667 miles |
FRONTAL > AIR BAGS air bag did not deploy during a head on collision. *tr... |
5
~ 37870 miles |
AIR BAGS airbag deployed without impact to the vehicle or any other vehicle present. vehicle in question is a 2005 brand new... |
5
~ 25885 miles |
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL dt: the contact owns a 2005 kia rio senco. the vehicle will stall in the middle of the road. it... |
5
~ 20471 miles |
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia rio. the contact stated that the manual door locks on both the interior... |
4
~ 68754 miles |
POWER TRAIN tl*the contact owns a 2005 kia rio. while driving at lows speeds the vehicle began to randomly hesitate. the failure... |
4
~ 32517 miles |
SUSPENSION dt*: the contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased on january 19th 2005 it has been experiencing problems with... |
4
~ 50124 miles |
UNKNOWN OR OTHER takata recall 2004 kia rio locks in car broken unable to unlock and get out the car i don't know |
3
~ 45933 miles |
MANUAL TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN on friday 8/22/08 the vehicle stalled after being driven for less than a quarter of a mile from my home... |
3
~ 47894 miles |
CLUTCH ASSEMBLY > POWER TRAIN at about 5 000 miles or maybe even sooner i began to detect and hear something that sounded and acted... |
3
~ 21000 miles |
BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS > GASOLINE > ENGINE dealer changed computer wiring harness 2 injectors plug timing belt sensor and replaced comes switches . bought a 2004 kia... |
3
~ 66500 miles |
IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM vehicle will not start intermittently when the key is inserted. dealer is aware of the problem and states that he |
3
~ 5783 miles |
STEERING when the car is exposed to moisture either from underneath by driving through a small puddle or from above in... |
2
~ 54500 miles |
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM not really a safety issue but maybe you can help please. i check engine light came on telling me i'm... |
2
~ 29000 miles |
DOOR > BODY > STRUCTURE kia rio 2005 is a very poorly built car. the passengers door will not open a mechanism in the door... |
2
~ 37400 miles |
WHEEL BEARING > FRONT > SUSPENSION tl* the contact owns a 2004 kia rio. while driving various speeds there was an abnormal noise underneath the vehicle.... |
2
|
BODY > STRUCTURE the passenger door won't open. and this is a problem that many kia rio owners have with their car. car |
2
~ 42500 miles |
EXHAUST SYSTEM > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING kia placed a bulletin with you on 1/1/05 #tsb82 #10015272. apparently kia thought that was enough. my kia was purchased... |
2
~ 59010 miles |
FUEL PUMP > DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's front end made a loud clanking noise and was taken to an independent mechanic... |
2
~ 27000 miles |
ROTOR > DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's front end made a loud clanking noise and was taken to an independent mechanic... |
2
~ 52777 miles |
WHEELS dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's front end made a loud clanking noise and was taken to an independent mechanic... |
2
~ 108500 miles |
CALIPER > DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 mph the brake pedal was depressed and the brakes did not respond. the... |
2
~ 8000 miles |
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER car stalling 15 mpg should get 35mpg rpm at 3.5 going 65 mph too high no power. purchased the vehicle... |
2
|
DELIVERY > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE dt*: the contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased on january 19th 2005 it has been experiencing problems with... |
2
~ 2840 miles |
EQUIPMENT my kia rio has 15000 miles on and the brakes went in the car. i called the dealer heritage ford... |
2
~ 9884 miles |
REAR/OTHER > SEAT BELTS the child safety restraint seat belt system in the rear seats of our new kia rio cinco does not work.... |
2
~ 18 miles |
TAIL LIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING so far there has not been any accidents caused by the cold start problem my car is having. the 2003... |
2
~ 28418 miles |
COLUMN > STEERING i purchased my vehicle in january 2003 first problem was that while driving with my 4 month old daughter the... |
2
|
FAN/MOTOR > DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM > VISIBILITY the blower stopped blowing air. for a short while it would come on rare occasions and eventually stopped working. changed... |
1
|
VISIBILITY/WIPER tl-the contact ct owns a 2004 kia rio. the contact stated that the windshield defroster and heating system failed. the... |
1
~ 87050 miles |
SERVICE BRAKES front right brake rotor separated at the inboard half. pieces not found. outboard half remained intact and is available for... |
1
~ 78000 miles |
TREAD/BELT > TIRES i bought my 03 kia rio in 04 and within a mo. have had problems ever since. i took it... |
1
~ 80020 miles |
EXTERIOR LIGHTING i bought my 03 kia rio in 04 and within a mo. have had problems ever since. i took it... |
1
~ 80020 miles |
MECHANICAL > EQUIPMENT bought 2003 kia rio new. in jan 2005 at about 53 000 miles i heard a rattle at about 50... |
1
~ 112000 miles |
STABILIZER BAR > FRONT > SUSPENSION tl*the contact owns a 2004 kia rio. while driving between 50-55 mph uphill the vehicle began weaving vibrating and shaking.... |
1
~ 76243 miles |
RACK AND PINION > STEERING the right side of the vehicle has a steering rack problem. what makes me interested in this problem was the... |
1
~ 12000 miles |
WIRING > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 2003 kia rio with defective engine. customer states that the dealership told her that a new engine was put in... |
1
~ 52067 miles |
AXLE ASSEMBLY > POWER TRAIN this 2003 kia rio was purchased used at a dealership a.v. kia palmdale ca but soon developed problems with the... |
1
~ 40318 miles |
REAR > SUSPENSION dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's front end made a loud clanking noise and was taken to an independent mechanic... |
1
~ 54000 miles |
ANCHORAGE > FRONT > SEAT BELTS dt*: the contact stated the seat belt on the driver's seat came unbolted from the frame. the vehicle was not |
1
~ 30000 miles |
WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER > VISIBILITY dt*: the contact stated the windshield wipers failed. the retaining nut on the windshield wiper arm loosens causing the windshield... |
1
~ 34000 miles |
ACCELERATOR PEDAL > VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL dt*: the contact stated the accelerator pedal stuck. the problem occurred multiple times while the accelerator was pressed down for... |
1
~ 70000 miles |
TANK ASSEMBLY > STORAGE > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE dt: the contact stated the fuel system malfunctioned. the fuel pump and components exploded in the gasoline storage tank. the... |
1
~ 114000 miles |
BUCKLE ASSEMBLY > REAR/OTHER > SEAT BELTS on september 30 2005 a kia rio was involved in a roll over wreck that resulted in the death of... |
1
|
LATCH > DOORS > LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES bought new car child safety locks failed. driver door jammed closed could not open from inside or outside. the dealer... |
1
~ 10306 miles |
LABELS > OTHER > EQUIPMENT bought new car child safety locks failed. driver door jammed closed could not open from inside or outside. the dealer... |
1
~ 10306 miles |
INJECTORS > FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM > FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE dealer changed computer wiring harness 2 injectors plug timing belt sensor and replaced comes switches . bought a 2004 kia... |
1
~ 23500 miles |
STRUCTURE dt*: the contact stated that since the vehicle was purchased on january 19th 2005 it has been experiencing problems with... |
1
~ 5529 miles |
FRONT > SEAT BELTS during a frontal-impact accident the driver airbag failed to deploy until after i hit the steering wheel. i then saw... |
1
~ 9300 miles |
FRONT > SUSPENSION my 2003 kia rio has died out on me about six times so far. i have brought it into the... |
1
~ 16000 miles |
LINKAGES > WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER > VISIBILITY nuts attaching the windsheild wipers to the wiper drive shaft repeatedly coming loose. it has happened several times before 3-15-04.... |
1
|
PADS > DISC > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS my kia rio has 15000 miles on and the brakes went in the car. i called the dealer heritage ford... |
1
~ 15000 miles |
PUMP > HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST > STEERING my new 2003 kia rio wagon was leaking power steering fluid from day one and the dealer tried to fix... |
1
~ 6 miles |
SHOES/LININGS > DRUM > FOUNDATION COMPONENTS while pulling out of a parking lot consumer hit the brake pedal and the brakes grabbed abruptly. when she tried... |
1
|
AIR CONDITIONER > APPLIANCE > EQUIPMENT the consumer took the vehicle to dealership to check for a strong odor inside of the vehicle. the fumes/odors became... |
1
~ 260 miles |
COLUMN SHIFT > LEVER AND LINKAGE > AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION when it rains the vehicle fails to start. also the catalytic convertor is giving out a rotten egg odor that... |
1
~ 50 miles |
CATALYTIC CONVERTOR > EMISSION CONTROL > EXHAUST SYSTEM when it rains the vehicle fails to start. also the catalytic convertor is giving out a rotten egg odor that... |
1
~ 50 miles |
BUCKLE ASSEMBLY > FRONT > SEAT BELTS bought 2003 kia on 11/16/02 eight mon. ago seatbelt lock came off trimming around doors and windows came off now |
1
|
OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL > OTHER > EQUIPMENT bought 2003 kia on 11/16/02 eight mon. ago seatbelt lock came off trimming around doors and windows came off now |
1
|
LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS > WHEELS the lug nuts peeled of the passenger side front wheel. *ph the tires were being rotated. when they were removed... |
1
|
SWITCH > IGNITION > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM so far there has not been any accidents caused by the cold start problem my car is having. the 2003... |
1
~ 4768 miles |
STARTER ASSEMBLY > ELECTRICAL SYSTEM so far there has not been any accidents caused by the cold start problem my car is having. the 2003... |
1
~ 4768 miles |
ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC while accelerating my 2003 kia rio onto the interstate while going uphill the car's transmission slipped and had no power... |
1
~ 2000 miles |
How to improve the appearance of your Kia Rio and to make it look younger?
Time goes on, and the automobile industry does not stand still. The cars that were trendy just a few years ago no longer make people look at you with such enthusiasm. However, you won't love your car any less because it's getting old. But if you want your Kia Rio to stand out from the crowd and still catch the eye, transform its appearance. Put on nice rims - it'll make it more noticeable right away. Install coilovers - lowered cars always look cooler. Add fender flares to the kit and you get a sportier look. Put decals on it and people passing by won't be able to take their eyes off of you.
However, you can not only change the appearance of your car beyond recognition, but also to rejuvenate it. If you want, you can make your car a couple of generations younger. To do this you should buy a body kit - a set of body elements that repeat the outlines of cars of later versions. It won't make the car go faster, but it will be extremely difficult to notice the differences externally.
Body kits
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All-Fit Automotive 2.5 Inch Universal Bu...
- ✔️ Protect your bumper from scrapes; OEM grade lip is made in the USA and does not rip or tear
- ✔️ The strongest bumper lip you can buy; Heavy duty material offers excellent protection
- ✔️...
-
GOOACC 240PCS Bumper Retainer Clips Car ...
- UNIVERSAL FIT KIT - Great Assortment Push Retainer Kit with 12 popular size, fitting for door trim, radiator shield yoke, fender, bumper and splash shield retainers replacement for Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda and more.
-
Xotic Tech Front Bumper Lip Chin Spoiler...
- 【Material】Made of updated durable and sturdy ABS, no deformation in long-term use, physically strong firm and durable, anti-collision and scratch-resistant
- 【Special Design】DIY installation, different cool style reveal no matter you install the White spoiler or...
-
Xotic Tech Universal Front Bumper Lip Ch...
- [Model] - Universal fitment for most vehicle front bumper lip.(Please measure and check the position you are going to install the spoiler, and make sure these splitters will fit your vehicle before purchase.)
- [Material] -...
-
Bumper Trunk Quick Release Front Rear Bu...
- Need to attach and detach your bumper quickly? Quick release fasteners are great for front bumpers, rear bumpers, and hatch lids that need to be frequently removed. They are perfect for people who go to...
-
iJDMTOY 30W High Power 10-LED LEDayFlex ...
- All new Free-style flexible design
- 10 pieces super bright 3W each eagle eye LED lights (30W total)
- Each LED light is measured at 0.94" in diameter and 1.00" in length
- Free style mounting to bumper...
Fender flares
-
EZ Flares – The Original Universal Fle...
- ENHANCE & PROTECT YOUR RIDE – The universal fender EZ Flares are a fast, easy, and low-cost way to give your car an aggressive, off-road look! Universal compatibility allows it to be installed on virtually...
-
EZ Flares XL – The Original Universal ...
- MAXIMUM PROTECTION & TIRE COVERAGE – The universal EZ Flares XL are fast, easy way to give your truck an aggressive, off-road look and stay legal! Universal compatibility allows it to be installed on virtually...
-
GOOACC Blind Rivet,Fender Flare & Rocker...
- 20 Pieces of Nylon Blind Rivets: Replaces GM: 10184895, 20452072 Ford: N803862-S, Chrysler: 6501559, 6506007-AA
- 20 Pieces of Fender Flare & Rocker Moulding Clip:Replaces Chrysler: 68039280-AA Jeep Wrangler JK & Wrangler Unlimited JK 2007 -
-
Mean Mug Auto 23181-6133A 50x Fender Fla...
- Precision-engineered to push firmly into a 10 mm hole and lock into place.
- Ready to fit snuggly into your vehicle with the 14 mm stem length and the 38 mm head diameter.
- Compatible with Chrysler:...
-
50PCS Fender Flare Clips, Push Door Trim...
- [High quality material]: Fender Flare Clips are made of high quality Nylon material, which is wear-resistant and corrosion resistant. It is equipped with black foam for better sealing, smaller swing, and is not easy to...
-
A-Premium 4 Pcs Black Universal Splash G...
- Upgraded Universal Mud Flaps Splash Guards; Drilling Holes Required
- Compatible Makes: Universal; For All Body Styles: Car, Pickup, SUV, Van, Truck, etc.
- Package Includes: 4 Pcs (1 Set) --- Front and Rear
- Color: Black; Material:...
Rims
-
All-Fit Rim Trim Wheel Protection Strips...
- Car Wheel Rim Protection Strips Available In 7 Standout Colors ?
- 25 Feet of OEM Grade Wheel Rim Material That Won't Rip Or Tear
- Package Includes Enough Rim Trim Wheel Protection For Four 24 inch...
-
Tallew 4 Pcs Push Through Wheel Center C...
- Quality Material Selection: made of quality stainless steel, the wheel center cap is sturdy and solid, reliable and long lasting, strong enough against breakage, deformation and abrasion, serving you for long
- Notable Size Details: the...
-
VARGTR 4 Pcs Tire Valve Stem Caps,Lumino...
- [Material] The valve dust cap is made of high-quality and durable ABS plastic, which is dustproof and waterproof and can be used for a long time.
- [Fluorescent Design] The wheel tire valve absorbs light when...
-
Ouzorp Car Wheel Scratch Fix Rim Touch U...
- If you are parking sideways, your wheels are easily scratched, the kits help you repair scratches and slight dents.
- It has never been easier to repair your wheels quickly! No need to take your wheels...
-
Ouzorp Car Wheel Scratch Fix Rim Touch U...
- If you are parking sideways, your wheels are easily scratched, the kits help you repair scratches and slight dents.
- It has never been easier to repair your wheels quickly! No need to take your wheels...
-
Reswish 20 PCS Car Wheel Decorative Stri...
- [Package Included] You will get 20 pieces of reflective stickers for car wheels, which are 0.28x3.5 inches in size and suitable for round rims.
- [High Quality Material] The reflective strips for universal wheels of automobiles...
Coilovers
-
Xotic Tech 2pc Adjustable 6"-9" Front Bu...
- ?2 pieces of front bumper lip splitter rod strut tie bars, universal for cars use.
- ?Package includes fully articulated top and bottom joins which allow them to be installed at any angle.
- ?Made with premium...
-
Xotic Tech Front Bumper Lip Chin Spoiler...
- 【Material】Made of updated durable and sturdy ABS, no deformation in long-term use, physically strong firm and durable, anti-collision and scratch-resistant
- 【Special Design】DIY installation, different cool style reveal no matter you install the White spoiler or...
-
Yaruicar Custom Car Floor Mats Automotiv...
- Car Floor Mats fit for Honda, Toyota, Ford, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Buick, Porsche, Acura, etc. Model,Click the customize button start your order
- All the colors are in stock. The processing will be...
-
Brake Light Flasher Strobe Brake Light S...
- What you can receive: there are 4 pieces of flash strobe controllers and 4 pieces of double sided adhesive tapes in the package, which can alert the vehicles behind you to stop to avoid rear-end...
-
iJDMTOY Universal Fit Gun Metal Grey Fin...
- Universal fit for most cars (sedan/coupe/convertible)
- Come with (4) gunmetal grey color powder-coated anodized finish aluminum fasteners, (4) sets of stainless bolts/nuts/washers, (2) high strength fastener O-ring rubber bands
- Made with T6 6061 high quality...
-
JUSTTOP Universal Cleaning Gel for Car, ...
- Safe and Eco-friendly: The car beauty keyboard cleaning gel is made of high quality biodegradable gel material, non-sticky and smells like a light lemon fragrance. It is non-irritating to the skin and is environmentally safe.Cleaning...
Decals
-
24 x 6.6 Inches Giant Car Bumper Sticker...
- What Will You Get: this package contains 2 pieces 24 x 6.6 inches of large size car stickers for easy replacement and sharing, this will be the ideal present option, and if you have a...
-
3D Aluminum Alloy American US Flag Decal...
- Note: Please refer to picture 2 for size. The size of each shape is different. Please confirm the shape and size you need carefully before purchasing.Waterproof, light, no shrinkage, no fading, no rust.
- Quality: High...
-
Arrow Reflective Stickers for Car, 24PCS...
- 【Safety Warning Stickers】: This car sticker is designed with a diamond-grade, high-brightness reflective prism structure, which can have a good reflective effect even in low light. It is not only a cool decorative item, but...
-
8 Pcs Wheel Rim Decal Stripes Car Decals...
- Quality Materials: these rim decals are made of reflective PVC material, which is waterproof and windproof, can resist rain erosion and sunlight, not easy to fade, good adhesion, not easy to fall, and can be...
-
7 inch Snow Mountain Tree Stickers for C...
- 【Works for A Long Time】: This forest snow mountain sticker is made of high quality PVC material, not only waterproof and anti-fading, but also not easy to fade very durable. We use a high level...
-
SINGARO Funny Car Stickers Exterior Acce...
- Funny stickers: Decorate your beloved car with this funny car sticker.
- Sticker composition: The sticker consists of three parts, the first layer is a transparent transfer film, the second layer is a car sticker, and...

Kia Rio specs
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Performance
Engine |
0-60 times |
Horsepower |
Upgrades |
Exterior
Wheels |
Wheel Interchange |
Bulbs |
Dimensions |
Ground clearance |
Weight |
Upgrades |
Interior
Steering wheel |
Speakers size |
Upgrades |
Maintenance
Towing Capacity |
Oil Capacity |
Wipers size |
Fuses |
Gas tank size |
Battery size |
Cargo space |
Safety ratings |
Complaints |
Generations |
Upgrades |
Manuals |
Mpg |
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