2003 Kia Rio electrical system problems
15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2003 Kia Rio — 20% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“All of the brake lights quit working at the same time. Done a search to see if there was any other problems like mine and found 3 other owners with the same problem. It has been in a mechanic shop for 2 weeks now and I have just got done talking with him this morning about it and he said that he…”
filed Nov 3, 2014
“Going out to dinner, about 1 mile away from home smell coming from car. Turned down a side street, smoke coming from heat/air adjustment area on dash. Stopped car, fire started coming out of the area where you adjust the heat/air. Before fire department could get there the entire car was on fire…”
filed Jun 24, 2013
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues…
PS443 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 4, 2016
Electrical System problems in other Rio years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Rio | 4 | 15% |
| 2019 Rio | 1 | 5% |
| 2018 Rio | 5 | 18% |
| 2017 Rio | 3 | 10% |
| 2016 Rio | 8 | 10% |
| 2015 Rio | 9 | 17% |
| 2014 Rio | 5 | 10% |
| 2013 Rio | 27 | 18% |
| 2012 Rio | 6 | 12% |
| 2011 Rio | 5 | 21% |
| 2010 Rio | 4 | 15% |
| 2009 Rio | 2 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Kia Rio
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.