2003 Kia Rio
US · Compact Cars
The 2003 Kia Rio is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- 1.6L 4-cylinder
- Transmission
- Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Economy
- 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) combined
Key Figures
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L 4-cylinder | |
| Displacement | 1.6 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual | |
| Gears | 4 to 5 | |
| Drivetrain | FWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) |
Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.
Trims and configurations
2 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 4, 2026.
06V294000: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." WHEN USED WITH CERTAIN CHILD SEATS, THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR) FUNCTION IN THE REAR OUTBOARD SEATBELT ASSEMBLIES MAY DISENGAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR OUTBOARD SEATBELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HYUNDAI-KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Reported August 4, 2006. View on NHTSA
05V557000: 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…
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.
Reported December 12, 2005. View on NHTSA
04V179000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported April 9, 2004. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 18, 2026 · US Government public data
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved November 9, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: November 9, 2026
Data verified: November 9, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
Related vehicles
- 2002 Kia Rio
Gasoline
1.5L 4-cylinder · FWD
26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) - 2004 Kia Rio
Gasoline
1.6L 4-cylinder · FWD
26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km)
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 2003 Kia Rio have?
1.6L 4-cylinder. Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 2003 Kia Rio?
Combined fuel economy is 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 2003 Kia Rio front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: FWD.
Are there recalls for the 2003 Kia Rio?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 4, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.