Lemon?

[zinerva]

Oh man. I'm really losing my patience with Kia. I bought a new 2006 Rio EX Convenience about four months ago....

Just this month I had probs with the ignition coil. They fixed it under warranty.
Then I had rough starts, so they put in a software update for the computer. That didn't help, so they replaced the computer.
I just got it back yesterday, and it seemed to run no prob. But this morning I go out and it won't start!

It's been wet out, and it seems every time it's wet, it has a rough start (or in this case won't start). I told the mechanics that, but they insist the wires and everything are fine.

I'm really beginning to wonder about this car and question the purchase. It seems my 1992 Chrysler caravan, with 400,000km on it, was more reliable. That's just sad.

Anyone else experiencing any probs like this with their Rio, and what did you do to fix it?

[mwrobe1]

Sorry about your troubles. No probs with mine and I have almost have 8k on the clock...getting sticker milage too.

[zinerva]

Thanks... it's reassuring to know that the cars are working well for others. And the tow truck driver said he doesn't usually have to tow Kias. Dodge, on the other hand, they tow all the time. So there's hope for my car

And it looks like it's almost a comedy of errors here. It seems when they replaced my computer, they reprogrammed the chip in my spare key, but forgot to reprogramme the key I always use. So it wouldn't start because as far as the car was concerned, it wasn't me, I guess. It never even crossed my mind to use the other key.

Note to self and anyone who didn't think of this before: check both keys, always, when there's a glitch.

[mwrobe1]

Glad to hear it was something simple.

[peddy10181]

over 8K on mine and every thing seems to be going good.

[Schnauzer]

I have a friend who works at a Kia dealership's service department. I asked if he was aware of any problems with the new Rio model and he sort of laughed. He said if it was an earlier Rio prior to 2006, he wouldn't have a thing good to say about the car. However, the 2006 in his opinion is very reliable and well designed. He drives one back and forth to work daily and loves his Rio. I've seen a few new Rios around so they are selling well in my area. If there were problems, we would be hearing about them on this forum for sure. Enjoy your Rio!

[Spec SX]

I have a friend that bought a pair of Rio5's back in December. One for him and one for his wife. They have had no issues with either of them. The love them.

[zinerva]

Yeah, I've pretty much heard only good things about the new model. That, plus dif in warranties, look of car, driving test, and what dealerships were willing to give me, made up my mind to get the Rio.

I really like my little car. Besides this, it's been great. That's why I'm so confused, and I think the service dept is too. They've been in contact with Kia Canada/America, who have been persistent in following up on this issue with them. I was all excited when they told me it was a silly mistake and the chip in the key had to be reprogrammed. I thought all the troubles were finally over.

Sadly, this morning the original prob with the rough start and CEL light are back. *sighs*
I think I have some unlucky flukey glitch going on, seeing as how no one else seems to be reporting these issues anywhere else that I can find.

As a last resort before hauling it back into the dealership, I'm going to try burning off my half tank of gas and putting in better stuff on the off chance this could be the prob, although I doubt "bad gas" would prompt the CEL to come on.

Any suggestions? And thanks again for your replies. I'm glad to hear the Rios, as a whole, seem to work well.

[DooDoo]

BEWARE!! Most of these people saying good things about Kia work for Kia. Bad cars= job security for mechanics!!

[peddy10181]

ya i work for kia. oh wait, no i work for wal-mart lol. and i still love the car =)