Oil leaks, timing belt, water leaks and gearbox on the first-generation Kia Rio

Engine / equipment

Kia Rio I (1.3 and 1.5 petrol)

Period mentioned

2000–2005

Symptoms

Engine oil leaks, body squeaks and rattles, water in the boot, a crunch when changing from third to second and an automatic that is slow to engage D or R; blue smoke when accelerating if the engine is worn.

Possible cause described

The Australian guides point to uneven build quality, frequent oil leaks and many cars already due for a timing-belt change; one owner found a boot leak caused by badly applied sealant. The third-to-second change is the first thing to go on the manual gearbox.

Check for the garage

Check the engine bay for oil; ask for the belt invoice; look at the boot floor; test the third-to-second change and D and R engagement on the automatic.

Cost cited in the source

No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database