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Kia Rio Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement at your home or office.

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Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement Service

How much does a Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Kia Rio Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement is $221 with $81 for parts and $140 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2016 Kia RioL4-1.6LService typeWindshield Wiper Motor - Front ReplacementEstimate$483.72Shop/Dealer Price$569.50 - $818.74
2008 Kia RioL4-1.6LService typeWindshield Wiper Motor - Front ReplacementEstimate$308.31Shop/Dealer Price$350.72 - $473.84
2001 Kia RioL4-1.5LService typeWindshield Wiper Motor - Rear ReplacementEstimate$552.05Shop/Dealer Price$655.42 - $961.36
2006 Kia RioL4-1.6LService typeWindshield Wiper Motor - Front ReplacementEstimate$308.31Shop/Dealer Price$350.75 - $473.88
2007 Kia RioL4-1.6LService typeWindshield Wiper Motor - Front ReplacementEstimate$308.31Shop/Dealer Price$352.22 - $476.46
2005 Kia RioL4-1.6LService typeWindshield Wiper Motor - Rear ReplacementEstimate$552.05Shop/Dealer Price$655.56 - $961.61
2009 Kia RioL4-1.6LService typeWindshield Wiper Motor - Rear ReplacementEstimate$685.51Shop/Dealer Price$822.26 - $1228.31
2014 Kia RioL4-1.6LService typeWindshield Wiper Motor - Rear ReplacementEstimate$474.71Shop/Dealer Price$558.75 - $806.68
Show example Kia Rio Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement prices

What is the windshield wiper motor and how does it work?

The windshield wiper motor is a small electric motor. A shaft coming out of the motor connects to a linkage/transmission assembly that converts the rotary shaft movement of the motor to the linear, back-and-forth motion of the wiper arms across the windshield. In addition to the windshield wiper motor in the front, some SUVs, vans, hatchbacks and station wagons have an additional wiper motor mounted in the tailgate to keep the rear window clear.

When to consider replacing the windshield wiper motor?

  • No wiper function at all. Windshield wiper motors can fail, but prior to replacing the motor, the mechanic will check its power supply.
  • Wipers don’t park in the down position. There is an internal switch in the wiper motor that keeps the motor powered after you have shut it off to ensure the wipers park in the right spot. If that switch fails, the wiper motor must be repaired or replaced.
  • Erratic or slow wiper operation. If the electric motor or the transmission have worn excessively, you might experience erratic, intermittent, or slow wiper operation.
  • Grinding or clunking noises. Excessive wear in the motor transmission or wiper linkages may cause noise. A mechanic will determine the cause of the noise before performing repairs.

How do mechanics replace the windshield wiper motor?

  • Remove the cowl and any covers over the wiper motor and transmission assembly.
  • Remove the plug harness to the motor and disconnect the wiper transmission arm from the wiper motor.
  • Remove the bolts holding the motor and transmission assembly to the body of the car.
  • Install the new motor. The plug harness is usually keyed so it can only be inserted in one direction. If not, the proper polarity must be observed. Bolt the motor to the car body.
  • Cycle the motor several times by turning it on and off to establish the park position, then re-attach the linkage transmission assembly to the wiper motor.
  • Install all covers, cowling, and so forth and test operation of the motor on a wetted glass only.

Is it safe to drive with a windshield wiper motor problem?

Yes. So long as the weather is clear and there is no rain, snow, or ice, it is safe. However, if the wiper motor is not functioning properly driving in adverse weather conditions is quite risky and may even be impossible in heavy rain, which will often completely obscure your view through the windshield. Due to the unpredictability of the weather, it is always best to have the windshield wiper system in good working order.

When replacing the windshield wiper motor keep in mind:

  • Never turn on the wipers if the windshield wiper blades are frozen to the windshield or their path is blocked by snow or ice.
  • When the wiper motor is replaced, all the linkages in the wiper system should be lubricated.
  • The rubber inserts in the wiper arm have a lifetime of about 1 to 2 years. Replacing the inserts regularly will make it safer to drive in adverse weather.

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Number of Kia Rio services completed
3553+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Kia MECHANICS
1100+
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Meet some of our expert Kia mechanics

Real customer reviews from Kia owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(323)
Rating Summary
302
14
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302
14
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4

Daniel

8 years of experience
18 reviews
Request Daniel
Daniel
8 years of experience
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by Eduardo Acosta
Rio 2016 - Tire Rotation - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Excellent service! On time!

Daniel

8 years of experience
18 reviews
Request Daniel
Daniel
8 years of experience
Request Daniel
by Eduardo Acosta
Rio 2016 - Oil Change - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Excellent service! On time!

Nick

6 years of experience
12 reviews
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Nick
6 years of experience
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by charles graham
Rio 2008 - Power Steering Belt - Houston, TX
It was great working with Nick. He showed up early, worked quickly, and solved the problem.

Carlos

23 years of experience
467 reviews
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Carlos
23 years of experience
Request Carlos
by Skyler DeWitt
Rio 2008 - When I slow down and stop the car, engine shuts off - Riverside, CA
He's very knowledgeable and helped me to understand exactly what was going on with my car! Now that he's done my inspection and been so great, I made sure I scheduled the repair with him as well. Thank you, Carlos!

Excellent Rating

(323)
Rating Summary
302
14
1
2
4
302
14
1
2
4
Number of Kia Rio services completed
3553+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Kia MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform
Yourmechanic was featured in

New York Times NBC CBS Forbes INC Tech Crunch

Learn more about us

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