2013 KIA RIO

2 recalls — 217 complaints

23V652000 Sep 25, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Defect Description
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may... Read more
Consequence
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2... Read more
1,730,192 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
23V652000 Sep 25, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Defect Description
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may... Read more
Consequence
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2... Read more
1,730,192 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

217 total complaints 13 crashes 32 fires 14 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ENGINE53
AIR BAGS34
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM26
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC20
UNKNOWN OR OTHER19
STEERING10
SERVICE BRAKES8
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM7
EXTERIOR LIGHTING6
VISIBILITY/WIPER5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 24, 2026
Incident date: Mar 22, 2026
Was sleeping and heard a pop looked and there was a fire under the hood tried to extinguish it got it outside on the road, and it burned to the ground basically
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 2, 2026
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Case numberODI11697241
ENGINE Feb 2, 2026
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Case numberODI11697241
STEERING Feb 2, 2026
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Case numberODI11697241
SERVICE BRAKES Jan 15, 2026
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Vehicle showed all defect warnings as described in recall #23v652 .To include loss of all hydraulic components. Your reference Claim # [XXX]. I would like to know the status of this claim as the dealer still has my vehicle and now claims needs chassis repair , even though they earlier did an underc... Read more
STEERING Jan 15, 2026
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Vehicle showed all defect warnings as described in recall #23v652 .To include loss of all hydraulic components. Your reference Claim # [XXX]. I would like to know the status of this claim as the dealer still has my vehicle and now claims needs chassis repair , even though they earlier did an underc... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 15, 2026
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
Vehicle showed all defect warnings as described in recall #23v652 .To include loss of all hydraulic components. Your reference Claim # [XXX]. I would like to know the status of this claim as the dealer still has my vehicle and now claims needs chassis repair , even though they earlier did an underc... Read more
ENGINE Nov 3, 2025
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact had notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The recall repair was performed; however, while starting the vehicle the check engine, ABS, and oil warning lig... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Nov 3, 2025
Incident date: Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact had notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair. The recall repair was performed; however, while starting the vehicle the check engine, ABS, and oil warning lig... Read more
ENGINE Sep 5, 2025
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
Car started smoking while drive, lucky I was already pulling in my driveway.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 5, 2025
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
Car started smoking while drive, lucky I was already pulling in my driveway.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Sep 5, 2025
Incident date: Aug 5, 2025
Car started smoking while drive, lucky I was already pulling in my driveway.
ENGINE Sep 3, 2025
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
On July 17, 2025, shortly before 4am, my son's 2013 Kia Rio caught fire, while sitting in the driveway turned off, and was totally destroyed. The car was parked in the driveway at his house and there were not any warning signs before it happened. On June 10, 2024 we had the HECU fuse replaced throu... Read more
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 3, 2025
Incident date: Jul 17, 2025
On July 17, 2025, shortly before 4am, my son's 2013 Kia Rio caught fire, while sitting in the driveway turned off, and was totally destroyed. The car was parked in the driveway at his house and there were not any warning signs before it happened. On June 10, 2024 we had the HECU fuse replaced throu... Read more
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY May 23, 2025
Incident date: Feb 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact stated that after receiving a notice of a recall, the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for the recall repair; however, several days later, the contact experienced intermittent difficulty starting the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally stal... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Feb 3, 2025
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
Engline starting smoking and the car was engulfed in flames.
Fire
ENGINE Feb 3, 2025
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
Engline starting smoking and the car was engulfed in flames.
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 3, 2025
Incident date: Jan 25, 2025
Engline starting smoking and the car was engulfed in flames.
Fire
ENGINE Jan 14, 2025
Incident date: Jan 6, 2025
UNKNOWN Was clearing my car of snow and had the defroster on when I smelled a burning smell coming from I assume the engine.
ENGINE Dec 4, 2024
Incident date: Jan 14, 2021
It's very high insurance..I paid twice the amount of the car in insurance and registration Kelly Bluebook said car is worth 5000.00 Brand New...I paid 6995.00 plus taxes There's a recall on my vehicle and it has 147,000 miles and i haven't even drove anywhere but from Palace Station to Decatur
POWER TRAIN Dec 4, 2024
Incident date: Jan 14, 2021
It's very high insurance..I paid twice the amount of the car in insurance and registration Kelly Bluebook said car is worth 5000.00 Brand New...I paid 6995.00 plus taxes There's a recall on my vehicle and it has 147,000 miles and i haven't even drove anywhere but from Palace Station to Decatur
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Dec 4, 2024
Incident date: Jan 14, 2021
It's very high insurance..I paid twice the amount of the car in insurance and registration Kelly Bluebook said car is worth 5000.00 Brand New...I paid 6995.00 plus taxes There's a recall on my vehicle and it has 147,000 miles and i haven't even drove anywhere but from Palace Station to Decatur
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Oct 4, 2024
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Nu... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Oct 4, 2024
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Nu... Read more
ENGINE Oct 4, 2024
Incident date: Oct 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood. The contact stated that the failure also occurred while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Nu... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Oct 3, 2024
Incident date: Sep 13, 2024
See attached document for complaint.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 10, 2024
Incident date: Apr 10, 2024
Dealer has failed to remedy recall 23V652 in a reasonable amount of time. Received the original recall notice dated April 10, 2024. Immediately scheduled an appointment with the dealer. Dealer fixed another outstanding recall but said they didn't have the part for the 23V652 recall. Contacted the d... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Aug 27, 2024
Incident date: Aug 27, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amou... Read more
ENGINE Jul 29, 2024
Incident date: May 31, 2024
Vehicle has just over 110,000 miles and the vehicle burns oil like crazy. Piston rings typically last 150,000 miles. Started running low on old 5,000 miles ago. I’ve looked online and found more incidences like mine and are happening around the same mileage. This can cause major engine damage if l... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Jun 11, 2024
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.... Read more
ENGINE May 17, 2024
Incident date: May 15, 2024
Slowed down on highway as there was a backup from an exit, then accelerated again and car would not accelerate correctly. Engine light came on and then turned off as I exited off the highway. I turned the car off once safely parked. Burning smell was noted. Car would not start and was towed to auto ... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL May 17, 2024
Incident date: May 15, 2024
Slowed down on highway as there was a backup from an exit, then accelerated again and car would not accelerate correctly. Engine light came on and then turned off as I exited off the highway. I turned the car off once safely parked. Burning smell was noted. Car would not start and was towed to auto ... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Apr 22, 2024
Incident date: Apr 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable a... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Apr 15, 2024
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The ... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Apr 12, 2024
Incident date: Apr 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amoun... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Apr 5, 2024
Incident date: Jan 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 37 MPH, the window malfunctioned, and the headlights and every light inside the vehicle flickered and dimmed. The... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Mar 26, 2024
Incident date: Mar 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amoun... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Mar 15, 2024
Incident date: Mar 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 12, 2024
Incident date: Mar 12, 2024
Unknown. Just worrying about my engine starting a fire. I've been twice now to kia in somerset ky and till haven't gotten any where
ENGINE Mar 6, 2024
Incident date: Sep 25, 2023
This complaint is in regard to a safety recall (NHTSA Recall# 23V652) of our 2013 Kia Rio. On November of 2023, we received an interim notice in the mail about a Kia Rio recall. The recall occurred in September 2023, two months earlier. The notice detailed that the Rio had a safety risk of an engine... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Mar 1, 2024
Incident date: Nov 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). While the contact's daughter was driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Feb 22, 2024
Incident date: Jan 18, 2024
The contact's mother owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The owner received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the ABS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. Th... Read more
ENGINE Feb 21, 2024
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
My 2013 KIA Rio began dying while I was driving it in mid January 2024. Approximately three weeks after this began occurring, my oil pressure sensor light started flickering when I would turn the corner. As soon as I got home, I checked the oil and it was empty. I had not previously experienced this... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 21, 2024
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
My 2013 KIA Rio began dying while I was driving it in mid January 2024. Approximately three weeks after this began occurring, my oil pressure sensor light started flickering when I would turn the corner. As soon as I got home, I checked the oil and it was empty. I had not previously experienced this... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Feb 21, 2024
Incident date: Feb 15, 2024
My 2013 KIA Rio began dying while I was driving it in mid January 2024. Approximately three weeks after this began occurring, my oil pressure sensor light started flickering when I would turn the corner. As soon as I got home, I checked the oil and it was empty. I had not previously experienced this... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Feb 5, 2024
Incident date: Feb 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonabl... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Feb 2, 2024
Incident date: Feb 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jan 27, 2024
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
driver door lock has stopped responding to the key fob and the door no longer unlocks with the key. the key works, but only unlocks the other doors, even when used on the driver side. The driver side lock also does not respond to the inside buttons for unlocking the door. all three other doors work,... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 27, 2024
Incident date: Jan 27, 2024
driver door lock has stopped responding to the key fob and the door no longer unlocks with the key. the key works, but only unlocks the other doors, even when used on the driver side. The driver side lock also does not respond to the inside buttons for unlocking the door. all three other doors work,... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Jan 10, 2024
Incident date: Dec 14, 2023
a few months last year took my car in for regular oil change and within about 3 weeks after the oil change the car was out of oil from the point had to start adding oil once a month and then more recently the car just would stop oil would be practically empty have to jump the car recently the car ju... Read more

Showing 50 of 217 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy — 2013 KIA RIO

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 28.0 36.0 31.0 Regular $1,950
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 29.0 37.0 32.0 Regular $1,850

CO2 Emissions: 291.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — KIA RIO

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA04020 Opened: Jul 22, 2004 — Closed: Apr 28, 2005
EA — Closed — Model Year: 2001
STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE
ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-030) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 12 THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2000.WHEELS... Read more
PE04030 Opened: Mar 24, 2004 — Closed: Jul 22, 2004
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2001
STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE
ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MAY 12 AND OCTOBER 18, 2000.WHEELS WERE MANUFA... Read more
EA03015 Opened: Aug 28, 2003 — Closed: Apr 30, 2004
EA — Closed — Model Year: 2001
FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE
ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003.ON SE... Read more
PE03016 Opened: Apr 15, 2003 — Closed: Aug 28, 2003
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2001
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 22 NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES OF ANY OR UNSPECIFIED CAUSE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NINE FIRES (OF WHICH 4 WERE ALSO REPORTED TO ODI) ARE IDENTIFIED AS BEING DUE TO A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK ORIGINATING BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL (P/N 0K30E 13 150) IN THE PASSE... Read more
EA02009 Opened: Jul 2, 2002 — Closed: Jul 2, 2003
EA — Closed — Model Year: 2002
AIR BAG NON DEPLOY
THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 82 REPORTS ALLEGING NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DUAL FRONT AIR BAGS.OF THE 82 REPORTS, ONLY ONE INCIDENT, THE FATAL CRASH THAT WAS THE BASIS FOR OPENING THE INVESTIGATION, HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A MODERATE TO SEVERE CRASH IN WHICH THE AUTOMOTIVE RESTRAINT CONTROLLE... Read more
PE02022 Opened: Feb 12, 2002 — Closed: Jul 2, 2002
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2001
AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT FRONTAL CRASH
IN ADDITION TO THE DECEMBER 2001 FATAL CRASH REPORTED TO ODI THAT PROVIDED THE BASIS FOR OPENING PE02-022, KIA PROVIDED ODI 29 ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF ALLEGATIONS OF NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG IN A CRASH.NO ADDITIONAL FATAL CRASHES ARE REPORTED.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO CONDUCT FUR... Read more

KIA RIO — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA RIO across all model years (2001–2022).

37 Total Recalls
1,796 Total Complaints
6 Investigations
229 Reported Crashes
147 Reported Fires
14 Reported Deaths

KIA RIO — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2023 0 20 View
2022 1 12 View
2021 2 23 View
2020 1 37 View
2019 2 26 View
2018 2 38 View
2017 4 35 View
2016 4 108 View
2015 2 69 View
2014 2 74 View
2013 (current) 2 217
2012 2 70 View
2011 0 32 View
2010 0 38 View
2009 0 54 View
2008 1 57 View
2007 1 64 View
2006 1 88 View
2005 1 46 View
2004 2 53 View
2003 3 103 View
2002 1 171 View
2001 3 355 View
2000 0 4 View

Other KIA Models

Model Recalls Complaints
SORENTO 188 13,593 View
SPORTAGE 165 6,601 View
SEDONA 118 3,350 View
OPTIMA 100 10,128 View
TELLURIDE 70 2,186 View
SOUL 66 7,233 View
SORENTO HYBRID 62 159 View
SOUL EV 62 50 View