MYRModel Year Report

2013 Kia RIO

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2013 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:30:56.270Z

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia RIO Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2013 highlighted. 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2002: 128 complaints 2003: 74 complaints 2003 2004: 38 complaints 2005: 36 complaints 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 46 complaints 2008: 46 complaints 2009: 39 complaints 2009 2010: 26 complaints 2011: 24 complaints 2012: 52 complaints 2012 2013: 153 complaints 2013 2014: 51 complaints 2015: 52 complaints 2015 2016: 77 complaints 2017: 31 complaints 2018: 27 complaints 2018 2019: 21 complaints 2020: 26 complaints 2021: 15 complaints 2021 2022: 10 complaints 2023: 12 complaints 2023
2013: 153 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20003
2001223
2002128
200374
200438
200536
200674
200746
200846
200939
201026
201124
201252
2013153
201451
201552
201677
201731
201827
201921
202026
202115
202210
202312

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 35%

35% of complaints: engine — 53 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I WAS DRIVING HOME WORK ON THE FREEWAY AND HAD ONLY BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR 15 MINUTES. IT WAS RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND HAD MY WINDOW DOWN WHEN I NOTICED AND ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE FROM FROM SOMETHING OUTSIDE AND KEPT DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171029

AIR BAGS 22%

22% of complaints: air bags — 34 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I received a letter from KIA corporation that they would voluntarily replace a part (the clockspring assembly) in the steering wheel shaft as the malfunction would impair the proper functioning of the air bags, in the letter they stated specifically...

NHTSA ODI report, 20231007

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130729

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 17%

17% of complaints: electrical system — 26 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I WAS DRIVING HOME WORK ON THE FREEWAY AND HAD ONLY BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR 15 MINUTES. IT WAS RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC AND HAD MY WINDOW DOWN WHEN I NOTICED AND ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE FROM FROM SOMETHING OUTSIDE AND KEPT DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171029

I WAS STOPPED FOR A STOP SIGN AT AN INTERSECTION WHEN FLAMES SHOT UP FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD! THERE WAS NO WARNING AT ALL THAT ANYTHING WAS EVEN WRONG W/THIS CAR! NO LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD...NO WARNING!

NHTSA ODI report, 20131127

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 14%

14% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 21 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
STEERING 7%

7% of complaints: steering — 10 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2013 — complaint volume: 153
I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

I 20231117 — AQ (open)

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

R 20240329 — service brakes, hydraulic

Kia America, Inc.

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.

Campaign 23V652000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2013 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (53 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (34 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (26 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 23V652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ● 2005 ● 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ■ 2002 ◆ 2016

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2013 Kia RIO reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Kia RIO is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia RIO?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2013 Kia RIO have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.