2013 Kia RIO
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.
- Complaints
- 153
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2013
Opened by NHTSA
35% of complaints
Complaints per year
2013: 153 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 223 |
| 2002 | 128 |
| 2003 | 74 |
| 2004 | 38 |
| 2005 | 37 |
| 2006 | 74 |
| 2007 | 46 |
| 2008 | 46 |
| 2009 | 39 |
| 2010 | 26 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2012 | 54 |
| 2013 | 153 |
| 2014 | 52 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 79 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 28 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
35% · 53 reportsShow 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, 2017-10-29
Also filed under Electrical system and structure
Air bags
22% · 34 reportsShow 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, 2023-10-07
Also filed under Forward collision avoidance
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, 2013-07-29
Also filed under Seat belts
Service brakes
20% · 30 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Electrical system
18% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 2013-11-27
Steering
7% · 10 reportsSafety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2013Complaint volume 153 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
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I
2023-11-17Audit queryOpen Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
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R
2024-03-29Service brakes, hydraulic23V652000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2013 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 53 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 34 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 30 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 23V652000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.