repaired · 2025 Q4
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2013 Kia RIOProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 153 owner complaints about the 2013 Kia RIO, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 23V-652 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 20, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2013 Kia RIO has problems
153 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
53Engine13 crash/fire/injury
34Air bags8 crash/fire/injury
27Electrical system8 crash/fire/injury
21Service brakes, hydraulic1 crash/fire/injury
10Steering
8Service brakes
7Fuel/propulsion system
6Exterior lighting
5Vehicle speed control
2814 other systems6 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 53 | 13 |
| Air bags | 34 | 8 |
| Electrical system | 27 | 8 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 21 | 1 |
| Steering | 10 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 0 |
| 14 other systems | 28 | 6 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2013 Kia RIO recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
70kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 27 engine complaints. 67% were reported before 100,000 miles.
8under 30k miles18under 100k miles9100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2013 vs. every other RIO year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RIO median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2013 Kia RIO safety ratings
2013 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2013 Kia RIO, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
- Engine FiresLed to recall 23V-877
In owners' words
What RIO owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
UNKNOWN Was clearing my car of snow and had the defroster on when I smelled a burning smell coming from I assume the engine.
Own a 2013 RIO?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.