Owners have filed 218 complaints
about the 2013 KIA RIO with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 23 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the KIA RIO. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
26.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 54
32% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1513.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
97.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
76.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
119.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2925.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1614.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2017.5%
150,000+ miles
76.1%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2013 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD
11.6% risk
2013 Kia Rio 5 HB FWD
11.6% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2012peak 8Apr 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2013 KIA RIO
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543,...
EA21003Opened 22 Dec 2021Closed 5 Feb 2024ENGINE
Engine Fires
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine...
Recalls on the 2013 KIA RIO
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2023529276,225 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off. Corrective Actions: Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the fuse(s) for the HECU. Kia recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Lovista, NEFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact called on behalf of her mother, who owned a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while the contact's mother was approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact's mother noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The contact's mother stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact's mother enabled the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact's mother noticed that the entire front windshield was covered with black smoke. In addition, the contact's mother exited the vehicle. The contact's mother stated that upon exiting the vehicle, she noticed fire on the front driver's side door. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was consumed in the fire. In addition, the contact stated that some parts of the vehicle were burned into the cement. The remaining parts of the vehicle were towed to a local tow yard. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The contact's mother received a recall notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11732377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stuart, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11726820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvington, ALFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 through a recall that could cause a fire. After we had it "fixed" we had no idea that it could still catch on fire! My son could have been in the car when this happened or other structures could have caught on fire! The fire department was called to put the fire out and the car was inspected by Kia and by our insurance company. Kia does not care that we had the part replaced and that the car STILL caught on fire. They have stated that they will not do one thing about it. They didn't offer a rental car, removal of the burned car or any money to replace the car. I do not know how they get away with this especially when the fire inspector for Kia told me that they knew that changing the fuse wasn't a "fix" but it would hopefully short the fuse before a fire would start! So they knew it was still possible! Kia should not be allowed to manufacture cars!! As of the past week, Kia will not even return my phone calls.
NHTSA complaint #11684896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvington, ALFire
ENGINE
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 through a recall that could cause a fire. After we had it "fixed" we had no idea that it could still catch on fire! My son could have been in the car when this happened or other structures could have caught on fire! The fire department was called to put the fire out and the car was inspected by Kia and by our insurance company. Kia does not care that we had the part replaced and that the car STILL caught on fire. They have stated that they will not do one thing about it. They didn't offer a rental car, removal of the burned car or any money to replace the car. I do not know how they get away with this especially when the fire inspector for Kia told me that they knew that changing the fuse wasn't a "fix" but it would hopefully short the fuse before a fire would start! So they knew it was still possible! Kia should not be allowed to manufacture cars!! As of the past week, Kia will not even return my phone calls.
NHTSA complaint #11684896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dalton, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Engline starting smoking and the car was engulfed in flames.
NHTSA complaint #11640306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dalton, GAFire
ENGINE
Engline starting smoking and the car was engulfed in flames.
NHTSA complaint #11640306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Lovista, NEFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact called on behalf of her mother, who owned a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while the contact's mother was approaching a stop sign, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stalled. The contact's mother noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The contact's mother stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact's mother enabled the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact's mother noticed that the entire front windshield was covered with black smoke. In addition, the contact's mother exited the vehicle. The contact's mother stated that upon exiting the vehicle, she noticed fire on the front driver's side door. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was consumed in the fire. In addition, the contact stated that some parts of the vehicle were burned into the cement. The remaining parts of the vehicle were towed to a local tow yard. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The contact's mother received a recall notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11732377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stuart, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11726820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
STEERING
Case numberODI11697241
NHTSA complaint #11715067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Case numberODI11697241
NHTSA complaint #11715067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ENGINE
Case numberODI11697241
NHTSA complaint #11715067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
STEERING
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 undercoat of vehicle in July per another recall. The dealer now estimates the repairs at over $5800 . Since they have had vehicle over 6 months and all my quote s to repair and held because of further defects, I wonder if this is a scam to defraud people thru your recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11711183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 undercoat of vehicle in July per another recall. The dealer now estimates the repairs at over $5800 . Since they have had vehicle over 6 months and all my quote s to repair and held because of further defects, I wonder if this is a scam to defraud people thru your recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11711183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
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 undercoat of vehicle in July per another recall. The dealer now estimates the repairs at over $5800 . Since they have had vehicle over 6 months and all my quote s to repair and held because of further defects, I wonder if this is a scam to defraud people thru your recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11711183 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,928 milesChicago, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 lights and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. While attempting to turn the steering wheel, there was a lot of resistance in the steering wheel and while pressing the brake pedal the brake pedal went to the floorboard and lost power brakes functionality. The contact checked the brake fluid level, and the vehicle was returned to the dealer. The contact was informed that there repair had not worked, and resetting the fuse had failed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 114,928.
NHTSA complaint #11697241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,928 milesChicago, IL
ENGINE
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 lights and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. While attempting to turn the steering wheel, there was a lot of resistance in the steering wheel and while pressing the brake pedal the brake pedal went to the floorboard and lost power brakes functionality. The contact checked the brake fluid level, and the vehicle was returned to the dealer. The contact was informed that there repair had not worked, and resetting the fuse had failed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 114,928.
NHTSA complaint #11697241 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car started smoking while drive, lucky I was already pulling in my driveway.
NHTSA complaint #11685367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car started smoking while drive, lucky I was already pulling in my driveway.
NHTSA complaint #11685367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Phoenix, AZ
ENGINE
Car started smoking while drive, lucky I was already pulling in my driveway.
NHTSA complaint #11685367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvington, ALFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 through a recall that could cause a fire. After we had it "fixed" we had no idea that it could still catch on fire! My son could have been in the car when this happened or other structures could have caught on fire! The fire department was called to put the fire out and the car was inspected by Kia and by our insurance company. Kia does not care that we had the part replaced and that the car STILL caught on fire. They have stated that they will not do one thing about it. They didn't offer a rental car, removal of the burned car or any money to replace the car. I do not know how they get away with this especially when the fire inspector for Kia told me that they knew that changing the fuse wasn't a "fix" but it would hopefully short the fuse before a fire would start! So they knew it was still possible! Kia should not be allowed to manufacture cars!! As of the past week, Kia will not even return my phone calls.
NHTSA complaint #11684896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvington, ALFire
ENGINE
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 through a recall that could cause a fire. After we had it "fixed" we had no idea that it could still catch on fire! My son could have been in the car when this happened or other structures could have caught on fire! The fire department was called to put the fire out and the car was inspected by Kia and by our insurance company. Kia does not care that we had the part replaced and that the car STILL caught on fire. They have stated that they will not do one thing about it. They didn't offer a rental car, removal of the burned car or any money to replace the car. I do not know how they get away with this especially when the fire inspector for Kia told me that they knew that changing the fuse wasn't a "fix" but it would hopefully short the fuse before a fire would start! So they knew it was still possible! Kia should not be allowed to manufacture cars!! As of the past week, Kia will not even return my phone calls.
NHTSA complaint #11684896 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesVeneta, OR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
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 stalled while coming to a stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the battery was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 157,000.
NHTSA complaint #11662782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dalton, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Engline starting smoking and the car was engulfed in flames.
NHTSA complaint #11640306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dalton, GAFire
ENGINE
Engline starting smoking and the car was engulfed in flames.
NHTSA complaint #11640306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dalton, GAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engline starting smoking and the car was engulfed in flames.
NHTSA complaint #11640306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Versailles, KY
ENGINE
UNKNOWN Was clearing my car of snow and had the defroster on when I smelled a burning smell coming from I assume the engine.
NHTSA complaint #11635994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
POWER TRAIN
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
NHTSA complaint #11628733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11628733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
ENGINE
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
NHTSA complaint #11628733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Racine, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a fee for diagnostic testing; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11618114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Racine, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a fee for diagnostic testing; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11618114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
