What Owners Report NHTSA ODI · 2,175,102 complaints · MY1998–2026

2013 KIA RIO

Typical pattern

9.8% of complaints about the 2013 KIA RIO came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 2013 vehicle — around the middle of the 210 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 8.1 yr in service. The most-reported system is engine (53 complaints), typically at 9.3 yr or about 70,000 miles.

Complaints
215
Median age at failure
8.1 yr
Median mileage
64,252 n=111
Crash / fire / tow
22.8% of reports
Safety recalls
1 1 do not drive

When each system is reported — middle 50% of complaints

System
0y2y4y6y8y10y12y14y
Engine
53 reports · 70,000 mi
9.3 yr
24.5%
Air bags
34 reports · 74,000 mi
6.6 yr
23.5%
Electrical system
26 reports · 70,000 mi
11.1 yr
30.8%
Service brakes, hydraulic
21 reports · 114,928 mi
11.4 yr
4.8%
Other
19 reports · 50,000 mi
9.4 yr
42.1%

Safety recalls — NHTSA campaigns

23V652000 2023-09-25 Do not drive
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

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 experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

In owners’ own words

Engine 16,582 mi 9 mo in service
I WAS EXPERIENCING POWER LOSS AND NOISES FROM THE MOTOR. I HAVE TAKEN THIS CAR IN THREE TIMES NOW FOR THE SAME ISSUE AND THE DEALER (TEMPE KIA) SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE MOTOR. THE SHOP MANAGER WAS EXTREMELY RUDE. THE FIRST TIME THEY TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND HEARD THE LIFTERS. TOOK IT BACK A MONTH LATER AND THEY SAY THEY HEAR NOTHING. NOTHING WAS DONE WITH MY CAR. *TR
Engine 3,005 mi 8 mo in service
PURCHASED THE RIO BRAND NEW AT ABOUT 1000 OR MORE STARTED MAKING NOISES COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT BROUGHT CAR 2-3 TIMES TO DEALERSHIP ABOUT PROBLEMS. NEVER REPAIRED ALSO FUEL MILEAGE HAS DROPPED DRAMATICALLY AND THAT'S WITH ECO MODE ON.GOING BACK TO DEALER ONE MORE TIME TO SEE WHAT COMES OUT OF IT.ALSO I AM RETIRED ARMY STAFF SGT. *TR
Engine 57,000 mi 2.4 yr in service crash / fire / tow
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE CONTACT UNLATCHED THE HOOD AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Air bags 24,000 mi 10 mo in service crash / fire / tow
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. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROPERLY SECURE A CHILD PASSENGER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISING AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND SHOULDER INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

Other RIO model years

2018201620152014201320122009200820072006200320022001

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