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

Owners have filed 153 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (53 complaints), followed by air bags (34).

How many 2013 Kia RIO complaints mention a crash or fire?

8 of 153 complaints report a crash and 18 a fire; 8 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2013 Kia RIO recalls and problems

1 recall and 153 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Kia RIO.

recalls

153

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2013 Kia RIO recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module

NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · reported September 25, 2023 · Kia America, Inc. · 1,730,192 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine53
Air bags34
Electrical system27
Service brakes, hydraulic21
Unknown or other19
Steering10
Service brakes8
Fuel/propulsion system7
Exterior lighting6
Power train5

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Apr 20, 2026 · Service brakes, hydraulic · fire reported
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…

Mar 24, 2026 · Electrical system · fire reported
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

Feb 2, 2026 · Engine
Case numberODI11697241

Jan 15, 2026 · Steering
Vehicle showed all defect warnings as described in recall #23v652 .To include loss of all hydraulic components. Your reference Claim # […]. 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…

Nov 3, 2025 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 114,928 miles
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…

RIO model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2010	0	26	9	0
2011	0	24	4	0
2012	1	54	3	9
2013	1	153	8	18
2014	1	52	7	8
2015	1	52	4	10
2016	2	79	8	6

Across all years, the 2001 RIO has the most complaints (223). All Kia RIO years →

Questions

Does the 2013 Kia RIO have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Kia RIO, the most recent reported on September 25, 2023 (Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Kia RIO?: Owners have filed 153 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (53 complaints), followed by air bags (34).
How many 2013 Kia RIO complaints mention a crash or fire?: 8 of 153 complaints report a crash and 18 a fire; 8 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 20, 2026.