2013 Kia Rio Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Kia Rio, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine5628.1%
- Airbags3417.1%
- Brakes3015.1%
- Electrical2713.6%
- Steering105.0%
- Fuel system84.0%
- Driver assistance73.5%
- Visibility63.0%
- Exterior lighting63.0%
- Powertrain (other)52.5%
- Seat belts31.5%
- Body & structure31.5%
- Interior & seats10.5%
- Heating & air conditioning10.5%
- Tires & wheels10.5%
- Other / unspecified10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Case numberODI11697241
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 that this would not cost me any money out pocket including the diagnostic, I took the car to one of their dealers and they refused to service my vehicle if I did not pay upfront. I called another of their dealers but they also said I would have to pay for the diagnostic. I then called corporate and also corresponded with them via email but they did not solve the problem. Ever since I have been involved in two separate collisions and the air bags did not deploy, also the horn stop functioning and after doing some online research I found out it also depends on the part that was supposed to be replaced to function, the steering wheel control such as cruise control etc. also stopped working. Corporate has not gotten back to me and I feel they are just going to let it die out and not do anything about it. Meanwhile I am driving the vehicle without air bags, horn and steering wheel controls. I have no choice because my family only owns this vehicle. Please let me know what I need to do to get help to get a solution for this issue/s. thank you. Note: At this moment I only have information related to one of the collisions but I could provide for the other if need be. Also, the car belongs to my wife [XXX] ) but I was the driver at both collisions as I am the primary driver in my family household. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Passenger air bag light on No accidents…. Light just recently turned on.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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)
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Case numberODI11697241
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Case numberODI11697241
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)
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Engline starting smoking and the car was engulfed in flames.
My 2013 KIA Rio began dying while I was driving it in mid January 2024. Approximately three weeks after this began occurring, my oil pressure sensor light started flickering when I would turn the corner. As soon as I got home, I checked the oil and it was empty. I had not previously experienced this and always kept up with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. The incidences of my car dying while driving have increased while I waited to get into the dealership to have it checked (it was a one week wait and there were no earlier appointments available. I took my car to Suntrup KIA South. Service Advisor Brian Richter texted me to ask if he could call me. During our phone conversation, he stated that this is a known issue with KIA vehicles excessively burning oil, which then causes the catalytic converter to clog and the engine to die. It is a fatal flaw and there is no fix other than to replace the engine, which I would have to pay for. He said KIA extended certain warranties, but mine was not one of them. The last time I drove my car before taking it to the dealership, I barely missed getting hit when my car stopped while turning a corner and there was a car behind me. I found information indicating that a class action lawsuit had previously been filed, but was dropped by the class with no details given as to the reason. I now have to buy a car because it will cost more to replace the engine than the car is worth. It only has 107,000 miles on it. I would appreciate any help or advice that you can offer. Thank you.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Slowed down on highway as there was a backup from an exit, then accelerated again and car would not accelerate correctly. Engine light came on and then turned off as I exited off the highway. I turned the car off once safely parked. Burning smell was noted. Car would not start and was towed to auto shop where it was checked and deemed as an internal engine failure.
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 that this would not cost me any money out pocket including the diagnostic, I took the car to one of their dealers and they refused to service my vehicle if I did not pay upfront. I called another of their dealers but they also said I would have to pay for the diagnostic. I then called corporate and also corresponded with them via email but they did not solve the problem. Ever since I have been involved in two separate collisions and the air bags did not deploy, also the horn stop functioning and after doing some online research I found out it also depends on the part that was supposed to be replaced to function, the steering wheel control such as cruise control etc. also stopped working. Corporate has not gotten back to me and I feel they are just going to let it die out and not do anything about it. Meanwhile I am driving the vehicle without air bags, horn and steering wheel controls. I have no choice because my family only owns this vehicle. Please let me know what I need to do to get help to get a solution for this issue/s. thank you. Note: At this moment I only have information related to one of the collisions but I could provide for the other if need be. Also, the car belongs to my wife [XXX] ) but I was the driver at both collisions as I am the primary driver in my family household. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND AIR BAG WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE WINDOWS DID NOT ROLL DOWN AUTOMATICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF LYNCHBURG (434-847-3292, LOCATED AT 3400 OLD FOREST RD, LYNCHBURG, VA 24501) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN CHANGED THE OIL AND REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DUE TO AN UNKNOWN FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FUEL PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
1) REPLACED OX SENSOR@ 35000 MILES 2) REPLACED RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING @ 45000 MILES 3) REAR WINDOW IS TOO SMALL TO SEE SAFELY. BLIND SPOT IS LARGE. 4) HEADLIGHT AUTO-SENSOR SETTING DOES NOT INITIATE LIGHTS IN DAYLIGHT RAIN CONDITIONS. 5) SEAT DESIGN DOES NOT PROVIDE LUMBAR SUPPORT AND HEADREST IS PERMANETLY ANGLED TO CAUSE NECK PAIN DURING A LONG DRIVE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OUT. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN I USE THE BLINKER, OR GO OVER A SAFETY SPEED BUMP, BUT THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OFF ON THEIR OWN TOO. I CONTACTED THE KIA DEALER BUT SINCE THERE'S NO RECALL ON THE RIO THEY WILL NOT FIX IT. THEY DID SAY THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE ON ANOTHER TYPE OF KIA BUT NOT THE RIO. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I BOUGHT THE USED CAR IN 2016. WHEN I REALIZED IT WAS HAPPENING THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED
A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO, AIR-BAG WARNING LIGHT BECAME ON DURING DRIVING. I TRIED TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BUT IT WON'T GO AWAY. NOTHING HAPPENED SO FAR. NO ACCIDENT, NO DAMAGE, AND ETC.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Engine caught fire , oil consumption, miss firing, knocking brought to dealer they found nothing wrong with it back in December 2022. Car stopped working on March 11,2023 had fire underneath police had vehicle towed to the house. Insurance company will be here Monday. Will also be contacting Kia dealer in alliance Ohio on Monday. The engine light was on and checked missing firing cylinder one
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
AIR BAG WARNING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA RIO. AFTER REAR ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE, THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RETRACT AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CONTUSIONS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE DOOR LATCHES HAVE ALL WORN OUT AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. WE RARELY USE THE BACK DOORS AS IT IS A CAR THAT IS DRIVEN TO WORK AND BACK AND THERE ARE NO SMALL CHILDREN REQUIRING FREQUENT USE. WHEN THE DOORS ARE OPENED AND THEN CLOSED THERE IS A RATTLE THAT CAN BE HEARD. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A PROBLEM SUCH AS THIS AND REPLACEMENT IS EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE.
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. THE SMELL GOT STRONGER AND STRONGER. AFTER JUST A COUPLE MINUTES OF FURTHER DRIVING SMOKE STARTED POURING IN FROM MY DEFROST VENTS. I GOT THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND JUST AS I GOT OUT FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR AND IT WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN SECONDS. THE CAUSE OF YET UNKNOWN AND UNDER INVESTIGATION FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER NEEDED ANY WORK DONE TO IT AND JUST PASSED THE MARYLAND STATE INSPECTION FOR REGISTRATION 6 WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Doors latches. I have had to replace ALL door latches multiple times and also have issues with door handles not working in manual or with keyless entry. very poor design and prone to breaking or shattering the internal latch to door causing failure to locking or functional of doors.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE AC CONDENSER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 22,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA RIO EQUIPPED WITH KUMHO SOLUS KH25 TIRES, SIZE: P185/65R15 (NA). WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED AIR. THE TIRES WERE INFLATED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO SEVERAL DEALERS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WERE WORN UNEVENLY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
1) REPLACED OX SENSOR@ 35000 MILES 2) REPLACED RIGHT FRONT WHEEL BEARING @ 45000 MILES 3) REAR WINDOW IS TOO SMALL TO SEE SAFELY. BLIND SPOT IS LARGE. 4) HEADLIGHT AUTO-SENSOR SETTING DOES NOT INITIATE LIGHTS IN DAYLIGHT RAIN CONDITIONS. 5) SEAT DESIGN DOES NOT PROVIDE LUMBAR SUPPORT AND HEADREST IS PERMANETLY ANGLED TO CAUSE NECK PAIN DURING A LONG DRIVE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .