2013 Kia Rio recalls and problems

The 2013 Kia Rio has 1 safety recall and 153 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Urgent: recall 23V-652 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
1
Complaints
153
Crashes / fires
8 / 18
Injuries / deaths
8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2013 Kia Rio vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2013 Kia Rio recalls

Recall 23V-652: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Sep 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

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.

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

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.

2013 Kia Rio problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine53
Air Bags34
Electrical System27
Service Brakes, Hydraulic21
Unknown or Other19
Steering10
Service Brakes8
Fuel/Propulsion System7
Exterior Lighting6
Visibility/Wiper5
Vehicle Speed Control5
Power Train5

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Fueling/Charging Door/Hatch/Port — 1
  • Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
  • Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2013 Kia Rio complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · reported Apr 20, 2026
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…
Electrical System · reported Mar 24, 2026
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
Steering · reported Jan 15, 2026
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…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 114,928 miles · reported Nov 3, 2025
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…
Electrical System · at 157,000 miles · reported May 23, 2025
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…

Other Kia Rio years

Compare all Kia Rio years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Kia Rio have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2013 Kia Rio: 23V-652 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2013 Kia Rio?

Owners report engine problems most often (53 reports), followed by air bags (34). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.