What 153 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Kia Rio

Case numberODI11697241

NHTSA ODI 11715067

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 ODI 11697241

Car started smoking while drive, lucky I was already pulling in my driveway.

NHTSA ODI 11685367

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 ODI 11684896

Engline starting smoking and the car was engulfed in flames.

NHTSA ODI 11640306

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 ODI 11635994

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 ODI 11628733

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 ODI 11618114

Vehicle has just over 110,000 miles and the vehicle burns oil like crazy. Piston rings typically last 150,000 miles. Started running low on old 5,000 miles ago. I’ve looked online and found more incidences like mine and are happening around the same mileage. This can cause major engine damage if left untreated. I feel it’s worth an investigation to save people from future issues like this. Vehicles should last well over 100,000 miles without major engine repair like piston rings. Unfortunately I have no documentation to prove this I have no money to take it to the shop but I’ve changed the oil about 4 times in the past 3 months. It sounds like maintenance needs to be carried out but I can assure you that something this major should not be happening at 110,000 miles. Thank you for your time

NHTSA ODI 11605185

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.

NHTSA ODI 11589221

This complaint is in regard to a safety recall (NHTSA Recall# 23V652) of our 2013 Kia Rio. On November of 2023, we received an interim notice in the mail about a Kia Rio recall. The recall occurred in September 2023, two months earlier. The notice detailed that the Rio had a safety risk of an engine fire while parked or driving. Owners were advised to limit their driving and park their cars outdoors away from other cars or buildings until the part is available. This is not an option for us. The part is still not available, five months after the recall. Our Rio has been sitting in our driveway, next to the house, since November 2023 and we're still paying auto insurance on it. We do not feel safe driving it, nor keeping it parked close to the house. It has been a hardship for our family to have one less vehicle to drive. I have written a complaint to Kia corporate and have not heard anything back from them. So far Kia's only resolution to this delay is for consumers to just wait for the part. That is unacceptable.

NHTSA ODI 11575757

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.

NHTSA ODI 11573251

a few months last year took my car in for regular oil change and within about 3 weeks after the oil change the car was out of oil from the point had to start adding oil once a month and then more recently the car just would stop oil would be practically empty have to jump the car recently the car just started smoking and almost stopped on the highway I never saw where the oil was leaking from looked it up and the exact same engine in Hyundai cars was recalled

NHTSA ODI 11564607

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated for approximately three months. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11562165

Engine O2 sensors failing caused car to go into limp mode when attempting to enter a very busy hi way. Key was stuck in the driver's side door. Could not unlock it. Had to call a locksmith. This left me on foot away from home. Key stuck in the ignition. Would not go into park or start. Car has to be towed home.

NHTSA ODI 11561946

Fire under the hood. It's available for inspection. I opened the hood after seeing smoke and the fire blew up but I wasn't hurt. The fire department put the fire out and wrote report. I called my insurance company and got a claim for it. They said it's most likely going to be a total loss after they examine it every where. I took it to Kia for servicing on September 11,2023 and I told them I had a little whining noise but they didn't say it was anything that could be fatal. Did this car have a recall for anything?

NHTSA ODI 11553660

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. After shifting to park and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the failure once occurred while driving approximately 50 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 150,000. The contact called to make an appointment with Quirk Kia in Manchester. After explaining the problem they refused to make an appointment

NHTSA ODI 11542583

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

NHTSA ODI 11511413

I own a 2013 Kia Rio While driving my regular speed limit, my car stopped working. I heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment and it also sounded like something was lose. I tried having the car jumped but it would not start. I had to get it towed to a mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle as the starter needed replacement, oil was leaking, and oil pan gasket need to be replaced. It was also noted there was internal engine damage, but I was not notified about this before the other repairs were done & approved by me. I also had my car in the shop for the same issue on January 24, 2022 and had an oil changed then but the issue was not fixed. The repair work was completed both times but the issues was not fixed. I was informed that I needed a new motor/engine. I only have 87,000 miles on my car.. All other models have been recalled already due to engine knocking because of carbon build up. I need Kia Corporate to right the wrong & do a Recall on 2013 Kia Rio or approved me for a free engine replacement. The engines are faulty. The AC is inoperable & need to be replaced. The tech. noted on piece of paper that both cv axle boots are torn, ECM codes, PO335 Crankshaft Position Sensor, PO011 Intake Crankshaft Position Sensor, PO014 Exhaust Crankshaft Sensor, PO441 Evap Purge Valve Soildroid. The engine wasn't replaced & no further work was completed. Engine failure 87,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11493722

100000 - low oil out (2liters) when service was completed : NO LOW OIL LIGHT WARNING 105000 - low oil out (1.5liters) when service was completed : NO LOW OIL LIGHT WARNING 110000 - low oil out (1.5liters) when service was completed : NO LOW OIL LIGHT WARNING 120000 - low oil out (1liters) when service was completed : NO LOW OIL LIGHT WARNING 120409 - Engine making knocking sound : was taken to 3 different mechanics all diagnosed with same issue of MAIN CRANK SHAFT BEARING FAILURE. Had to buy a new engine to replace. just over 100000 miles starting having issues and no warning lights. Engine is a LEMON

NHTSA ODI 11491613

I was driving home one night and my brakes stopped working, then all the lights on my dashboard came on. Thankfully I was able to pull over safely off the freeway exit and another car pulled over next to me to let me know my car was on fire. The fire looked like it was in the center bottom of the car. I lifted the hood to the front of the car. There were two bystanders who were able to get a bucket of water and put the fire out before it got too big. There is no visible damage to the outside of the car.

NHTSA ODI 11484287

I have 2013 Kia Rio with I have been putting oil into it for months. MONTHS! At the end of my work week, before I drive to work on Monday I check the oil. If I drive more than usual on a weekend, I check the oil on Sunday. It’s crazy ! My mechanic told me I need to replace the engine I don’t understand why I take very good care of my car. But Kia needs to a recall on all these vehicles

NHTSA ODI 11481440

Driving car home Going about 35 Smelled car in front of me, that car smells, seems it was my own car try to do brake To pull over. No breaks loose able to coast into parking lot use emergency brake, stop flames shut up through Car into car got out people tried to help put it out fire trucks were called.

NHTSA ODI 11476493

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, she heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had driven the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle as having no oil in the engine. The contact stated that the oil was topped off and the contact was informed to return after one-month. The contact returned to the mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle as having no oil. The mechanic determined that the oil had entered the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that the air conditioning system was inoperable. The mechanic diagnosed that the A/C system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11472921

On 04/07/22, I took my vehicle into Covina Valley KIA to replace a fuel line that had melted being constructed too close to the engine. About a month before the line, I noticed smoke was coming from under the hood. Other parts were too close to the GDi engine and were melting, and/or burning. For instance, the ignition coil/engine wire(s) cluster plastic holder which is mounted on the engine, was melting, breaking, and burning. Also the foam from the engine cover had caught fire. My car had also been throwing a knock sensor code p0326 every year. Replace it each time. Then the last time I fixed it, I got another p0326 that changed into fuel too rich code p2192. I inquired to KIA Management about the 2015 Service Bulletin: SB-10089747-5448 concerning the constant codes. But manager said that a ECU Upgrade may not help and to come down just to clear the codes to see if that helped. The car has been maintained, oil/filter changes 3,000 miles and I am the second owner. But these problems occurred without warning. Bad manufacturing, had to also replace the Fuel Pressure Regulator Valve, Fuel Feed Pipe, and all four Injectors due to melted plastic making it into the Delivery Rail from the melted Fuel Line which is plastic. Will attached my service bill and main receipts for parts bought to rectify this problem.

NHTSA ODI 11467019