The Lemon Index

All cars · Kia Rio · 2013

2013 Kia Rio. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index69100 = average car
Complaints35NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold40,742U.S. model year
Per 100K sold86complaints
Year rank#12 of 17#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 2

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
1.6L 4-cylManual 6-spdFWD29 / 37 / 32Regular$1,950
1.6L 4-cylAuto 6-spdFWD28 / 36 / 31Regular$2,000

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 24,600 and 100,000 miles. Median 64,600, from 86 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Engine70,00016,600–115,00027
Airbags74,00058,000–100,00023
Electrical67,1002,500–96,80010
Brakes114,90065,900–140,6005
Steering24,800100–85,0007

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Engine23%
Electrical17%
Wipers & visibility14%
Airbags14%
Steering11%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
153818704

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 1

  • 23V652000 Sep 2023 Service Brakes, Hydraulic / Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip / Control Unit/Module

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. 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

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
OpenHyundai and kia abs module fires2023–
ClosedEngine fires20212024

Manufacturer communications 133

Kia filed 133 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Smart pedal feature - the smart pedal is an integral part of the engine management system (ems)
  • Service action - inspection for noise from engine under specific conditions (sa141)
  • OCV DAMAGE WHEN INSTALLING ENGINE COVER - When re-installing the engine cover on vehicles…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Kia Rio 4 DR FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Kia Rio 5 HB FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2010311024,619Airbags
2011421120,111Airbags
2012301340,275Electrical
2013693540,742Engine
2014552335,933Body structure
2015431223,742Airbags
2016381128,700Engine

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data