MotorDeets

2013 Kia Rio: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2013 Kia Rio: 1 recall, 153 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
153owner complaints
8mention a crash
32best combined mpg
2013 Kia Rio
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #23V652000 · 2023 · 1,730,192 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: 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,…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 18 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine53
Airbags34
Electrical27
Brakes (hydraulic)21
Other / unknown19
Steering10
Brakes8
Fuel & propulsion7

What owners describe

The 2013 Kia Rio has 153 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 24 Rio model years for complaints (2.8× the average Rio year). Complaints peaked in 2024 (23 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 64,626 miles. Neighboring years: 2012 (54 complaints, 1 recalls), 2014 (52 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.6 L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive293732Regular
1.6 L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive283631Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2013 Kia Rio.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2013 Kia Rio manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2013 Kia Rio manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2013 Kia Rio manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2013 Kia Rio manual

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FAQ

Does the 2013 Kia Rio have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2013 Kia Rio. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2013 Kia Rio problems?

Owners have filed 153 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (53), airbags (34), electrical (27).

What gas mileage does the 2013 Kia Rio get?

EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (1.6 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2013 Kia Rio repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Rio years

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