2013 Kia Rio Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 53 13 fire 1 injury

“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 fix…”
NHTSA complaint #11467019, 2022 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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 an…”
NHTSA complaint #11684896, 2025 · fire

“Engline starting smoking and the car was engulfed in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #11640306, 2025 · fire

Air Bags 34 7 crash 7 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROPERLY SECURE A CHILD PASSENGER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISING AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND SHOULDER INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10532377, 2013 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“DURING A FULL SIDE IMPACT COLLISION THE SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS TRAVELING 45 MPH AND THE VEHICLE THAT HIT THE DRIVER SIDE CENTER GOING 30 MPH. I WAS TRAVELING NORTH BOUND ON SAVANNAH HIGHWAY NEAR CALIBER COLLISION.”
NHTSA complaint #11098951, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10875234, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Service Brakes 30 3 fire

“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 mothe…”
NHTSA complaint #11732377, 2026 · fire

“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 complaint #11484287, 2022 · fire

“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 complaint #11476493, 2022 · fire

Electrical System 27 8 fire 1 injury

“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 fix…”
NHTSA complaint #11467019, 2022 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11726820, 2026 · fire

“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 an…”
NHTSA complaint #11684896, 2025 · fire

Unknown Or Other 19 3 crash 5 fire

“Question answers in order: INCIDENT DATE/LOCATION: July 28, 2023 Glastonbury, CT 1. UNKNOWN which component or system failed/malfunctioned. Fire began under hood of vehicle. Vehicle is a total loss. Vehicle has been released to Copart in New Britain, CT. 2. The car caught on fire while I was inside. Escaped without injury. Burned in close proximity to other vehicles before they were moved. Glastonbury, CT 3. UNKNOWN if this problem was reproducible 4. The vehicle was inspected by the fire marshal, police, and insurance company. UNKNOWN if Kia assessed the damage. Police Case #[XXX] Glaston…”
NHTSA complaint #11538827, 2023 · fire

“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 complaint #11511413, 2023 · fire

“My car started burning while I was driving. Luckily, I stoped and we (me and my wife) ran away from it.”
NHTSA complaint #11452431, 2022 · fire

Steering 10

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11711183, 2025

“BOUGHT CAR USED IN NOVEMBER OF 2020 FROM A USED CAR LOT MADE NOTE OF AIRBAG LIGHT ON AND NO HORN THEY SAID THEY WILL SCAN IT AND THEY DID SAID IT WAS THE CLOCK SPRING AND THEY WERE GONNA ORDER ONE. NEVER GOT IT ABOUT A MONTH LATER CALLED LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP THEY SAID MY CAR DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL FOR AIRBAGS AND DID NOT FIX IT WHEN I HAD THEM LOOK AT IT. VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND CAN BE DEADLY AS I HAVE NO HORN OR AIRBAG TO PROTECT ME IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT.”
NHTSA complaint #11396175, 2020

“THE CLOCK SPRING LIGHT CAME ON THE CAR IS NOW HAVING ISSUES WITH THE STEERING. I WAS TOLD BY KIA DEALERSHIP THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR MY CAR AND THAT IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO SAFETY OF DRIVING SINCE IT EFFECTS THE AIRBAG. IF IT GET STOPPED I CAN GET A TICKET FOR THE LIGHT BEING ON. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11331106, 2020

Fuel/Propulsion System 7 2 fire 1 injury

“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 fix…”
NHTSA complaint #11467019, 2022 · fire · 1 injury(ies)

“Engline starting smoking and the car was engulfed in flames.”
NHTSA complaint #11640306, 2025 · fire

“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 KI…”
NHTSA complaint #11573251, 2024

Exterior Lighting 6

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11256019, 2019

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11229499, 2019

“HEAD LIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF AND THEN STAYS OFF. FORCING ME TO TURN OFF AND BACK ON THE LIGHTS MANUALLY WITH THE SWITCH TO GET THEM TO COME BACK ON THEN REPEAT.. THEY TURN OF AND I STRUGGLE TO KEEP THEM ON AND I TRAVEL FOR WORK AND ALLOT OF NIGHT TIME DRIVING. VERY FRUSTRATING AND OTHER DRIVERS THINK I'M FLASHING THEM. VERY UNSAFE AND KIA DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT FIX IT UNLESS I PAY THEM TO FIX IT. MY CAR HAS 23,000 MILES AT THE MOMENT PROBLEM STARTED LAST YEAR AROUND 12,000 MILES BUT AGE IS PAST FACTORY WARRANTY. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF I'M DRIVING OR IT'S PARKED LIGHTS/WIRING HAS A PROBLEM. THIS…”
NHTSA complaint #11182194, 2018

Power Train 5 1 fire 1 injury

“ON AUGUST 22 2017 8:45 PM WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET MY DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, FOR NO REASON CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND RUN OVER A MEDIAN IN THE ROAD. I PROCEEDED TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT TO AVOID ANY FURTHER INCIDENT AND INSPECT ANY DAMAGE TO MY CAR. WITH THE CAR STILL RUNNING, I WALKED THE PERIMETER OF THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, WITH NO BODILY DAMAGE VISIBLE I DECIDED TO DRIVE IT HOME. THE NEXT MORNING, I WENT TO CHECK ON MY KIA RIO AND FOUND TRANSMISSION FLUID ALL OVER THE GROUND. I CALLED MY INSURANCE AND REPORT…”
NHTSA complaint #11030684, 2017 · 1 injury(ies)

“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 complaint #11511413, 2023 · fire

“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 complaint #11628733, 2021

Vehicle Speed Control 5

“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 complaint #11589221, 2024

“I BOUGHT A USED KIA WITH 90,000 MILES ON IT AND WITHIN 2 WEEKS WE WERE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION AND POWER. IT HESITATES UPON ACCELERATION AND LUNGES FORWARD SUDDENLY. IT LOSES SPEED AN POWER ON THE INTERSTATE IN SECONDS. IT ISN'T UNCOMMON TO GO FROM 70 TO 30 UNEXPECTEDLY FOR NO REASON. AFTER THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF REPAIR INCLUDING MAF SENSOR, ALL O2 SENSORS, AND A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER THE PROBLEM REMAINS. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE A CAR THAT LUNGES AND THEN LOSES POWER UNEXPECTEDLY. A CAR LIKE THIS COULD KILL SOMEBODY. THE MANUFACTURER SAYS THERE ARE NO RECALLS. I HAVE HAD THE CAR…”
NHTSA complaint #10994343, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY, ACCELERATE, AND STALL. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,252.”
NHTSA complaint #10779937, 2015

Visibility/Wiper 5

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10790428, 2013

“JOE MYERS KIA & THE MANUFACTURER OF KIA HAVE BEEN FRAUDULENT IN THEIR BUSINESS WITH ALL THE 2013 KIA RIOS REAR WINDSHIELD DESIGN HAS A DEFECT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILD OF THE VEHICLE, THE BACK WINDSHIELD IS BUILT TO HIGH & IT CAUSES AN OBSTRUCTION TO DRIVERS VISIBILITY. IN 2007, THE DOT PROPOSED A NEW SAFETY REGULATION TO HELP ELIMINATE BLIND ZONES BEHIND VEHICLES THAT CAN HIDE THE PRESENCE OF INDIVIDUALS. THE PROPOSED RULE WAS REQUIRED BY CONGRESS AS PART OF THE CAMERON GULBRANSEN KIDS TRANSPORTATION SAFETY ACT OF 2007. IN ADDITION, ISSUED BY THE (NHTSA), WOULD EXPAND THE REQUIRED F…”
NHTSA complaint #10515784, 2013

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REVERSING FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT LOST REAR WINDOW VISIBILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE REAR WINDOW WAS BUILT ABNORMALLY HIGH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10515078, 2013

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted but stalled again. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the radiator, transmission, and other parts were melted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11470703, 2022

“WHEN WE PULLED UP TO THE RED LIGHT, THE IDLE STOP AND GO SYSTEM ENGAGED AND STOPPED THE ENGINE. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I RELEASED THE BRAKE AND, AS WE WERE ON A DOWNSLOPE, WE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN ROLLING INTO THE INTERSECTION. UNFORTUNATELY THE GO PART DIDN'T WORK AND THE ENGINE DIDN'T RESTART. THE LIGHT HAD TURNED RED AGAIN BEFORE I COULD FIGURE OUT THAT I HAD TO PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL TO RESTART IT WITH THE KEY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10465265, 2012

“DEFECTIVE ENGINE OVERHEAT WARNING SYSTEM THIS VEHICLE, 2013 KIA RIO, 1.6L GDI, 6-SPEED MANUAL, DOES NOT HAVE A COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE. IT SUPPOSEDLY RELIES ON ONE WARNING LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TO INDICATE AN OVERHEATED ENGINE, A LIGHT WHOSE CORRECT OPERATION CANNOT BE VERIFIED. THIS SUPPOSED ENGINE OVERHEAT WARNING LIGHT NEVER COMES ON DURING THE LIGHT BULB CHECK PHASE, SO THAT THE OPERATION OF ITS LIGHT BULB CANNOT BE VERIFIED. NOTE THAT THE OTHER WARNING LIGHTS, OIL PRESSURE, BRAKES, ETC COME ON DURING THIS PHASE AND THEIR WARNING SYSTEMS CAN BE VERIFIED. IF THE OVERHEAT LIGHT B…”
NHTSA complaint #10466101, 2012

Seat Belts 3 2 crash 3 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROPERLY SECURE A CHILD PASSENGER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISING AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND SHOULDER INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10532377, 2013 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10875234, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Structure 3 1 fire

“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 C…”
NHTSA complaint #11040984, 2017 · fire

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11244006, 2019

“JOE MYERS KIA & THE MANUFACTURER OF KIA HAVE BEEN FRAUDULENT IN THEIR BUSINESS WITH ALL THE 2013 KIA RIOS REAR WINDSHIELD DESIGN HAS A DEFECT IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILD OF THE VEHICLE, THE BACK WINDSHIELD IS BUILT TO HIGH & IT CAUSES AN OBSTRUCTION TO DRIVERS VISIBILITY. IN 2007, THE DOT PROPOSED A NEW SAFETY REGULATION TO HELP ELIMINATE BLIND ZONES BEHIND VEHICLES THAT CAN HIDE THE PRESENCE OF INDIVIDUALS. THE PROPOSED RULE WAS REQUIRED BY CONGRESS AS PART OF THE CAMERON GULBRANSEN KIDS TRANSPORTATION SAFETY ACT OF 2007. IN ADDITION, ISSUED BY THE (NHTSA), WOULD EXPAND THE REQUIRED F…”
NHTSA complaint #10515784, 2013

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“ON2 OCCASIONS I REQUESTED MY SERVICE DEPARTMENT LOOK AT THE RADIO WHEN THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR THE SECOND CHECK. BOTH TIMES THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED HE HAD FORGOTTEN BUT SURE IT WAS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT NEWER CARS ARE SENSITIVE A PUMP IN THE ROAD CAN MAKE THE RADIO JUMP SECOND TIME THE TIRE PRESSURE AS WELL AS THE RADIO JUMPING I WAS TOLD THE SAME NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT THEY WILL BE SURE TO CHECK IT ON THE NEXT VISIT. APRIL 2015 I HIT A POT HOLE THE CLUTCH HIT THE FLOOR. I IMMEDIATELY PULL INTO A GAS STATION TO ADD FLUID TO THE CHAMBER. THE CHAMBER WAS FULL. I PUMPED THE CLUTCH IT…”
NHTSA complaint #10895779, 2015

Equipment 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10588073, 2014

Forward Collision Avoidance 1 1 crash

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11548828, 2021 · crash

Fuel System 1

“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 FUE…”
NHTSA complaint #11256665, 2017

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11491616, 2017

Tires 1

“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 FAILU…”
NHTSA complaint #10846482, 2015

Visibility 1

“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 FUE…”
NHTSA complaint #11256665, 2017

Wheels 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10790428, 2013