2013 Kia RIO brakes problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

27 owners have reported brakes problems with the 2013 Kia RIO, 33% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 107,464 mi.

Brakes complaints
27
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
107,464 mi

Specific components reported

Brakes covers: Service brakes (hydraulic, electric, air), ABS and parking brake.

ComponentComplaints
Service brakes, hydraulic21
Service brakes5
Service brakes, air:antilock:abs warning light1

Brakes complaints across Kia RIO years

4201227201372014112015182016720171201812019320203202122022
Brakes complaints by model year. The 2013 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k160k–100k3100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 23V652000Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehiclesPark outside
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

    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 for this recall is SC284.

What owners say

  1. Filed Apr 20, 2026NEFireTowedBrakes
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11732377 · source
  2. Filed Jan 15, 2026ILBrakesElectrical SystemSteering
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11711183 · source
  3. Filed Nov 3, 2025114,928 miILBrakesEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11697241 · source
  4. Filed Oct 4, 2024WIBrakesElectrical SystemEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11618114 · source
  5. Filed Aug 27, 2024PABrakes
    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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
    NHTSA complaint #11611156 · source
  6. Filed Jun 11, 2024ILBrakes
    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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11593605 · source
  7. Filed Apr 22, 2024INBrakes
    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 local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
    NHTSA complaint #11584494 · source
  8. Filed Apr 15, 2024100,000 miCOBrakes
    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 while driving at undisclosed speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer…
    NHTSA complaint #11583092 · source
  9. Filed Apr 12, 2024AZBrakes
    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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11582690 · source
  10. Filed Apr 5, 2024CABrakes
    The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 37 MPH, the window malfunctioned, and the headlights and every light inside the vehicle flickered and dimmed. The ABS, check engine, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was parked at the residence where the contact observed the steering wheel was very stiff, and…
    NHTSA complaint #11581393 · source
  11. Filed Mar 26, 2024WABrakes
    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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11579546 · source
  12. Filed Mar 15, 2024CABrakes
    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 dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet…
    NHTSA complaint #11577648 · source

Other 2013 Kia RIO problem areas

  • Engine (34)
  • Electrical System (18)
  • Other / Unknown (15)
  • Airbags (12)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (6)
  • Steering (4)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (2)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (1)
  • Body & Structure (1)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (1)

Back to all 2013 Kia RIO problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology