2023 Kia RioRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints for the 2023 Kia Rio. Most complaints involve engine (3) and steering (3). The EPA rates it 36 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Engine3
- Steering3
- Power train2
- Electrical system2
- Suspension2
- Wheels1
- Seat belts1
- Structure1
- Other / unknown5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Rio model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 224 |
| 2002 | 152 |
| 2003 | 84 |
| 2004 | 50 |
| 2005 | 37 |
| 2006 | 74 |
| 2007 | 46 |
| 2008 | 49 |
| 2009 | 41 |
| 2010 | 26 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2012 | 54 |
| 2013 | 153 |
| 2014 | 52 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 79 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 28 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 12 |
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Engine
“I’ve been hearing this rattle noise mostly when I crank the vehicle. I took it to go get checked out and they heard it when I first brought it in for them to check. But when they got it to the back for mechanic to listen for it, of course it didn’t do it. They kept my car a whole day to try n find the issue/hear the noise and was unsuccessful. I’ve been told that it could possibly have something to do with the car timing or something with the engine. My car only has 34000 miles on it and it’s making this noise. They won’t approve me to trade it in or anything to help fix the problem or get me in something better.”
Steering
“The vehicle has difficulty following a center line, higher than normal steering wheel input is required. Feels like the vehicle is being driven in strong crosswinds at any speed above 55 MPH. The vehicle is very, very difficult to keep centered when crosswinds are present. The steering wheel input feels sticky and not smooth at any speed above 40 MPH. A 4-wheel alignment revealed a 0.3 degree of toe mis-adjustment on the RR wheel, no adjustment settings are present. Remaining wheels were within specs. No adjustment for the electronic steering assist. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with the Highline TPMS, however, it is not displayed on the LCD. Dealer and Kia Corp. states it should display, however no fix is available.”
Power train
“When I started my car, during the warm-up process, it dropped revs and turned off. After several tries, it turned on. While driving, when the vehicle was stopped, it began to jerk slightly. The safety risk is that the car, while I am driving, could turn off and cause an accident, in which people could be at risk, including me. I wouldn't want this to escalate because the dealer doesn't take action on the matter. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to evaluate the condition, they say that the technicians did not find anything, that the car did not emit any codes. And therefore they couldn't do anything. Note that I bought that car completely new, 0 miles, in March of last year. And in January the problem started. It is also worth noting that the car had to have a rack&pinion change in less than a year, due to a noise it made when the guide turned. All maintenance has been done with the official Auto Grupo Kia dealership on Kennedy, in Puerto Rico. I fear my safety and that of others behind the wheel, if the major fault in my car is not fixed.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S1)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rio Auto (AV-S1), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 41 | 36 | $1,800 | 250 |
- 36mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2023 Rio questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Rio have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.
What are the most common 2023 Kia Rio problems?
Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (3), steering (3), power train (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2023 Kia Rio get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Kia Rio at 36 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).