2013 Kia Rio Brake Problems

30 owners have reported brakes problems with the 2013 Kia Rio to NHTSA — 20% of all 153 complaints for this model year. The typical failure happened around 95,000 miles. That ranks #1 of 22 Rio model years for brake complaints (a typical year has 4). One related recall has been issued.

30complaints
95ktypical miles
1related recalls
0crashes
3fires
0injuries

Which parts fail

  • Antilock › ABS warning light
    1

Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    00%
  • 25k–50k
    222%
  • 50k–75k
    111%
  • 75k–100k
    222%
  • 100k–150k
    333%
  • 150k+
    111%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Kia Rio owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

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 mother stated that upon exiting the vehicle, she noticed fire on the front driver's side door. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was consumed in the fire. In addition, the contact stated that some parts of the vehicle were burned into the cement. …

Apr 2026 · fire

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 brake pedal the brake pedal went to the floorboard and lost power brakes functionality. The contact checked the brake fluid level, and the vehicle was returned to the dealer. The contact was informed that there repair had not worked, and resetting the fuse had failed. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. …

115,000 miles · Jul 2025

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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been illuminated for approximately three months. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

165,000 miles · Oct 2023

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 was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

100,000 miles · Feb 2024

The contact's mother owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The owner 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 ABS warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,762. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

32,000 miles · Jan 2024

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.

Sep 2022 · fire

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). While the contact's daughter was driving approximately 45 MPH, the check engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 116,267.

116,000 miles · Nov 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Rio. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that the ABS unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contact, and the manufacturer stated that there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 95,000.

Antilock › ABS warning light · 95,000 miles · Feb 2023

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.

May 2022 · fire

Right now, the interior lights do not work. I have already replaced the windshield wiper system because they stopped working. I just found out through searching for new insurance that there are 7 recalls on my vehicle (this would explain the "brakes sounds" and "no light in the interior". I have had no confirmation that these repairs have been conducted: 1. Fuel System, Gasoline (Recall: 3/31/2021) 24Gi 20V648000 2. Service Brakes, Hydraulic Part #072-9831 (Recall: 09/23/2020) 3. Electrical System (Recall: 08/22/2017) 4. Equipment: 49 CFR, Part 567) (Recall: 05/31/2017) 5. Equipment: "Tire Section and Rims" (FMVSS) #110 (Recall: 03/02/2017) 6. Equipment: FMVSS #110 (Recall: 03/02/2017) 7. Engine and Engine Cooling "engine may seize" (Recall: 03/02/17)

Apr 2022

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module

NHTSA recall 23V-652 · Sep 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 vehiclesPark outside

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.

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.

NHTSA investigations

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

NHTSA investigation AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023 · open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando.

Brake complaints in other Rio years

’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’2317201341385244630101218711332
Brake complaints per model year, Kia Rio.

Frequently asked questions

How common are brake problems on the 2013 Kia Rio?

NHTSA has 30 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Kia Rio, 20% of the model year's 153 complaints. The component named most often is antilock › abs warning light (1 mentions).

Is there a recall for 2013 Kia Rio brake problems?

Yes — NHTSA recall 23V-652 (control unit/module, Sep 25, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

At what mileage do 2013 Kia Rio brake problems start?

Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles.

Is it dangerous?

Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.