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2013 Kia Rio EX Hatch Auto

The 2013 Kia Rio EX Hatch Auto is a 138-hp inline-4 hatchback with a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $16,700 MSRP and is rated at 31 mpg combined.

It makes 138 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 123 lb-ft of torque at 4850 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway (31 mpg combined).

The Rio measures 159.3 inches long on a 101.2-inch wheelbase.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeHatchback
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$16,700 ($23,294 *)
MSRP with Destination$17,450 ($24,340 *)
Destination Charge$750
Engine
Engine TypeGamma G4FD 1.6L GDI DOHC inline-4, Dual-CVVT, naturally aspirated
Horsepower138 hp @ 6,300 rpm
Torque123 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 16-valve with Dual-CVVT
Bore and Stroke77.0 x 85.4
Compression Ratio11.0:1
Injection TypeGasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy
City28 MPG
Highway36 MPG
Combined31 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front15 in
Wheels Rear15 in
Tires FrontP185/65R15
Tires RearP185/65R15
Dimensions & Weight
Length159.3 in
Width67.7 in
Height57.3 in
Wheelbase101.2 in
Front Track59.9 in
Rear Track60 in
Ground Clearance5.5 in
Cargo Volume15 ft³
Interior
Headroom Front40 in
Headroom Rear37.6 in
Legroom Front43.8 in
Legroom Rear31.1 in
Shoulder Room Front53.1 in
Shoulder Room Rear52.1 in
Hip Room Front52.1 in
Hip Room Rear51.2 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (11.6 % risk)
Tested variant: 2013 Kia Rio 5 HB FWD
Other tested variants (1)
  • 2013 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD: 4 ★ overall

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2013 Kia RIO. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Sep 25, 2023 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE Park 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. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA campaign 23V652000

153 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2013 Kia RIO

Owner Complaints

153 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Kia RIO (8 mention a crash, 18 a fire, 7 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine53
Air Bags34
Service Brakes30
Electrical System27
Hydraulic21
Unknown Or Other19
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Apr 20, 2026 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic 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…”
Mar 24, 2026 · Electrical System Fire
“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”
Feb 2, 2026 · Steering, Electrical System, Engine
“Case numberODI11697241”
Jan 15, 2026 · Steering, Electrical System, Service Brakes
“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…”
Nov 3, 2025 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Engine
“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…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2013 KIA RIO. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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