2023 Kia Rio Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2023 Kia Rio ranks 19th of 19 model years for reported problems, with only 12 complaints, a complaint index of 0, and zero recalls, crashes, fires, or injuries, earning a Best verdict among Rio years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 0/100
- #19 of 19 Rio years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 12
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 36
- 32 city / 41 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2023 Kia Rio problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other5 (42%)
- Engine3 (25%)
- Steering3 (25%)
- Electrical System2 (17%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (17%)
- Seat Belts1 (8%)
- Structure & Body1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the transmission suddenly stops shifting while driving at low speed, with the engine revving but the car not accelerating.
- Some describe the vehicle losing power at highway speed and being unable to shift into gear even after restarting.
- Steering alignment problems are reported soon after purchase, including the car pulling despite a straight wheel and needing frequent correction.
- Several owners note the vehicle is hard to keep centered above certain speeds, describing sticky steering input and sensitivity to crosswinds.
- Electrical issues include the engine dropping revs and shutting off during warm-up, then jerking while driving.
- One owner reported the passenger seat belt chime failed to sound when the belt was unbuckled, with no warning light.
2023 Kia Rio recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2023 Kia Rio fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 32 MPG
- Highway
- 41 MPG
- Combined
- 36 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2023 compared with other Rio years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Kia Rio reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2023 Kia Rio has the lowest complaint index of any Rio model year, with only 12 complaints and no recalls, crashes, fires, or injuries reported.
- What are the most common problems with the 2023 Kia Rio?
- NHTSA complaints are spread across engine and steering issues (3 complaints each, 25% share), followed by electrical system, suspension, and transmission problems (2 complaints each, 17% share).
- Does the 2023 Kia Rio have any recalls?
- No. NHTSA lists zero recalls for the 2023 Kia Rio.
- How does the 2023 Kia Rio compare to other Rio model years?
- The 2023 model ranks 19th of 19 (worst-first) with a complaint index of 0, making it the best-ranked Rio year, compared to years like 2013 (index 100, Avoid) and 2020 (index 94, Avoid).
- What is the fuel economy of the 2023 Kia Rio?
- EPA rates the 2023 Kia Rio at 36 mpg combined (32 city / 41 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,800.