2023 Kia RIO Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 25%of 12 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,900miles
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine of the 2023 Kia RIO, 25% of the 12 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,900 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11679724, filed 2025-08“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11584683, filed 2024-04“The contact owns a 2023 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle restarted; however, the transmission failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The following day the contact was able to start the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer found no failure with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11626919, filed 2024-11, 100,900 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 25% |
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2021 | 2 | 13% |
| 2020 | 5 | 19% |
| 2019 | 6 | 27% |
| 2018 | 15 | 54% |
| 2017 | 11 | 35% |
| 2016 | 39 | 49% |
| 2015 | 23 | 44% |
| 2014 | 24 | 46% |
| 2013 | 53 | 35% |
| 2012 | 24 | 44% |
| 2011 | 7 | 29% |
| 2010 | 4 | 15% |
| 2009 | 7 | 18% |
| 2008 | 3 | 7% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 14% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2023 Kia RIO
5 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2023 Kia RIO
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology