2023 Kia Rio: common problems and reliability
One of the better Rio years.
The best Kia Rio year. All Rio years
12 owner complaints, most about engine. No recalls.
Should I buy a 2023 Rio?The 2023 Kia Rio has 12 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 0 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and steering. Owners most often flag concerns about long-term reliability of newer powertrains: specific worry about the ivt (cvt) transmission in post-2020 models compared to the older 6-speed automatic. isolated report of an engine defect (oil consumption) in a 2016 optima, used to illustrate broader brand concerns.
Safety record for the 2023 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2023 Kia Rio vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Rio years only. How we score it
Is 2023 a good year for the Rio?
Across the 23 Rio model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2000) to 227 (2001). With 12 complaints, the 2023 Rio sits below the model's median of 46.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on generation and purchase context.
- RecurrentConcerns about long-term reliability of newer powertrains
Specific worry about the IVT (CVT) transmission in post-2020 models compared to the older 6-speed automatic. Isolated report of an engine defect (oil consumption) in a 2016 Optima, used to illustrate broader brand concerns.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Rio. See the full Rio owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Rio listings typically run $10,249–$14,795 across 2013 to 2023 model years.
Other Rio model years
Compare every Rio year side by side to see how 2023 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Rio against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy