MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD

2023 Kia Rio Safety Record

The 2023 Kia Rio has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its federal safety record shows 0 recalls and 12 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

0Recalls
12Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

The 2023 Kia Rio presents an unusual safety record. NHTSA has not crash-tested this model year, leaving it without an overall safety rating or any subcategory star ratings. Consequently, a Safety Index score cannot be computed. However, the vehicle's recall and complaint record is notably clean: there are zero recalls on file. Furthermore, the small volume of owner complaints includes no reports of crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities. While this suggests a positive initial performance in terms of owner-reported issues, the lack of federal crash-test data prevents any assessment of its structural crashworthiness.

The 2023 Kia Rio was not crash-tested by NHTSA, carries zero recalls, and holds a Clean recall and complaint burden band according to NHTSA data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
WHO IT IS FOR
  • shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
2023 Kia Rio safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA crash testNot crash-tested
Recall and complaint burdenClean
Recalls on file0
Owner complaints12 (unverified allegations)
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Kia Rio?

The 2023 Kia Rio stands out for its complete absence of recalls. This zero-recall record, coupled with a low volume of owner complaints, defines its NHTSA profile. Twelve unverified consumer allegations are on file, across components such as the engine, steering, and power train, representing a modest complaint load for a vehicle three years into its ownership cycle. No allegations of crash, fire, injury, or death appear in the record. The most recent complaint on file carries a 2025 report date, confirming the record remains active and current. The “Clean” burden band assigned to this model year reflects this combined picture. No tested sibling years for this model exist in the data, offering no adjacent crash-test result to reference. The Clean band is a record-based designation, not a crash-safety certification, and consumers should weigh it accordingly.

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Kia Rio have any recalls?

The 2023 Kia Rio has zero recalls on file with NHTSA. No recall campaigns have been opened for this model year, and accordingly there are no park-outside advisories or do-not-drive warnings associated with any federal recall action for this vehicle.

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Kia Rio at NHTSA as of 2026-10-01. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Kia Rio?

Twelve owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Kia Rio. The top components named in these unverified allegations are Unknown Or Other (5 reports), Engine (3), Steering (3), Power Train (2), Electrical System (2), and Suspension (2). None of the 12 reports allege a crash, fire, injury, or death.

12 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsUnknown Or Other 5Engine 3Steering 3Power Train 2Electrical System 2Suspension 2

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Kia Rio?

The 2023 Kia Rio has no recalls on record with NHTSA as of publication. This absence of open safety campaigns is notable for a new model year, though prospective owners should monitor the federal database for any future actions.

  • NHTSA has not crash-tested the 2023 Kia Rio, meaning no federal star ratings or Safety Index score exists for this specific model year.
  • Zero recalls are on file for the 2023 Kia Rio with NHTSA, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories have been issued under any recall campaign for this model year.
  • Twelve unverified consumer complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with the most frequently named components being Unknown Or Other, Engine, and Steering, and none of the 12 reports allege a crash, fire, injury, or death.
  • Shoppers should verify their specific unit at nhtsa.gov using the VIN lookup tool, as recall status can change after purchase and individual vehicles may carry open remedies not yet completed by a previous owner.

FAQ2023 Kia Rio safety questions

Was the 2023 Kia Rio crash-tested by NHTSA?

No. NHTSA has not run a New Car Assessment Program crash test on this configuration, so it carries no Safety Index. Its safety record here is built from 0 recalls and 12 owner complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2023 Kia Rio have?

According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Kia Rio as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Kia Rio?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 12 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Kia Rio. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.

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Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other Rio years

HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Rio 2023.
  • SCORE This configuration was not crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. We report its recall and complaint record only.
  • EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
  • VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.