Kia Rio Rough Idle Is Irking Drivers

February 20, 2013
By: Robert Silverman


The Kia Rio is certainly an attractive option for drivers who are looking for a new car with a longer warranty on a limited budget.  However, we have received a few folks calling into the 1 800 LEMON LAW hotline complaining of a Kia Rio rough idle., specifically in the 2013 models.

A Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) has already been issued to address the problem with an electronic control module (ECM) software upgrade, however it does not appear that is fixing the situation.  There are a few service advisers who are blaming the rough idle on bad gas, but we know that is not the culprit.  It just appears as if the car company has not figured out a permanent fix.  One thing we do know–this rough idle is NOT  a normal characteristic of the car and consumers should not settle for that explanation.

If you are suffering with a Kia Rio rough idle, get your vehicle back to an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible and offer to take the service adviser on a test drive so he can duplicate the problem.  Make sure that every time you are back in the shop, you receive a repair invoice which clearly outlines the mileage, the complaint and the solution or explanation.  And if you are not getting any satisfaction from one Kia dealer, take the car to another.   Your Kia warranty permits you to take your car to any Kia authorized dealership in the Country.

Once you have been in the shop three or more times for the Kia Rio rough idle problem, it is time to look into your Lemon Law rights.  Click here to find an attorney in your state who can review the situation and see if you qualify for cost- free representation.

Don’t let the Kia Rio rough idle problem leave you all shook up.  Take action and fight back.


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3 Responses to “Kia Rio Rough Idle Is Irking Drivers”


  1. #1 Elaine C. says:

    I have a 2010 Rio 5 and had a problem with extremely rough idling when it was only 3 years old. I brought it into my dealer and they said the ignition coil needed to be replaced (under warranty) and it was a known issue. With that fixed, it was smooth sailing. I’m guessing the problems described in this article are related to that.

    • #2 John Connor says:

      2013 Kia Rio sedan. Car works fine. Dealer found engine was too dirty and needed a flush with their products. Also note power steering also needs flush and car lag went out. Cv axle left was boot broken and I paid for Cv axle. Car was slow, lagged speed, and noisy like been engine jammed. Now is harsh, noisy, and make speed. Kia is this way. Kia concerns having a car for too long turns into a troll for owners. I need a 1.3L 4 cylinder they have and small sized. Kia is not upscale just down in finger tips.

      • State: PA
    • #3 walter Hatcher says:

      I have a 2013 KIO RIO EX that I purchased from a private individual . It ihas 63,000 miles, no seems to not be able to fix the poor ideling .

      • State: Texas

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