VehicleVerdict

2015 Kia Rio problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2015 Kia Rio carries two red flags at once: 69 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Rio years to avoid. Complainants reported 21 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 27 reports (39% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

69

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations · 1 open

8

Crash-involved

16

Fires reported

21

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Rio years?

Rio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted355 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 355 complaints2002: 171 complaints2003: 103 complaints2004: 53 complaints2005: 46 complaints2006: 89 complaints2007: 64 complaints2008: 57 complaints2009: 54 complaints2010: 38 complaints2011: 32 complaints2012: 73 complaints2013: 218 complaints2014: 74 complaints2015: 69 complaints2016: 110 complaints2017: 37 complaints2018: 39 complaints2019: 29 complaints2020: 37 complaints2021: 23 complaints2022: 12 complaints2023: 20 complaints
Rio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rio years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Kia Rio problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2739%
Brakes1217%
Electrical System913%
Airbags57%
Other46%
Speed Control34%
Seat Belts23%
Fuel System23%
Body & Structure23%
Transmission11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Steering11%

Does the 2015 Kia Rio have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V652000BrakesSeptember 25, 2023 · 1,730,192 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE AS I WAS DRIVING THE CAR. THERE WAS A KNOCK SENSOR ERROR DISCOVERED A COUPLE HOURS BEFORE, BUT NOTHING WAS INDICATING THAT THERE WAS IMMINENT CRITICAL DANGER.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 17, 2019 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 7 MPH IN TRAFFIC, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOORBOARD, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 5, 2017 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE AND FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 26, 2015 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION AS WELL AS MINOR NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 12, 2015 · crash

“ON MAY 4, 2019, AT AROUND 2:15 PM I WAS DRVING AROUND 15 MILES/HR FOR 1 MILE & I STOPPED AROUND 230TH AVENUE SW & HIGHWAY 99 IN SEATTLE. I STOPPED BECAUSE I HEARD SOME ENGINE NOISES. I OPENED THE HOOD AND SOON AFTER SAW FLAMES UNDER THE ENGINE. THE FLAMES GREW BIGGER AND THE WHOLE ENGINE CAUGHT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 4, 2019 · fire

2015 Kia Rio — common questions

Is the 2015 Kia Rio reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 69 complaints put the 2015 model at #9 of 24 Rio years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Rio years to avoid.

What are the most common 2015 Rio problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (27 complaints), brakes (12 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).

Does the 2015 Kia Rio have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2015 Kia Rio. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2015 Kia Rio under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia Rio years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rio years to avoid are 2001, 2013, 2002, 2016, 2003, 2006, 2014, 2012, 2015, 2017. The cleanest record among Rio years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2015 Kia Rio?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Kia Rio earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.