RoadVitals

2015 Kia Rio Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
52
Latest Sep 17, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
14

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2015 Kia Rio, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine2741.5%
  • Brakes1218.5%
  • Airbags57.7%
  • Driver assistance34.6%
  • Body & structure23.1%
  • Seat belts23.1%
  • Fuel system23.1%
  • Other / unspecified11.5%
  • Powertrain (other)11.5%
  • Steering11.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

tHE ENTIRE CAR FAILED. cAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE CONSOLE AND PASSENGER SEAT WHILE DRIVING ON 1-15 . 8.15.2025 . Car filled wit black moke and fire.l was driving blind. brakes failed, power failed, burning the entire time. I somehow got out of burning vehicle and ran about 100 yards and watched the car explode!! Had car tuned up at Findlay Honda whede it was bought, 4 months ago, and they said it was fine... fire and police both told me i should not be here. Since, my life is in shambles. No car, no ID for a motnh, no license for 3 weeks. I bought car in 2023--- car was recalled in 2020. But was it and if it was, why did this EXACT problem occur? Someone must be responsible. On anxiety pillxs

NHTSA ID 11687911 · filed Sep 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the failure was caused by the catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The dealer had not diagnosed the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11639547 · filed Jan 30, 2025
All 27 reports naming engine

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment, prompting him to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and evacuate the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed flame jutting up from the engine. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames but did not provide details on a possible cause for the fire. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard but had yet to be evaluated by the insurance provider. The contact was unaware if a fire report had been filed. A police report was filed, but no injuries were reported. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the VIN was included, and parts were available, but the vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID 11645607 · filed Feb 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Rio. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the failure was caused by the catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The dealer had not diagnosed the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID 11639547 · filed Jan 30, 2025
All 12 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

tHE ENTIRE CAR FAILED. cAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE CONSOLE AND PASSENGER SEAT WHILE DRIVING ON 1-15 . 8.15.2025 . Car filled wit black moke and fire.l was driving blind. brakes failed, power failed, burning the entire time. I somehow got out of burning vehicle and ran about 100 yards and watched the car explode!! Had car tuned up at Findlay Honda whede it was bought, 4 months ago, and they said it was fine... fire and police both told me i should not be here. Since, my life is in shambles. No car, no ID for a motnh, no license for 3 weeks. I bought car in 2023--- car was recalled in 2020. But was it and if it was, why did this EXACT problem occur? Someone must be responsible. On anxiety pillxs

NHTSA ID 11687911 · filed Sep 17, 2025

My Kia had be under an unresolved recall that can cause a fire, not only putting myself and my family, but other drivers at risk. I have a toddler who rides with me and would be extremely hard to get out of a car seat if the car caught on fire, as such I have reduced driving with them to ensure safety, but this is an issue that cannot continue and I should not have to put myself and others at risk. I cannot afford to buy a new car and should not be forced to due to a manufacturing issue

NHTSA ID 11581907 · filed Apr 9, 2024
All 9 reports naming electrical

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT'S NEPHEW OWNS A 2015 KIA RIO. WHILE THE CONTACT'S NEPHEW WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS INDEPENDENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS LOCKED, BUT FAILED TO UNLOCK. THE CONTACT'S NEPHEW AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISING THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEMONTROND KIA (14101 NORTH FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77090), BUT NO DIAGNOSTIC FAILURE CODES WERE FOUND AND THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND AN ENGINEER WAS SENT OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. AN ENGINEER STATED THAT THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION AREA AND THE SUBFRAME WAS VISIBLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.

NHTSA ID 11072864 · filed Feb 14, 2018

BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN MY 2015 KIA RIO WHILE DRIVING ON A DRY SMOOTH ROAD IN A NEIGHBORHOOD FOR NO REASON. THERE WERE THREE PEOPLE IN THE CAR, AND THE PASSENGER WAS INJURED FROM THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.

NHTSA ID 11067027 · filed Feb 5, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

'TAMARA RECALL' MY CAR DRIVE GEAR HAS TWICE SLIPPED INTO 'SHIFT GEAR... 1ST, 2ND, ALONG WITH A NOTICEABLE LOU DAY SOUND: USUALLY I PUT CAR IN DRIVE OR REVERSAL, THEN DRIVE. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON; THEN 2ND TIME I NOTICE NEAR SPEED, IT SHOWED NUMBERS INSTEAD OF D FOR DRIVE. VECHILE WAS IN MOTION, I PULLED INTO A RESTAURANT PARKING LOT. CUT CAR OFF AND STARTED CAR UP AGAIN. ALL WAS GOOD. 1ST TIME I DROVE TO GOT HOME DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON.

NHTSA ID 11243103 · filed Aug 11, 2019

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION TURNING RIGHT DECELERATING AS I TURNED. ONCE I TURNED, ACCELERATION PEDAL WAS DISENGAGED AND NO ACCELERATION WAS HAPPENING. BRAKING SYSTEM WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED UP AND COULD NOT PRESS THE BRAKES. WHEN I COASTED TO A STOP, THERE WAS VISIBLE FIRE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. TEMP GAGE NEVER REGISTERED AS HIGH WHILE DRIVING. WITHIN A MATTER OF A COUPLE MINUTES, THE WHOLE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AS I WAITED FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO ARRIVE. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO VISIBLE FLUID LEAKING ON THE GROUND AND DID NOT KNOW THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. CAR WAS MAINTAINED REGULARLY FOR OIL. HAD ISSUES WITH THE CAR OVERHEATING AND TOOK IT TO KIA AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT AND RELEASED ME. CAR IS TOTALED NOW.

NHTSA ID 11183368 · filed Mar 1, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKARA RECALL I WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY CAR BY A SEMI DOING APPROXIMATELY 58 MPH IN DOING SO MY CAR WENT INTO A SPIN AND THE BACK OF MY CAR HIT A CONCRETE BRIDGE, ON A 2 LANE INTERSTATE. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY!

NHTSA ID 11230487 · filed Jul 9, 2019

IN THE FRONT AREA OF THE VEHICLE THERE IS A PLASTIC BUMPER ATTACHED TO TO THE VEHICLE AND BELOW IN FRNT OF THE ENGINE THERE IS A SKIRT ALSO PLASTIC THAT OVERLAPS WHEN PARKING HEAD ON AND DRAGS INTO THE CONCRETE SURFACE.THE PROBLES IS THAT THIS PLASTIC BUMPER ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE IS PULLING AWAY THE ATTACHED AREA OF THE VEHICLE AND IS CREATING A GAP AT THE POINT OF ATTACHMENT TO THE BODYI HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE SKIRT OVERLAPIN AND FEAR THAT BUMPER WILL COME OFF AT ANY GIVEN TIME.I EXPLAIN THE BEST I COULD.THANKS

NHTSA ID 11012961 · filed Aug 5, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT'S NEPHEW OWNS A 2015 KIA RIO. WHILE THE CONTACT'S NEPHEW WAS DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS INDEPENDENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS LOCKED, BUT FAILED TO UNLOCK. THE CONTACT'S NEPHEW AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISING THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEMONTROND KIA (14101 NORTH FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77090), BUT NO DIAGNOSTIC FAILURE CODES WERE FOUND AND THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND AN ENGINEER WAS SENT OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. AN ENGINEER STATED THAT THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION AREA AND THE SUBFRAME WAS VISIBLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 21,000.

NHTSA ID 11072864 · filed Feb 14, 2018

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 DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO ENGAGE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S BODY STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST, NECK, SHOULDER, AND KNEE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BILL BYRD KIA (2435 E 15TH ST, PANAMA CITY, FL 32405, PHONE NUMBER: (850) 872-0444) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NHTSA MADE THEM INSTALL THE WARNING LIGHTS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY, BUT IT DID NOT MEAN THAT THEY HAD TO WORK OR ILLUMINATE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 43,128.

NHTSA ID 11025330 · filed Sep 25, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

tHE ENTIRE CAR FAILED. cAUGHT ON FIRE FROM THE CONSOLE AND PASSENGER SEAT WHILE DRIVING ON 1-15 . 8.15.2025 . Car filled wit black moke and fire.l was driving blind. brakes failed, power failed, burning the entire time. I somehow got out of burning vehicle and ran about 100 yards and watched the car explode!! Had car tuned up at Findlay Honda whede it was bought, 4 months ago, and they said it was fine... fire and police both told me i should not be here. Since, my life is in shambles. No car, no ID for a motnh, no license for 3 weeks. I bought car in 2023--- car was recalled in 2020. But was it and if it was, why did this EXACT problem occur? Someone must be responsible. On anxiety pillxs

NHTSA ID 11687911 · filed Sep 17, 2025

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 FIRE. I CALLED 911 AND THE POLICE AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT OUT THE FIRE. BY 2:45, THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISED. THE COMPLETE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS BURNT.

NHTSA ID 11245734 · filed Aug 6, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TAKARA RECALL I WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY CAR BY A SEMI DOING APPROXIMATELY 58 MPH IN DOING SO MY CAR WENT INTO A SPIN AND THE BACK OF MY CAR HIT A CONCRETE BRIDGE, ON A 2 LANE INTERSTATE. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY!

NHTSA ID 11230487 · filed Jul 9, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-40 MPH, THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES WHENEVER THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER MOVED FROM AUTOMATIC TO MANUAL TRANSMISSION MODE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INADVERTENT SWITCH FROM AUTOMATIC TO MANUAL MODE WITH THE SLIGHTEST OF TOUCH TO THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFF WYLER FAIRFIELD CADILLAC KIA NISSAN LOCATED AT 5815 DIXIE HWY, FAIRFIELD, OH 45014, (513) 682-2500 TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AUTOMATIC/MANUAL MODE WAS A FEATURE OF THE VEHICLE AND THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO REMOVE THE FEATURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,437.

NHTSA ID 11072464 · filed Feb 13, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

When the accessory power (not ignition) is left on for more than 5 minutes and I go to start the car WITHOUT returning the key to the off position first, the power steering WILL fail and will cease to operate. I have to turn the car off completely and then restart it to get the power steering to operate again. I am used to it now but someone that is not used to it, they will be surprised if they pull out straight and go to turn with no assistance. The power steering warning light will stay illuminated during the failure but is hard to notice as it comes on momentarily (like an oil light) when the ignition is tuned on and the engine is started. The warning light is small and just blends in with the dash. My car is available for inspection at any time. Yes, others are at risk. I CAN reproduce the problem at any time. Reported to Kia dealer but they could care less. First occurred a few months after the car was bought new and happens multiple times weekly to present date. The car now has 68,000 miles on the odometer.

NHTSA ID 11455141 · filed Mar 4, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .