repaired · 2025 Q4
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
2015 Kia RIOProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 52 owner complaints about the 2015 Kia RIO, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 23V-652 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 17, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2015 Kia RIO has problems
52 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
23Engine6 crash/fire/injury
9Service brakes, hydraulic1 crash/fire/injury
9Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
5Air bags5 crash/fire/injury
4Engine and engine cooling2 crash/fire/injury
3Vehicle speed control
3Service brakes
2Seat belts
2Structure
55 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 23 | 6 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 9 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 4 |
| Air bags | 5 | 5 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 1 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 2 |
| Structure | 2 | 1 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2015 Kia RIO recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2015 vs. every other RIO year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the RIO median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2015 Kia RIO safety ratings
2015 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2015 Kia RIO, and the recalls they led to.
- Hyundai and Kia ABS Module FiresOpen
- Engine FiresLed to recall 23V-877
In owners' words
What RIO owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
Engine making noise and smelling like it’s burning. Towed to mechanic said oil was not there despite recent oil change and said sparks of metal was on oil dipstick. Now being told needs new engine after recall oiece completed and the car has less than 110k miles. Kia will not honor an engine…
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 not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…
Own a 2015 RIO?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.