2015 Kia RIO Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 44%of 52 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the engine of the 2015 Kia RIO, 44% of the 52 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The engine periodically will stall for 2-3 seconds, usually when starting a left turn from a stop. This can prove hazardous in a busy intersection. This has been going on since I bought the car 12 october 2015. The dealer stated the hesitation was a normal function of the engine computer's acclimation to the driver. It hasn't adjusted to me, and I'm afraid to let my wife or daughter drive the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11061093, filed 2018-01, 11,000 miles“I was driving to work, hand heard a pop under my hood. My engine and battery indicator lights started flashing and I lost all power. After polling over and turning my car off, I noticed a tone of smoke coming from under the hood. I popped the hood latch and peaked under with out opening the hood after seeing light. I noticed the flames and grabbed my phone to call 911. Soon after the car was engulfed inflames and 3 bangs where heard. Both tires and I'm guessing the fuel line erupted. …”
NHTSA complaint #11281705, filed 2019-11, 106,000 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11221481, filed 2019-06, 101,500 miles“When I frist got my car the engine light came on. Dean mccrary fixed it. Now the light comes back on and off. May car drive slow sometime. I had it checked they said it was cavalier”
NHTSA complaint #11218045, filed 2019-06, 18 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11183368, filed 2019-03, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017109Apr 3, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
- 11014912Feb 28, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
- 10206642Jan 6, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of…
- 10143468Jul 3, 2018TSB - ECU UPGRADE ? DTC P0441 LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin has been revised and is no longer a Service Action. bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control…
- 10109851Mar 16, 2017TSB: SERVICE ACTION: ECU UPGRADE - DTC P0441 LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA280) - This bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software upgrade for some…
- 10089617Jul 1, 2015Tsb: data collection: extract california emissions data from ecu (dc1501) - this bulletin provides information related to extracting in use performance tracking emissions data…
- 10058534Jul 1, 2015Kia: crankshaft position sensor (ckp) variation has not learned causing misfire of engine and malfunction indicator light (mil) to come in dash. Model all. No years listed.
- 10089987Apr 24, 2015Pitstop: smart pedal feature - the smart pedal is an integral part of the engine management system (ems) functionality which monitors and prevents the simultaneous activation…
- 10090201Dec 15, 2014Tsb: service action: ecm upgrade mil on without dtc code (sa 175) - this bulletin provides information related to an ecm software upgrade for 2015my rio (ub) vehicles with 1.6l…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 25% |
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2021 | 2 | 13% |
| 2020 | 5 | 19% |
| 2019 | 6 | 27% |
| 2018 | 15 | 54% |
| 2017 | 11 | 35% |
| 2016 | 39 | 49% |
| 2015 | 23 | 44% |
| 2014 | 24 | 46% |
| 2013 | 53 | 35% |
| 2012 | 24 | 44% |
| 2011 | 7 | 29% |
| 2010 | 4 | 15% |
| 2009 | 7 | 18% |
| 2008 | 3 | 7% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 5 | 14% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 0% |
Other parts of the 2015 Kia RIO
12 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsWheels
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 Kia RIO
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology