2015 Kia Rio Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
92/100
#2 most-complained of 14 Rio years
The 2015 Kia Rio ranks 2nd worst out of 14 model years, with a Complaint Index of 92 and an Avoid verdict. Engine problems dominate, making up 56% of its 52 complaints, including 8 fires, with a median failure mileage of 79,553 miles.
- Complaints
- 52
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 10
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30
- 27 city / 36 hwy
Top 2015 Kia Rio problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine29 (56%)
- Brakes12 (23%)
- Electrical System9 (17%)
- Airbags5 (10%)
- Other4 (8%)
- Fuel System2 (4%)
- Seat Belts2 (4%)
- Structure & Body2 (4%)
- Steering1 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (2%)
What owners report
- Engine loses power suddenly while driving, sometimes with a loud grinding or knocking noise before failure.
- Smoke and flames appear from the engine compartment, in several cases while the vehicle was still moving.
- Airbags fail to deploy in frontal or rear-end collisions, even in severe crashes.
- Brake pedal is depressed but the vehicle fails to stop, forcing use of the emergency brake.
- Electrical system issues coincide with sudden acceleration and braking failure along with engine fire.
2015 Kia Rio recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V652000Sep 25, 2023Brakes1,730,192 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
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.
Risk: 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.
2015 Kia Rio fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27 MPG
- Highway
- 36 MPG
- Combined
- 30 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,150
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2015 compared with other Rio years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2015 Kia Rio a good year to buy?
- No. NHTSA data ranks it 2nd worst of 14 Rio model years, with a Complaint Index of 92 and an Avoid verdict.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2015 Kia Rio?
- Engine problems are the top issue, accounting for 56% of complaints (29 of 52), including 8 fire reports, with a median failure mileage of 79,553 miles.
- Does the 2015 Kia Rio have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2015 Rio, covering brakes, with owners advised to park outside away from structures until the repair is completed.
- How does the 2015 Rio compare to other Rio years?
- It is worse than most other years; only the 2013 Rio has a higher Complaint Index at 100, while years like 2021, 2022, and 2023 rank as Best with much lower indexes.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2015 Kia Rio?
- The EPA rates it at 30 mpg combined (27 city/36 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,150.