2015 KIA RIO

1 recalls, 69 complaints - 146 TSBs - 4/5 safety rating

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Defect Description

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... Read more

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, 2... Read more

1,730,192 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

69 total complaints 9 crashes 11 fires 23 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	18
AIR BAGS	9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	9
POWER TRAIN	5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	5
STEERING	4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	3
SEAT BELTS	3
STRUCTURE:BODY	2
SERVICE BRAKES	1

Incident date: Aug 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the engine and steering warning lights were illuminated. The message to “Shift to Park and Restart Vehicle” was displayed. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2025

1. Component/System Failed, Available for Inspection? Failed passenger side LED daytime running light (DRL) strip in headlight assembly, likely due to LED burnout or wiring issue. Entire headlight unit needs replacement ($1K+ quote). Available for inspection upon request. 2. Safety Risk? Non-working... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2025

2018 Honda HRV EX AWD premature CVT transmission failure at 68,314 miles. Problem diagnosed and confirmed by an independent mechanic on July 10th and by a Honda Dealership on July15th. I had to pay the Honda dealership to replace the transmission. I do not know where the old transmission was sent... Read more

Incident date: Feb 26, 2025

To whom it may concern, I own a 2017 Honda Pilot which recently stalled while I was driving on the highway, forcing me to pull over. There was no indication that anything was wrong with the vehicle at the time - no check engine lights, no warning indicators, no alerts - this happened suddenly and u... Read more

Incident date: Jan 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Fusion Energi. The contact stated that the battery was inoperable. The contact was unable to use the rapid charger. The contact was unable to charge the vehicle. The contact stated that the heated seats were inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The... Read more

Incident date: Jan 30, 2023

Incident date: Oct 12, 2023

The contact owns a 2024 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the passenger’s side front seat was occupied by an 85-pound adult carrying a purse and holding a dog weighing 19 pounds, the air bag warning light was off. The contact stated that the air bag was inoperable. The contact stated ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 5, 2024

Right lifter went out & damaged the CAM Shaft which in turn damaged the engine The vehicle has been sitting at the dealership since August 1, 2024 & confirmed on August 9, 2024, stating that a new CAM shaft would need replaced or a new engine, which ever we choose. NOTE: Vehicle only has 40,298 mile... Read more

Incident date: Jul 19, 2024

2018 Subaru Outback headunit is "delaminated" causing phantom touches on the headunit's touch screen. While driving, the headunit will act as if something is pressing random buttons, changing radio stations, opening/closing maps, going through settings panel and changing car settings, ultimately dis... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2024

The power liftgate (trunk) opens and then immediately closes, and tries to open again. I was in the back trying to get something out and the trunk started closing on me without me having pressed any buttons!! I tried to attach a video but it won’t let me.

Incident date: Apr 18, 2024

Steering wheel is deteriorating on vehicle. It is low mileage and and has one driver.

Incident date: Apr 18, 2024

Bought car from dealer. Vw Manhattan. 42000miles. 8 months later at 53000 miles. Engine problems. Went to Vw service. Head gasket. Lemon car. Warranty till 50000 miles. Cost? 4800$ Worse car possible.

Incident date: Sep 30, 2023

On [XXX], the back seat bottom belt came apart from the base strap while my 9-year-old child was in the back seat and the car was in motion. We were able to pull over to the side of the road for her to switch to the other back seat. On [XXX], the second back seat belt bottom part came apart as well ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 30, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Honda HR-V. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V064000 (Air Bags) 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 repair. The manufactu... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2023

The rear lug nuts sheared off two different times hauling a camper, also was involved in a wreck where the truck hydro planed now the traction control lights are on also the low coolent light is on and there is plenty of fluid in the tanks

Incident date: Sep 1, 2023

Had my car (Toyota Corolla 2020 SE) give a “engine maintenance required, take to a dealer” error message on my digital dashboard. No error codes from any maintenance device but apparently only the Toyota dealership can find this in the software using their computers to find it somewhere deep in ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 30, 2021

See attached document for complaint

Incident date: Sep 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact stated that the low engine oil warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as... Read more

Incident date: Nov 30, 2023

I experienced 8 separate malfunctions in the CMBS in 2 days. The systems problems still persists. And it is obvious that Honda is aware of the problem since nothing has changed in 10 years according to reports of the first incidences of the CMBS failures. I drove on the NAFTA super highway which is ... Read more

Incident date: Nov 24, 2023

The contact owns a 2010 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start as intended; however, the contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed excessive corrosion on and aro... Read more

Incident date: Nov 22, 2023

My coolant bypass valve in the engine malfunctioned and shorted at a mere 27,300 miles on the vehicle and I had to bring it into the dealership to be replaced. A coolant bypass valve failing or malfunctioning can cause the engine to overheat, catch fire, or cause complete seizure. Can also cause the... Read more

Incident date: Sep 15, 2023

While waiting at the stop just now my car made noises to wanting to stop on me luckily I made it home when I parked again it gave me shift to park message

Incident date: Oct 25, 2022

The rack and pinion steering gear is failing, it will loose power steering which makes it hard to steer. This part has been replaced five times in a year, they are defected coming from the factory. The dealer is aware of the problem. I have been in contact with Ford about this ongoing issue asking f... Read more

Incident date: Apr 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2013 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated, and then flashed off and on. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the next available appointment was February 2024. The vehicle was not diagno... Read more

Incident date: Apr 3, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000... Read more

Incident date: May 17, 2023

Power Takeoff Unit Assembly failed at 61,000 miles. This unit has had three recalls and 5 parts revision that I can find but dealer refuses replacement under warranty due to warranty being 60,000 miles. This part clearly has defects ongoing since 2014 or before and yet FCA continues to produce them ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 17, 2021

Was driving down hwy and vehicle pulled out directly in front of me. Nothing i could do but hit the brakes. Severe front end damage done to my 2021 Jeep Cherokee. Airbags did not deploy. There were injuries. No one can figure out why the airbags didn't deploy on either the passenger side nor the dri... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jul 31, 2022

Burning excessive oil, rod bearing noise

Incident date: Oct 1, 2016

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 ope... Read more

Incident date: Apr 11, 2021

After two weeks of buying the car from a dealer, I was driving and I heard a noise in the engine, when I checked it had almost no motor oil. I have changed the oil and filter, but it consumes 2 quarts every 2 weeks (less than 1,000 miles). This has been happening since April 2021.

Incident date: Jun 1, 2021

Last night, my car ran exactly as usual. No warning lights on the dash. No strange sounds. This morning when I started the car, there was a weird ticking sound coming from the engine. I decided to take the car into the shop. About a mile from home, it began to have trouble with acceleration and w... Read more

Incident date: Nov 27, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 60-65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK AND A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO EXIT THE FREEWAY ONTO A RESIDENTIAL STREET WHERE THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. SUDDENLY, THERE WAS A LOUD E... Read more

Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Nov 19, 2019

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 AFT... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Sep 28, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND APPROACHING ANOTHER VEHICLE'S BLIND SPOT, THE CONTACT PRESSED THE HORN, BUT IT FAILED TO FUNCTION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CARWORLD (LOCATED AT 11916 PRAIRIE AVE, HAWTHORNE, CA 90250, (833) 2... Read more

Incident date: May 4, 2019

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 F... Read more

Fire

Incident date: May 4, 2019

Fire

Incident date: Jul 5, 2019

'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 MO... Read more

Incident date: Jul 5, 2019

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!

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jul 5, 2019

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jul 5, 2019

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jun 1, 2019

I SENT IN A COMPLAINT ABOUT MY VEHICLE .I WROTE THE WRONG PROBLEM RIGHT PROBLEM IS CATALYTIC CONVERTER

Incident date: Jun 17, 2019

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.

Fire

Incident date: Jun 12, 2019

DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, CAR HESITATES TO ACCELERATE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. HAD CAR CHECKED, DIAGNOSTIC SAYS CATALYTIC CONVERTER IS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY. I HAD THIS PART REPLACED LESS THAN 4 MONTHS AGO! NOW THE SAME PROBLEM IS OCCURRING AGAIN!

Incident date: Feb 22, 2019

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

Incident date: May 10, 2019

STOPPED CAR, PUT IN PARK, TURNED ENGINE OFF, OPENED DOO, STARTED TO GET OUT, CAR BEGAN TO ROLL, ONE LEG OUT OF CAR, ONEED IN, FELL UNDER CAR, REAR WHEEL RAN OVER MY LEGS.

2 injured

Incident date: May 10, 2019

STOPPED CAR, PUT IN PARK, TURNED ENGINE OFF, OPENED DOO, STARTED TO GET OUT, CAR BEGAN TO ROLL, ONE LEG OUT OF CAR, ONEED IN, FELL UNDER CAR, REAR WHEEL RAN OVER MY LEGS.

2 injured

Incident date: Feb 20, 2019

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE STALLS OUT.

Incident date: Feb 22, 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... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Feb 22, 2019

Fire

Incident date: Feb 22, 2019

Fire

Showing 50 of 69 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2015 KIA RIO

2015 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	11.6%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	No
Lane Departure Warning	No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2015 KIA RIO

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	27.0	36.0	30.0	Regular	$2,100
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	27.0	36.0	30.0	Regular	$2,100

CO2 Emissions: 292.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2015 KIA RIO

146 manufacturer communications from 85 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	27
160000 STRUCTURE	12
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	10
350000 EQUIPMENT	10
010000 STEERING	10
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	8
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	7
100000 POWER TRAIN	6

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indic

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

160000 STRUCTURE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia now has an additional vehicle modification available for installation to help deter or thwart attempted thefts. This modification

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

160000 STRUCTURE

010000 STEERING

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

160000 STRUCTURE

115000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

160100 STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER PROTECTOR & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2311) - This bulletin provides information to install a Theft Deterrent Ignition Cylinder Protector on certain 2010-2022M

012200 STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

160000 STRUCTURE

115000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM

160100 STRUCTURE:CRITICAL FASTENERS

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2307) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition s

010000 STEERING

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

353100 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start

160000 STRUCTURE

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL (SC264): This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.

161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: OVERHEAD CONSOLE SUNGLASS DOOR-LATCH REPAIR - This bulletin provides information to repair the overhead console lamp assembly and sunglass door latch on some 2012-2023MY model vehicles listed in the table below,

330000 INTERIOR LIGHTING

163400 STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR

171200 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LOCK

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

160000 STRUCTURE

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventive measure, to apply anti-corrosion material to the underbody components of

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia previously sent a letter for a steering wheel lock device, and their vehicle is equipped with a factory burglar alarm and is ther

160000 STRUCTURE

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventive measure, to apply anti-corrosion material to the underbody c

160000 STRUCTURE

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Service Campaign, as a preventive measure, to apply anti-corro

160000 STRUCTURE

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Service Campaign (SC264).

160000 STRUCTURE

VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL (SC264) - This bulletin provides information to apply additional anti-corrosion material to the underbody components on certain 2012-2017MY Rio (UB) and 2017-2018

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system

116000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2307) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Mod

011000 STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is now making steering wheel lock devices available directly to certain Kia vehicle owners. These devices can help deter a theft

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP: LOW OIL PRESSURE AT IDLE AFTER GAMMA 1.6L GDI SHORT BLOCK ENGINE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information equipped with a Gamma 1.6L GDI regarding a 'low oil pressure' concern during engine idle on vehicles engine due to a

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmis

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. Th

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

160000 STRUCTURE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

034510 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.

350000 EQUIPMENT

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

TSB - This bulletin provides the procedure to perform a partial repair on the trunk latch base sub assembly on the certain Forte, Rio and Optima vehicles, which may exhibit a difficult-to-close/latch concern with the trunk lid.

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requ

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibi

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL SMELL ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND CHARCOAL CANISTER REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and replace the evaporative system charcoal canister

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

350000 EQUIPMENT

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor D

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB084_R3: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of t

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TSB: AIR DRAIN CASE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the Air Drain Case on some 2014-2018MY Soul (PS), produced from July 21, 2013 through June 1

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS FOR GDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to all Kia vehicles equipped with Gasoline

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

TSB - 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 Unit (ECU) software upgrade for some 2012-2016MY Rio (UB), 2014-

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

062200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

TSB - A/C FAN CONTROL LOGIC IMPROVEMENT AND COOLING FAN/COOLING FAN RESISTOR INSPECTION OR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect, and if necessary, replace the cooling fan resistor and/or the cooling fan motor, and t

350000 EQUIPMENT

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

TSB - CANISTER CLOSE VALVE INSPECTION AND AIR DRAIN CASE REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect and if necessary, replace the Air Drain Case on some 2014-18MY Soul (PS), produced from July 21, 2013 through June 1, 201

063000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

TSB - CANISTER CLOSE VALVE (CCV) REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the Canister Close Valve (CCV) on some 2012-2017MY Rio (UB) vehicles, produced from June 21, 2011 through March 28, 2016, which may exhibit the e

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

106200 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

TSB - DRIVESHAFT SERVICEABILITY - This bulletin has been revised most recently to include additional information. This bulletin provides information regarding axle shaft serviceability for Kia vehicles equipped with a six-speed automatic tr

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB - BLOWER MOTOR AND RESISTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the blower motor and resistor on some 2014-2015MY Rio (UB) vehicles, produced from April 1, 2014 through August 31, 2014, which may experience an

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

TSB - IDENTIFYING HEAD UNIT SOFTWARE VERSION FOR DIRECT EXCHANGE - This bulletin provides the procedure on how to identify and record the head unit software level on various head unit platforms and generations.

103400 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

PITSTOP - SHIFT LOCK INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE - Some 2012-2017MY Rio (UB) vehicles may exhibit a shifter that will intermittently not shift out of Park. This bulletin gives information on how to troubleshoot the issue.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: TPMS SENSOR POSITION - When diagnosing TPMS-related DTCs, make sure you are investigating the correct sensor. The TPMS positioning from the manufacturer may be different from the positioning shown on a KDS.

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

TSB: SERVICE ACTION: ECU UPGRADE - DTC P0441 LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA280) - This bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software upgrade for some 2012-2016MY Rio (UB), 2014-2016 Soul (PS), and 2012-2013MY Soul (

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

COMBINATION TSB / SERVICE ACTION: ECU UPGRADE ? DTC P0441 LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA280) - This bulletin provides information related to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software upgrade for some 2012-2016MY Rio (UB), 2014-2016 Soul (PS), and 2012-

354000 EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some example

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Showing 100 of 146 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA RIO

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE

ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-030) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 12 THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2000.WHEELS... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

STEEL WHEEL FRACTURE

ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MAY 12 AND OCTOBER 18, 2000.WHEELS WERE MANUFA... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE

ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003.ON SE... PTEMBER 22, 2003, THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (03V-352) TO INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR FUEL LEAKS.AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER WAS SUBMITTED TO THE MANUFACTURER ON NOVEMBER 17, 2003 TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SO THAT THE OFFICE COULD EVALUATE THE DEFECT AS REPORTED BY KIA.THE IR LETTER ALSO ADDRESSED OTHER KIA VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO THIS INVESTIGATION THAT USE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPONENTS IDENTICAL TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 03V-352.KIA?S SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 DEFECT NOTIFICATION LETTER IDENTIFIED QUALITY DEVIATIONS IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.DURING MY 2001 PRODUCTION, THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL RAIL (FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY) IDENTIFIED QUALITY ISSUES THAT AFFECTED THE INTEGRITY OF PLASTIC WELDS AT THE SERVICE PORT AND/OR FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE.FUEL LEAKAGE COULD ALSO OCCUR IF THE BRASS SERVICE PORT (SCHRADER) VALVE WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED INTO THE VALVE RECEPTACLE.THE SUPPLIER ADOPTED CHANGES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND INSTITUTED A 100% INSPECTION PROCEDURE.SUBSEQUENT TO THIS INVESTIGATION, KIA ALSO CONDUCTED PERFORMANCE TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA.KIA DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RAIL IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE AT THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR VEHICLE SERVICING.DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN THE FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE (MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY) QUICK CONNECT COUPLING IS IMPROPERLY ATTACHED OR REMOVED FROM THE FUEL RAIL, OR WHEN EXCESSIVE FORCE IS OTHERWISE APPLIED.ODI IS AWARE OF 9 NON-DUPLICATE, NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS AND AN ADDITIONAL 14 FIRES OF UNKNOWN CAUSE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI IS ALSO AWARE 6 FIRES IN MY 2002 AND 3 FIRES IN MY 2003 RIO/RIO CINCO VEHICLES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT.TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL RAIL DAMAGE, KIA HAS REDESIGNED THE FUEL RAIL TO INCLUDE A STEEL INTAKE NIPPLE, AND THE ATTACHING FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FACILITATE EASIER SERVICING.ON APRIL 7, 2004, KIA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-179) TO REPLACE THESE TWO COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE FOR OWNERS OF ALL MY 2001-2004 KIA RIO AND RIO CINCO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM MAY 4, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2004.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 22 NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES OF ANY OR UNSPECIFIED CAUSE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NINE FIRES (OF WHICH 4 WERE ALSO REPORTED TO ODI) ARE IDENTIFIED AS BEING DUE TO A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK ORIGINATING BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL (P/N 0K30E 13 150) IN THE PASSE... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

AIR BAG NON DEPLOY

THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 82 REPORTS ALLEGING NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DUAL FRONT AIR BAGS.OF THE 82 REPORTS, ONLY ONE INCIDENT, THE FATAL CRASH THAT WAS THE BASIS FOR OPENING THE INVESTIGATION, HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A MODERATE TO SEVERE CRASH IN WHICH THE AUTOMOTIVE RESTRAINT CONTROLLE... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT FRONTAL CRASH

IN ADDITION TO THE DECEMBER 2001 FATAL CRASH REPORTED TO ODI THAT PROVIDED THE BASIS FOR OPENING PE02-022, KIA PROVIDED ODI 29 ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF ALLEGATIONS OF NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG IN A CRASH.NO ADDITIONAL FATAL CRASHES ARE REPORTED.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO CONDUCT FUR... Read more

KIA RIO - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA RIO across all model years (2001, 2022).

27 Total Recalls

1,809 Total Complaints

6 Investigations

229 Reported Crashes

111 Reported Fires

14 Reported Deaths

KIA RIO - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2023	0	20	View
2022	1	12	View
2021	2	23	View
2020	1	37	View
2019	1	29	View
2018	1	39	View
2017	2	37	View
2016	2	110	View
2015 (current)	1	69
2014	1	74	View
2013	1	218	View
2012	1	73	View
2011	0	32	View
2010	0	38	View
2009	0	54	View
2008	1	57	View
2007	1	64	View
2006	1	89	View
2005	1	46	View
2004	2	53	View
2003	3	103	View
2002	1	171	View
2001	3	355	View
2000	0	4	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
OPTIMA	100	10,128	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2015 KIA RIO

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2015 KIA RIO

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2015 KIA RIO

Technical Service Bulletins, 2015 KIA RIO

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA RIO

KIA RIO - All Years Overview

KIA RIO - Year by Year

Other KIA Models