2015 Kia Rio engine problems
23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2015 Kia Rio — 44% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Sep 17, 2025
“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…”
filed Jul 10, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
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…
TSB_ENG222_R8 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 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 this bulletin are indicated by a black bar…
TSB_ENG222_R7 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 28, 2025
Engine problems in other Rio years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Rio | 5 | 19% |
| 2019 Rio | 6 | 29% |
| 2018 Rio | 15 | 54% |
| 2017 Rio | 11 | 35% |
| 2016 Rio | 38 | 49% |
| 2014 Rio | 24 | 47% |
| 2013 Rio | 53 | 35% |
| 2012 Rio | 23 | 44% |
| 2011 Rio | 7 | 29% |
| 2010 Rio | 4 | 15% |
| 2009 Rio | 7 | 18% |
| 2008 Rio | 3 | 7% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2015 Kia Rio
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.