The subcompact sedan class is a perfect vehicle for first-time buyers who want a practical proposition at an affordable cost. While the options in the segment have become restricted, the Kia Rio stands as a viable choice. It is impressively designed on the outside, comes with a plethora of standard specifications, and has a sophisticated interior, which though plasticky, adequately resonates with comfort. Additionally, the sedan offers a comprehensive warranty package for a smooth ownership experience, while upholding its revered reliability quotient. In the 2015 iteration, the Rio has 30 complaints, a single investigation, and is yet to be recalled by the brand. While the grievances seem variegated, the investigation deals with the possibility of an engine fire. A 2015 Kia Rio for sale starts at $14,000 and competes with the likes of the Ford Fiesta, the Toyota Yaris iA, and the Nissan Versa.
2015 Kia Rio Sedan User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Airbag deployment: In the list of the 2015 Kia Rio problems, buyers have reported two distinct issues with the airbag system. While the first problem relates to the random deployment of the airbags, without the vehicle getting into a crash, some other complainants have recorded their non-deployment. Both situations have resulted in injuries to the occupants, but currently, there are no solutions available for the issues.
Mechanical Complaints
- Loss of acceleration function: The Kia Rio acceleration problems are highly recurring. In several cases, buyers have reported that when the vehicle is in motion, it loses power. This is followed by the accelerator disengaging, which results in the vehicle not picking up speed. Sometimes, complainants have also recorded the brakes ceasing operation simultaneously, increasing the risk of a crash. In some other cases, the loss of the acceleration function causes the vehicle to hesitate, and where a diagnosis was conducted, the failure of the catalytic converter was attributed as the cause of the issue.
- Engine fire: The Kia Rio engine problems directly deal with the vehicle catching fire. In a handful of cases, buyers have noticed smoke from the engine department. Upon inspection, buyers have reported a fire, but no reason for the issue is known. Currently, the problem is symptomized by a knocking sound and no other information is provided. However, Kia has an open investigation on the issue, referenced by NHTSA action number EA19001.
Electric System Complaints
- Underlying electric system problems: Buyers of the 2015 Kia Rio sedan have reported several issues with the vehicle’s electric system unit. These issues include the vehicle overheating, stalling inadvertently, and even the blind-spot monitor malfunctioning. However, it is worthy to note that all these problems are one-off cases, and chances are that your sedan might not be affected by such an issue.
2015 Kia Rio Sedan Recalls
There are no recalls for the 2015 Kia Rio yet.
Should you buy the 2015 Kia Rio?
Considering its affordability and direct performance statistics, the 2015 Kia Rio qualifies as a potent contender. Though it falls in an adequately-populated subcompact sedan class, Rio’s impressive styling, a cogent list of features, and a 4-star safety rating make the vehicle a no-brainer choice. But what about reliability? Unsurprisingly, Rio’s Korean heritage allows it to be a dependable proposition as well. The complaints and recalls seem constricted, but an open investigation regarding engine fires stands as a barrier to the vehicle’s reliability. So, while we are in awe of the Rio sedan, we suggest buyers wait for the brand to provide a comprehensive judgment on the engine concerns. Till then, the 2015 Ford Fiesta can be a viable option to look out for.
