8.7% of complaints about the 2015 KIA RIO came in the first year, which is unremarkable for a 2015 vehicle — around the middle of the 195 model-years on record. The median complaint arrives at 4.8 yr in service. The most-reported system is engine (23 complaints), typically at 6.6 yr or about 80,000 miles.
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.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 KIA RIO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE AND FIRE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,600.
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.
THE ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON BUT WHEN HOOKED TO THE MACHINE, THERE ARE NO ERROR MESSAGES. SOME DAYS IT'S ON, SOME DAYS IT'S NOT.