VehicleVerdict

2020 Kia Niro Ev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 27 complaints on file for the 2020 Kia Niro Ev — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

27

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other Niro Ev years?

Niro Ev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted45 complaints2019: 24 complaints2020: 27 complaints2021: 2 complaints2022: 45 complaints2023: 30 complaints2024: 8 complaints2025: 0 complaints
Niro Ev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Niro Ev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Kia Niro Ev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other726%
Electrical System415%
Driver Assistance415%
Fuel System311%
Transmission311%
Brakes14%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Engine14%
Speed Control14%
Steering14%
Tires & Wheels14%

Does the 2020 Kia Niro Ev have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

25V426000Driver AssistanceJune 20, 2025 · 11,327 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Niro EV vehicles. The circuit board for the rearview camera may become damaged and cause the rearview camera image not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC342.

22V899000Electrical SystemDecember 6, 2022 · 872 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Niro EV vehicles. The Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) may have been improperly sealed and may leak coolant internally.

Consequence

Coolant contacting the EPCU circuit board may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the EPCU as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 9, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC258.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The interior instrument panel horizontal angled trim has a shiny metal surface that when the sun shines on it, reflects into the driver's eyes causing a blinding experience. The driver cannot see the instrument panel, the display, the controls, and causes a total white out/ washout of visibility.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 21, 2024

“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that after charging the battery to 80 percent, the vehicle immediately turned off while reversing out of the charging station. After restarting the vehicle and driving, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who cleared the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 20, 2022

“Driving in my 2020 Kia Niro EV EX in the right lane of a 2-lane northbound highway at 3PM on a weekday, clear-weather, I changed lanes into the left lane when all of the sudden the Lane Keeping Assist malfunctioned and startlingly and abruptly jerked me across the double yellow lines into oncoming…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 16, 2021 · crash

“About 7 months ago, "Refill Inverter Coolant" warning came up. Since then, I've scheduled service appoitment wtih Van Nuys Kia dealership 5 times to resolve this issue, but even after recent appoitment 2 weeks ago, this warning is still came up on my dashboard. Every time I start the car, the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 1, 2024

“Drive unit defect in EV motor/reduction gear. These vehicles have a manufacturing defect that causes a percentage of them to experience a loud noise while under acceleration, loudest at around 30mph. It is described as a "card in spokes", "motor rumble", "wheel of fortune", "clicking/tapping"…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 19, 2023

2020 Kia Niro Ev — common questions

Is the 2020 Kia Niro Ev reliable?

The record is thin — 27 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2020 Niro Ev problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (7 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), driver assistance (4 complaints).

Does the 2020 Kia Niro Ev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Kia Niro Ev. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2020 Kia Niro Ev under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Niro Ev years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Niro Ev years to avoid are 2022. The cleanest record among Niro Ev years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.