VehicleVerdict

2020 Kia Niro Phev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2020 Kia Niro Phev — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other Niro Phev years?

Niro Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted33 complaints2018: 24 complaints2019: 33 complaints2020: 5 complaints2021: 1 complaints2022: 16 complaints2023: 10 complaints2024: 3 complaints2025: 4 complaints
Niro Phev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Niro Phev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Kia Niro Phev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission240%
Brakes120%
Steering120%
Body & Structure120%

Does the 2020 Kia Niro Phev have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V534000TransmissionJuly 31, 2023 · 121,411 units

Defect

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.

Consequence

A fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC276.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 31, 2023

“The vehicle locks the left wheel when braking. It skids and brakes in one simultaneous action. It doesn't happen often but occasionally if I'm in heavy traffic. I reported this problem to the Kia dealer who found no problem. I really feel that this requires investigation as it could cause an…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 21, 2024

“On [XXX], Flakes of paint starting peeling away and flew over the windshield while simply driving along an interstate highway at 65 MPH on a calm, dry and sunny day in CO. (A factory paint application defect of the SWP paint color is a common owner complaint) Issue reported to Kia Customer Service…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 15, 2023

“The bearings in the steering wheel is going bad. The car is a 2020 and should not have this issue. They’re claiming it’s not covered under basic warranty since my mileage is 77,637, over the 60,000 mileage. Even with this many mileage, a steering wheel bearing should not go bad this quickly.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 29, 2022

2020 Kia Niro Phev — common questions

Is the 2020 Kia Niro Phev reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2020 Kia Niro Phev have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Kia Niro Phev. 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 Phev under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Kia Niro Phev years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Niro Phev years to avoid are 2019. The cleanest record among Niro Phev years belongs to 2021.

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.