VehicleVerdict

2020 Kia Rio problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2020 Kia Rio sits mid-pack among Rio years: 37 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 54, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 9 deaths and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (7), engine (5), and transmission (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

37

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

1

Injuries

9

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2020 compare to other Rio years?

Rio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted355 complaints2000: 4 complaints2001: 355 complaints2002: 171 complaints2003: 103 complaints2004: 53 complaints2005: 46 complaints2006: 89 complaints2007: 64 complaints2008: 57 complaints2009: 54 complaints2010: 38 complaints2011: 32 complaints2012: 73 complaints2013: 218 complaints2014: 74 complaints2015: 69 complaints2016: 110 complaints2017: 37 complaints2018: 39 complaints2019: 29 complaints2020: 37 complaints2021: 23 complaints2022: 12 complaints2023: 20 complaints
Rio NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rio years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Kia Rio problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other719%
Transmission514%
Engine514%
Steering411%
Electrical System411%
Brakes38%
Tires & Wheels25%
Lighting25%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Seat Belts13%
Speed Control13%
Suspension13%
Airbags13%

Does the 2020 Kia Rio have recalls?

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

21V936000BrakesDecember 1, 2021 · 87 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles. The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.

Consequence

Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC223.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“MY CAR WAS PARKED AT MY PLACE AFTER GETTING OUT OF IT AROUND 8:30AM. I RETURNED TO MY VEHICLE AT 12PM AND THE INSIDE WAS BURNT BECAUSE A FIRE STARTED IN THE MIDDLE CONSUL.*DT*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 28, 2020 · fire

“Yes my son bought this car last year I have been checking since January there has still been no recalls on his particular car he was in a car accident and unfortunately him and his passengers were all killed. I have contacted an attorney who has sent an inspector they said initial look it look like…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 15, 2022 · crash · fire

“The contact owns a 2020 Kia Rio. The contact stated the vehicle was parked at her residence, when entering inside the cab, she noticed the gear shaft was melted. The contact stated she did not visibly see fire. The police did come to her residence and informed the cause of the fire was an…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 2, 2022 · fire

“I came out of a store last week and there was smoke inside my car and when I opened the door there was a hole down by the door frame on the passenger side that it burned all the way through to the frame of the car and now my lights are flashing on and off and sometimes a passenger headlight works…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 4, 2025 · fire

“my 2020 kia rio pulls to the left. it is not the tires the wheel alignment or the brakes. it has electronic power steering. other 2020 kia rios built after mine were fixed with a download. the car is dangerous so i drive in the right lane.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 1, 2020

2020 Kia Rio — common questions

Is the 2020 Kia Rio reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 37 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Rio year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2020 Rio problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (7 complaints), engine (5 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).

Does the 2020 Kia Rio have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Kia Rio. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia Rio years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rio years to avoid are 2001, 2013, 2002, 2016, 2003, 2006, 2014, 2012, 2015, 2017. The cleanest record among Rio years belongs to 2000.

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.