2020 Kia Rio recalls and problems

The 2020 Kia Rio has 1 recall and 27 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is unknown or other.

2019 Kia Rio
Pictured: a 2019 model; the 2020 may differ in details. Photo: 2019 Kia Rio by SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How the 2020 compares
Fewest complaintsMost complaints

Low complaint count among 24 Rio model years — 17th most.

1recalls
27complaints
3crashes
5fires
1injuries
5,000median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.
Check your VIN →

1 recall

Service Brakes

Dec 1, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V936000 · 87 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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 & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Unknown or other8
Electrical System5
Engine5
Power Train5
Steering4
Service Brakes3
Exterior Lighting2
Wheels2
Air Bags1
Seat Belts1

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2020: 2 complaints20202021: 8 complaints202182022: 4 complaints20222023: 6 complaints20232024: 1 complaints20242025: 4 complaints20252026: 2 complaints20262

2020 vs. other Kia Rio years

2000: 3 complaints20002001: 223 complaints2232002: 128 complaints20022003: 74 complaints2004: 38 complaints20042005: 37 complaints2006: 74 complaints20062007: 46 complaints2008: 46 complaints20082009: 39 complaints2010: 26 complaints20102011: 24 complaints2012: 54 complaints20122013: 153 complaints2014: 52 complaints20142015: 52 complaints2016: 80 complaints20162017: 31 complaints2018: 28 complaints20182019: 22 complaints2020: 27 complaints20202021: 15 complaints2022: 12 complaints20222023: 12 complaints202312

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2020. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2020 Kia Rio have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign covering the 2020 Kia Rio, the latest from Dec 1, 2021 (service brakes). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Rio?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention unknown or other (8), electrical system (5), engine (5). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.