2020 Kia Niro PHEV Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2020 Kia Niro PHEV has a complaint index of 29, ranking 6th among 8 model years, and earns a Good verdict. It has 5 complaints, 1 recall, and no crashes, fires, or injuries reported.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 29/100
- #6 of 8 Niro PHEV years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 5
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
Top 2020 Kia Niro PHEV problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (40%)
- Brakes1 (20%)
- Steering1 (20%)
- Structure & Body1 (20%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report a "check active air flap system" warning appearing within days and very low mileage of ownership.
- Steering wheel bearings reportedly wear out and go bad well before expected, even at higher mileage.
- Owners describe a recall repair for the hydraulic clutch actuator being delayed due to parts unavailability.
- Some drivers report the left front wheel locking up briefly during braking in heavy traffic.
- Paint is reported peeling or flaking off the body while driving at highway speed.
2020 Kia Niro PHEV recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V534000Jul 31, 2023Transmission & Powertrain121,411 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:internal:clutches/bands:actuators/solenoids
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.
Risk: 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.
2020 compared with other Niro PHEV years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Kia Niro PHEV reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2020 Niro PHEV has a complaint index of 29, the second-lowest among 8 model years, and carries a Good verdict relative to other Niro PHEV years.
- What problems does the 2020 Kia Niro PHEV have?
- NHTSA complaints most often cite Transmission & Powertrain issues (40% of complaints), followed by Brakes, Steering, and Structure & Body, each at 20%.
- Does the 2020 Kia Niro PHEV have a recall?
- Yes, one recall (23V534000) covers a hydraulic clutch actuator that can leak fluid onto a circuit board, potentially causing an engine compartment fire. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How does the 2020 Niro PHEV compare to other years?
- It ranks 6th worst out of 8 model years by complaint index. The 2019 model year has the highest complaint index at 100 and an Avoid verdict, while 2020 sits much lower at 29.
- Were there any crashes or injuries reported for the 2020 Niro PHEV?
- No. NHTSA data shows zero crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported for the 2020 Kia Niro PHEV.