2020 Kia Rio Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
77/100
#4 most-complained of 14 Rio years
The 2020 Kia Rio has a Complaint Index of 77 and ranks 4th worst out of 14 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 27 complaints, 1 recall, 5 fires, and 3 deaths for this year, with Electrical System issues the top problem area at 22% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 3
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 36
- 33 city / 41 hwy
Top 2020 Kia Rio problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other8 (30%)
- Electrical System6 (22%)
- Engine5 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (19%)
- Steering4 (15%)
- Brakes3 (11%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (11%)
- Airbags1 (4%)
- Seat Belts1 (4%)
- Structure & Body1 (4%)
What owners report
- Owners report the engine stalling unexpectedly while accelerating, turning at intersections, or passing on the interstate.
- Some describe electrical fires with smoke filling the cabin and wiring burning through the door frame near the passenger seat.
- One owner reported the transmission gear shaft melted while the vehicle was parked, with an electronic failure cited as the cause.
- A seat belt reportedly detached from its base during a crash, and the airbags failed to deploy.
- One owner reported a tire exploding after very low mileage, which the dealer attributed to driver error.
- Owners describe brakes going down to the floor and windshield fluid disappearing without being used.
2020 Kia Rio recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V936000Dec 1, 2021Brakes87 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder
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: 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.
2020 Kia Rio fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 33 MPG
- Highway
- 41 MPG
- Combined
- 36 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other Rio years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Kia Rio reliable?
- Compared to other Rio model years, the 2020 ranks 4th worst out of 14 years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 77 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.
- What problems does the 2020 Kia Rio have?
- NHTSA data shows Electrical System complaints are the top issue at 22% of the 27 total complaints, followed by Engine and Transmission & Powertrain issues, each at 19%.
- Does the 2020 Kia Rio have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (campaign 21V936000) covers a brake master cylinder defect that could reduce braking performance; Kia replaced the part free of charge.
- How many fires and deaths were reported for the 2020 Kia Rio?
- NHTSA lists 5 fire reports, 3 crashes, 1 injury, and 3 deaths associated with the 2020 Kia Rio.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2020 Kia Rio?
- The 2020 Kia Rio gets an EPA-rated 36 mpg combined (33 city / 41 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,800.