2020 Kia Niro EV
Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 17 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 28 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 17 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 17 total reports mention: electrical system.
3 of 17 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
-Abnormal Reduction Gear and/or EV motor Rumble noise as identified in KIA TSB-234. The car is available for inspection.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231128
3 of 17 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
-Abnormal Reduction Gear and/or EV motor Rumble noise as identified in KIA TSB-234. The car is available for inspection.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231128
2 of 17 total reports mention: lane departure.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
Driving in my 2020 Kia Niro EV EX in the right lane of a 2-lane northbound highway at 3PM on a weekday, clear-weather, I changed lanes into the left lane when all of the sudden the Lane Keeping Assist malfunctioned and startlingly and abruptly...
NHTSA ODI report, 20211123
1 of 17 total reports mentions: wheels.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Pedestrian alert sounds
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Niro EV vehicles. The Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) may have been improperly sealed and may leak coolant internally.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the EPCU as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 9, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC258.
Campaign 22V899000 — check if this car was fixed
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Niro EV vehicles. The circuit board for the rearview camera may become damaged and cause the rearview camera image not to display.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 7, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC342.
Campaign 25V426000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Kia Niro EV — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 22V899000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 25V426000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2020 Kia Niro EV reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Niro EV?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Niro EV have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.