2020 Kia Niro Phev
Only 5 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 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 5
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2020
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2020: 5 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 13 |
| 2019 | 26 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
2 of 5 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-02
We purchased a new 2020 Kia niro ex premium phev on 10/10/2020 and regret it. Less than a week and 50 miles in we had the "Check active air flap system" Warning.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-10-18
Structure
1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing body.
Show complaint excerpts
On [XXX], Flakes of paint starting peeling away and flew over the windshield while simply driving along an interstate highway at 65 MPH on a calm, dry and sunny day in CO.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-15
Steering
1 of 5 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
The bearings in the steering wheel is going bad. The car is a 2020 and should not have this issue. Theyâre claiming itâs not covered under basic warranty since my mileage is 77,637, over the 60,000 mileage.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-09-29
Service brakes
1 of 5 total reports mentions: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle locks the left wheel when braking. It skids and brakes in one simultaneous action. It doesn't happen often but occasionally if I'm in heavy traffic. I reported this problem to the Kia dealer who found no problem.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-22
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
-
R
2023-12-29Power train23V534000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Kia Niro Phev — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 23V534000 · Power train
FAQ
- Is the 2020 Kia Niro Phev 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 Phev?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Niro Phev have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.