2020 Kia Niro
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 38
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2020
Opened by NHTSA
24% of complaints
Complaints per year
2020: 38 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 82 |
| 2018 | 60 |
| 2019 | 56 |
| 2020 | 38 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
24% · 9 reportsShow complaint excerpts
2020 Kia Niro was driving fine until one day while driving down the highway at highway speeds (65-70 mph), the car began to lose power and as we switched lanes to get to the side of the highway, the car began to smoke and caught on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-02-01
AC not working, recall SA512 is needed, Kia wont cover the cost of replacing electrical components.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-06
Also filed under Electrical system and visibility/wiper
Power train
21% · 8 reportsElectrical system
21% · 8 reportsShow complaint excerpts
This is a supplemental complaint to NHTSA Complaint #11744598 and #11749340. Multiple 2020 Kia Niro Hybrid and PlugâIn Hybrid vehicles are exhibiting identical Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) failures.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-29
Also filed under Service brakes
Forward collision avoidance
16% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
Show complaint excerpts
Hi my name is [XXX] I had an accident on a red light, I was on a highway took a ramp for the exit the car who was ahead of me like 30 feet make a right turn and as next on turn I look on my left side then when I turn on the right the car ahead of...
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-10-14
Also filed under Air bags
I was involved in a collision 11/2021. I had just left a stop sign and was starting to go when a semi hit my front end and spun my vehicle around. I do not understand why my air bags did not deploy and I feel like emergency braking did not work.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-02-04
Also filed under Air bags
This submission is supplemental information for my prior NHTSA complaint (Complaint #XXX). After filing the original report, I learned additional details from the Kia dealership that serviced my vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-09
Also filed under Service brakes
Service brakes
13% · 5 reportsSafety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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I
2023-01-27Defect petitionClosed 2023-08-07 Pedestrian alert sounds
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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 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 23V534000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2020 Kia Niro reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Kia Niro is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Niro?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Niro 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.