2020 Kia RIO
Only 27 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 27 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 27
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2020
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2020: 27 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 223 |
| 2002 | 128 |
| 2003 | 74 |
| 2004 | 38 |
| 2005 | 37 |
| 2006 | 74 |
| 2007 | 46 |
| 2008 | 46 |
| 2009 | 39 |
| 2010 | 26 |
| 2011 | 24 |
| 2012 | 54 |
| 2013 | 153 |
| 2014 | 52 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 79 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 28 |
| 2019 | 22 |
| 2020 | 27 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2023 | 12 |
Known problem areas
Only 27 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
5 of 27 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Rio.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-07-22
Engine
5 of 27 total reports mention: engine.
Electrical system
5 of 27 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
I went into a rural King store to shop when I came back out my car was completely filled with smoke. I opened the front passengerdoor and the smoke hit me in the face it was so thick and green it was just it took my breath.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-06
I came out of a store last week and there was smoke inside my car and when I opened the door there was a hole down by the door frame on the passenger side that it burned all the way through to the frame of the car and now my lights are flashing on...
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-03-09
My 2020 Kia Rio S caught fire spontaneously while parked and unattended for 5 hours at my work parking lot. The vehicle was turned off and had not been involved in a collision. I was notified of the fire after it had already started.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-30
Also filed under Seats
Steering
4 of 27 total reports mention: steering.
Service brakes
3 of 27 total reports mention: service brakes.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2022-01-11Service brakes, hydraulic21V936000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V936000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2020 Kia RIO 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 RIO?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 19% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Kia RIO 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.