MYRModel Year Report

2020 Kia RIO

○ Not enough data
2020 Kia RIO
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:12:19.829Z

Only 26 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 26 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia RIO Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2020 highlighted. 2000: 3 complaints 2000 2001: 223 complaints 2002: 128 complaints 2003: 74 complaints 2003 2004: 38 complaints 2005: 36 complaints 2006: 74 complaints 2006 2007: 46 complaints 2008: 46 complaints 2009: 39 complaints 2009 2010: 26 complaints 2011: 24 complaints 2012: 52 complaints 2012 2013: 153 complaints 2014: 51 complaints 2015: 52 complaints 2015 2016: 77 complaints 2017: 31 complaints 2018: 27 complaints 2018 2019: 21 complaints 2020: 26 complaints 2020 2021: 15 complaints 2021 2022: 10 complaints 2023: 12 complaints 2023
2020: 26 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20003
2001223
2002128
200374
200438
200536
200674
200746
200846
200939
201026
201124
201252
2013153
201451
201552
201677
201731
201827
201921
202026
202115
202210
202312

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 26 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

POWER TRAIN

5 of 26 total reports mention: power train.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Rio.

NHTSA ODI report, 20210722

ENGINE

5 of 26 total reports mention: engine.

CRASH FIRE DEATH
STEERING

4 of 26 total reports mention: steering.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 of 26 total reports mention: electrical system.

FIRE
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, 20250406

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, 20250309

SERVICE BRAKES

3 of 26 total reports mention: service brakes.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20220111 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Campaign 21V936000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2020 Kia RIO — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 21V936000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2017 ● 2005 ● 2004

WORST YEARS

■ 2001 ■ 2013 ■ 2002

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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.