2020 Kia RIO recalls

1 safety recall, 27 owner complaints. Official NHTSA data.

1Recalls
27Complaints
8Crashes & fires reported
N/ANHTSA overall rating

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2020 Kia RIO recall list

Service Brakes, Hydraulic recall

21V-936
December 1, 2021 · Kia Motors America
Problem
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.
Safety risk
Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

2020 Kia RIO owner complaints

27 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 3 crashes, 5 fires, 1 injury and 3 deaths.

Problems by component

Unknown or Other8
Electrical System5
Power Train5
Engine5
Steering4
Service Brakes3
Exterior Lighting2
Wheels2
Seats1
Suspension1

Recent complaints

August 30, 2026Electrical SystemSeatsUnknown or Other

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. The fire caused catastrophic damage to the passenger compartment and resulted in a total loss of the vehicle. Component/system suspected: The exact component that initiated the fire has not yet been determined. Based on the circumstances, I am concerned about a possible vehicle electrical or mechanical failure, but I do not want to speculate as to the cause without investigation reports. The vehicle was subsequently taken to a salvage/inspection facility. I am c

March 17, 2026Power Train

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Rio. The contact stated that while coming to a stoplight, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle did not need to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.

September 30, 2025Service Brakes

Upon stopping at a red light and or stop sign, when applying brakes, the car continues to move forward, even after pumping the brakes. Vehicle has been diagnosed by a certified auto mechanic. The findings and recommendation for the Brake Master Cylinder to be the reason the vehicle continues to creep forward, when brake are applied and held. This issue has on two separate occasions near collision, because the vehicle wouldn't stop.

June 9, 2025Power Train

I was driving up a hill and it would not go past 20-30 mph, and the rpm will sometimes go up when not accelerating. The transmission does not shift when driving and will sometimes make the car stop and go stop and go continuously. Tried accelerating but the rpm would go up while the mph would not.

April 6, 2025Electrical SystemUnknown or OtherFire

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. It took me 10 minutes to locate what had happened and down on the door frame of the passenger side of the front seat where the wiring is there was a whole melted all the way through that panel and you could see the wiring was exposed so I assume that the wiring had caught on fire. I'm not sure about this it has been looked at and it is at Jeff Wilder Toyota in Clarksville Indiana. They want me to pay $1,000 deductible for this but I feel like if it was a wiring issue key

2020 Kia RIO crash test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2020 Kia Rio 5 HB FWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated
2020 Kia Rio 4 DR FWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Driver aids on the tested 2020 Kia RIO: electronic stability control standard, forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning no.

2020 Kia RIO recall FAQ

Does the 2020 Kia RIO have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2020 Kia RIO. The most recent, filed December 1, 2021, concerns the service brakes, hydraulic.

What are the most common 2020 Kia RIO problems?

Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is unknown or other (8 reports), followed by electrical system.

Is the 2020 Kia RIO safe?

NHTSA has not published an overall crash test rating for the 2020 Kia RIO.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2020 Kia RIO?

Contact any authorized Kia dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.