Does the 2020 Kia RIO have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 Kia RIO, the most recent reported on December 1, 2021 (Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, master cylinder). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia RIO?

Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (8 complaints), followed by electrical system (5).

How many 2020 Kia RIO complaints mention a crash or fire?

3 of 27 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2020 Kia RIO recalls and problems

1 recall and 27 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Kia RIO.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2020 Kia RIO recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, master cylinder

NHTSA campaign 21V936000 · reported December 1, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 87 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Unknown or other8
Electrical system5
Engine5
Power train5
Steering4
Service brakes3
Exterior lighting2
Wheels2
Air bags1
Seat belts1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Aug 30, 2026 · Seats
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…

Mar 17, 2026 · Power train · 28,000 miles
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…

Sep 30, 2025 · Service 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…

Jun 9, 2025 · Power 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.

Apr 6, 2025 · Electrical system · fire reported
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…

RIO model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2017	2	31	3	6
2018	1	28	3	2
2019	1	22	4	1
2020	1	27	3	5
2021	2	15	2	0
2022	1	12	2	0
2023	0	12	0	0

Across all years, the 2001 RIO has the most complaints (223). All Kia RIO years →

Questions

Does the 2020 Kia RIO have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 Kia RIO, the most recent reported on December 1, 2021 (Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, master cylinder). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia RIO?: Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is unknown or other (8 complaints), followed by electrical system (5).
How many 2020 Kia RIO complaints mention a crash or fire?: 3 of 27 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received August 30, 2026.