Problems · NHTSA complaints

2020 Kia Rio problems

Owners filed 27 complaints about the 2020 Kia Rio with NHTSA between Aug 2020 and Aug 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (5).

Complaints
27
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
3
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
3
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system5
  2. Power train5
  3. Engine5
  4. Steering4
  5. Service brakes3
  6. Exterior lighting2
  7. Wheels2
  8. Seats1
  9. Suspension1
  10. Vehicle speed control1
  11. Air bags1
  12. Seat belts1
  13. Visibility/wiper1
  14. Other / unknown8

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20202
20218
20224
20236
20241
20254
20262

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

5 reports3 fires
“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 currently determining whether it remains available for inspection. Safety risk: The vehicle caught fire while parked without an apparent external cause. The fire became extensive enough to destroy the passenger compartment and vehicle. This created a significant fire hazard to nearby vehicles, property, and people. Had the vehicle been parked in a garage or other enclosed area, or had someone been inside or near the vehicle when the fire began, the potential consequences…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 30, 2026Electrical system, Seats, Unknown or otherODI 11760758

Power train

5 reports1 crash1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 17, 2026Power trainODI 11725043

Engine

5 reports1 crash1 fire
“Recall SC223 Brake master cylinder. Rough metal edges can pinatrate Seals causing leaks poor braking functionality. NHTSA Capaign ID# 21V936000. Nov.30th.2021, 87 vehicles effected. Clay Cooley kia refused to honor the recall and fix the problem with my vehicle on 10/25/2024. Recall on the catalytic converters. Recall SC176 , Carbon monoxide poisoning due to exhaust systems malfunctioning and exhaust coming through the AC system. When I took my 2020 Rio S to Vanguard Kia Arlington Texas. Vanguard kia refused to honor the recall because my vehicle had over 80,000 miles and that's why Vanguard Kia service advisors wouldn't replace the catalytic converters. Or Vanguard kia would have replaced them! Even though it was a Safety issue. My wife and I recently was admitted to Parkland hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning levels of tests taken at the hospital blood gas tests were above level 9 for carbon monoxide poisoning. My level was 13. So now we're having to drive our 2020 rio s with the windows down and the ac vents closed. To keep from getting carbon monoxide poisoning again!! Please help us get these 2 SAFETY RECALL ISSUES FIXED. We cannot afford it out of…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 27, 2024EngineODI 11622150

Steering

4 reports
“I believe my Kia Rio S falls victim to the recall 2020 Kia Rio models have faced. Brake performance has been severely degraded on my vehicle over the past few weeks despite doing all recommended maintenance. When I first got my 2020 Kia Rio S I could brake with 5% pressure applied to the brakes, now it takes about 25-30% pressure and it seemingly is increasing every day. I have contacted the manufacturer and they advised me it would be a $2000 service charge minimum.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 9, 2023Steering, Power train, Service brakesODI 11543523

Service brakes

3 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2025Service brakesODI 11690648

Exterior lighting

2 reports
“The Passenger Headlight has water inside it, and water vapor. The connections for the light blubs is corroding.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 27, 2022Exterior lightingODI 11486648
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.