repaired · 2025 Q3
Clutches/bands: actuators/solenoids
Risk. A fire increases the risk of injury.
2020 Kia NiroProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 39 owner complaints about the 2020 Kia Niro, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 23V-534 the manufacturer reports only 68% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 29, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Kia Niro has problems
39 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Engine1 crash/fire/injury
8Power train
8Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
5Service brakes
5Forward collision avoidance2 crash/fire/injury
2Air bags
2Back over prevention
2Engine and engine cooling
2Fuel/propulsion system
54 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 9 | 1 |
| Power train | 8 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 5 | 2 |
| Air bags | 2 | 2 |
| Back over prevention | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 5 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2020 Kia Niro recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2020 vs. every other Niro year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Niro median. How we score
'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2020 Kia Niro, and the recalls they led to.
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
In owners' words
What Niro owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
AC not working, recall SA512 is needed, Kia wont cover the cost of replacing electrical components. Thermal Runaway / Fire Risk: The broken compressor prevents the battery thermal management system from cooling the main high-voltage lithium-ion battery package, creating an overheating hazard during…
I had my oil changed in Dec. 2025. I drove 1000+ miles w/no issue. Engine suddenly seized w/no engine light warning. Oil dumped all at once. Kia refuses to cover under warranty. THIS HAPPENED TO MY CAR: NTSA announced it had launched an investigation into Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motor Company…
Engine Seized at 79,000 miles on Kia Niro Hybrid on 3/8/2025. Oil was changed at 78,225 miles on 12/16/2025. No issues with vehicle until approx. 1,000 miles later and just a month and a half later when car suddenly lost power on a highway forcing me to try to safely and quickly navigate off the…
Own a 2020 Niro?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.