repaired · 2023 Q4
Foundation components: master cylinder
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.
2020 Kia RIOProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 27 owner complaints about the 2020 Kia RIO, most often about the engine. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 21V-936 the manufacturer reports only 59% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 30, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2020 Kia RIO has problems
27 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
5Engine1 crash/fire/injury
5Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
5Power train2 crash/fire/injury
4Steering
3Service brakes
2Wheels1 crash/fire/injury
2Exterior lighting
1Seats
1Suspension
44 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 3 |
| Power train | 5 | 2 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2020 Kia RIO 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 RIO 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 RIO median. How we score
'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2020 Kia RIO safety ratings
2020 Kia Rio 5 HB FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What RIO owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
When I first purchased the car less than 90 days the engine light came on rook back to the dealership and notified Kia they didn't know why the engine light came on they said just drive it then I later told then engine light came on again and it act to over heat they said they had no signs when…
I was driving at just over 20,000 miles, when cylinder 4 decided to go out of the bottom of my engine. They had to put a completely brand new motor in my car. So, what's stopping it from doing it again. There's other cars listed in a Kia/Hyundai settlement, but the Kia Ria is not listed.
Own a 2020 RIO?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.