This 2020 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the KIA brand.
Key Factor:below-average recall rate
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Standard Safety Record
The 2020 Rio maintains a standard safety record for KIA, with 1 recall documented.
1 recall for this vehicle1.9 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
Brake and steering systems are the foundation of vehicle control. Issues in these areas directly influence insurance risk assessments.
Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.
Focus Area:critical safety systems
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Expert Analysis
The 2020 Rio analysis highlights key safety metrics.
Safety & Reliability Score
91/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-1.25
Investigation Impact-0
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2020 KIA Rio
Model Year2020
MakeKIA
ModelRio
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Jan20
NEWProduction
Aug20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
6 complaints (24% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 25 consumer complaints by severity level.
π High
6(24%)
π‘Medium
7(28%)
π’Low
12(48%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
βοΈEngineering Insight
Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 60k-80k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 45,801 miles.
π Mileage data extracted from 6 of 25 complaints (24% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (17%)
20k-40k
1 reports (17%)
40k-60k
1 reports (17%)
60k-80k
2 reports (33%)
80k-100k
1 reports (17%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Official Safety Recalls (1)
Campaign: 21V936000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
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Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
0 investigations
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No active investigations for this vehicle.
Consumer Complaints
25 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 Rio.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Fire24%
Stall16%
Acceleration Issues12%
Smoke8%
Burn8%
Leak8%
Crash/Accident8%
BrakesπΆ Medium
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 brake are applied and held. This issue has on two separate occasions near collision, because the vehicle wouldn't stop.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #21V936000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
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.
Electricalβ οΈ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 is should be responsible. I am going through a flood right now in my home and now I have to deal with that and I don't think I'm even responsible for the payment I think he is at the cover it.
Electricalβ οΈ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I came out of a store last week and there was smoke inside my car and when I opened the door there was a hole down by the door frame on the passenger side that it burned all the way through to the frame of the car and now my lights are flashing on and off and sometimes a passenger headlight works sometimes the driver had light works but it's either one or the other it's doing all kinds of crazy stuff with the lights now I'm thinking it has to be in the electrical fire because it got hot enough to melt all the way through the plastic part of the bottom of my door I do have pictures
Engine/PowertrainπΆ Medium
ENGINE
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 pocket. Kia Should honor their recalls. vehicle owners.
Engine/PowertrainπΆ Medium
ENGINE
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 they did a diagnostic test they. I reported when the ac is on the engine light comes on and the car hesitates as if to stall they still saying they see nothing to indicate any problems there is problems also the back up camera stopped working the Kia customer service representative suggested to take it to another dealership the car has been to 2 different dealerships Langdale Kia Valdosta Georgia and Roundtree Moore Lake city Florida
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
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.
Steering/Suspensionπ΅ Low
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle driver rear window was broken, steer column and stolen case # [XXX] I also own a vin # [XXX] and [XXX] . Please contact me [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Otherπ΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car acted like it haD a dead battery. This happened once before and after about 10 minutes when I tried starting it it started with no problems. this happened a couple of months the ago. This time, as I was sitting in the car the seat belt light came on but I couldn't wait for the issue to resolve.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any recalls for the 2020 KIA Rio?
Yes, the 2020 KIA Rio has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER.
Is the 2020 KIA Rio safe to drive?
The 2020 KIA Rio has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.
Where can I check if my 2020 KIA Rio has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local KIA dealer.
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Service brakes, hydraulic
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm service brakes, hydraulic recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all service brakes, hydraulic recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:21V936000
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your KIA dealer to verify recall completion status.
π§What This Means for You
This analysis is particularly important for drivers who navigate steep terrain, tow regularly, or drive in frequent rain or snow.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your KIA dealer.
If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyβrecall repairs are always free.
Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
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If You're Buying Used
Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.