Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 21, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

27 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Read closely
9

Most reports here involve sudden stalling. Of these, 2 mention a crash.

sudden stalling 3unintended acceleration 1
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11725043 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Worth reading
7

Most reports here involve fire.

fire 2electrical shorts 2
A recent report: 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…
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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 could have been severe. Reproduction/confirmation: The problem has not been reproduced by a Kia dealer or independent repair facility. The vehicle was destroyed by the fire and declared a total loss. Inspections: Boise Fire Department responded to the vehicle fire. Progressive Insurance subsequently inspected/handled the vehicle and classified the loss as a non-collision total burn/total loss. I have requested the complete Boise Fire Department records and additional records from Progressive concerning any investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. Kia has not yet inspected the vehicle to my knowledge. Warnings/symptoms before the fire: There were no warning lights, messages, smoke, unusual odors, electrical problems, noises or any other symptoms I was aware of. No after market electronics or anything.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11760758 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Minor
4

Most reports here involve loss of braking.

loss of braking 4
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11690648 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
3

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 1loss of steering 1
A recent report: There has not been an incident yet but i don’t know who else to talk to. I am a FedEx Delivery driver and driver the largest Delivery truck made for FedEx and am fine with it ask day. However, the…
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There has not been an incident yet but i don’t know who else to talk to. I am a FedEx Delivery driver and driver the largest Delivery truck made for FedEx and am fine with it ask day. However, the steering on my car is down right dangerous. My car drifts all over the road. It is ten times harder to keep my little cat on the road than my big work truck. So hard in fact that i have resorted to this. I am a good driver never even a ticket so i know how to drive. It’s not my driving please listen when i tell you something is WAY wrong with the steering or suspension or both on this vehicle. Just drive one and you will see very quickly what i am saying i promise!

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11521447 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
2

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 2
A recent report: Rear ended a car at 60 mph on black ice and the air bags did not deploy

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11445666 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
2

Most reports here involve fluid leaks.

fluid leaks 1
A recent report: 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…
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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)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11542585 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 27 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2020 and 2026, roughly 4 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.