2020 Kia Rio: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 Kia Rio: 1 recall, 27 owner complaints and up to 36 mpg combined.

Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #21V936000 · 2021 · 87 vehicles
What's wrong: The brake master cylinder May have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
Why it matters: Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2022.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 3 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (8): the most common themes are fire / smoke (4), warning light on (3), electrical failure (3).
- Engine (5): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Transmission & drivetrain (5): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
- Electrical (5): the most common themes are electrical failure (4), fire / smoke (4), door / lock issues (2).
The 2020 Kia Rio has 27 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 24 Rio model years for complaints (well below the 54 average). Complaints peaked in 2021 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 2,780 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (22 complaints, 1 recalls), 2021 (15 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 33 | 41 | 36 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2020 Kia Rio.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2020 Kia Rio have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2020 Kia Rio. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2020 Kia Rio problems?
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (8), engine (5), transmission & drivetrain (5).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Kia Rio get?
EPA ratings run up to 36 mpg combined (1.6 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 Kia Rio repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.