2020 Kia Niro Phev recalls
Reported Jul 31, 2023 · 121,411 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.
Problem: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.
Risk: A fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC276.
2020 Kia Niro Phev problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Steering | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
| Electrical System | 1 | |
Most reported parts
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2020 Kia Niro Phev complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Power Train · reported Nov 11, 2026
Subject: Failure of NHTSA Recall Campaign SC276 Remedy (Hydraulic Clutch Actuator) Causing Highway Shutdown Warning My 2020 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid (VIN: [XXX], Mileage: 172,000) experienced a critical failure of the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator (HCA) system while driving at highway speeds, resulting in an urgent audible alarm and dashboard command to "Turn Off Engine" immediately. This created a severe risk of losing propulsion and stalling in active highway traffic, requiring the vehicle to be towed to Putnam Kia in Burlingame, CA. According to dealership service records, NHTSA Safety Recall…
Structure · reported Nov 15, 2024
On [XXX], Flakes of paint starting peeling away and flew over the windshield while simply driving along an interstate highway at 65 MPH on a calm, dry and sunny day in CO. (A factory paint application defect of the SWP paint color is a common owner complaint) Issue reported to Kia Customer Service on NOV 15th, 2024 who provided case No.[XXX]
Service Brakes · reported Sep 22, 2024
The vehicle locks the left wheel when braking. It skids and brakes in one simultaneous action. It doesn't happen often but occasionally if I'm in heavy traffic. I reported this problem to the Kia dealer who found no problem. I really feel that this requires investigation as it could cause an accident. El vehÃculo bloquea la rueda izquierda al frenar. Patina y frena en una sola acción simultánea. No sucede a menudo, pero de vez en cuando, si hay mucho tráfico. Informé de este problema al concesionario de Kia, que no encontró ningún problema. Realmente creo que es necesario investigarlo…
Power Train · reported Nov 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V534000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering · reported Sep 29, 2022
The bearings in the steering wheel is going bad. The car is a 2020 and should not have this issue. Theyâre claiming itâs not covered under basic warranty since my mileage is 77,637, over the 60,000 mileage. Even with this many mileage, a steering wheel bearing should not go bad this quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2020 Kia Niro Phev have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 Kia Niro Phev: 23V-534 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Kia Niro Phev?
Owners report power train problems most often (3 reports), followed by steering (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.