2020 Kia Niro 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 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Engine | 9 | |
| Unknown or Other | 8 | |
| Power Train | 8 | |
| Electrical System | 8 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 6 | |
| Service Brakes | 5 | |
| Air Bags | 2 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 3
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 2
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 60,000 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 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Service Brakes · reported Sep 29, 2026
This is a supplemental complaint to NHTSA Complaint #11744598 and #11749340. Multiple 2020 Kia Niro Hybrid and PlugâIn Hybrid vehicles are exhibiting identical Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) failures. I have personally encountered other Niro owners reporting the same intermittent EPB/ABS/ESC warnings. A Kia service coordinator confirmed another 2020 Niro currently in their shop with the same issue. In that case, Kia declined warranty coverage because the owner is the second owner, despite the failure involving safetyâcritical brake system components. These repeated occurrences indicate a…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 98,000 miles · reported Aug 31, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving 79 MPH, the thermostat displayed that the engine was running hot and there was white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that a hose underneath the radiator was disconnected, and coolant was leaking from the hose, and the dipstick had dislodged into the engine. The contact stated that while accelerating from a complete stop or while decelerating, the vehicle jolted forward. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle…
Electrical System · reported Aug 6, 2026
AC not working, recall SA512 is needed, Kia wont cover the cost of replacing electrical components. Thermal Runaway / Fire Risk: The broken compressor prevents the battery thermal management system from cooling the main high-voltage lithium-ion battery package, creating an overheating hazard during driving or DC fast-charging. Sudden Loss of Power (Motive Power): Battery overheating can trigger a sudden "safe mode" or turtle mode, dropping your speed to zero unexpectedly on the highway.Impaired Driver Visibility: The lack of functional cabin heating prevents windshield defrosting, severely…
Service Brakes · reported Jul 9, 2026
This submission is supplemental information for my prior NHTSA complaint (Complaint #XXX). After filing the original report, I learned additional details from the Kia dealership that serviced my vehicle. The service department stated that they have seen the same electronic parking brake controller and actuator failure on multiple Kia Niro vehicles from model years 2018â2021. They reported that these failures were not covered under warranty for those years, even when the symptoms began during the warranty period. The dealer also explained that Kia made design improvements to the electronic…
Power Train · reported Jun 28, 2026
What's malfunctioning: coolant monitoring system shows low coolant warning when coolant level is observably fine. Problem has been ongoing for over a year. Available for inspection: yes. Safety problem: coolant monitoring is inaccurate, causing alarm when coolant levels are fine and possibly causing no alarm when coolant levels are too low. Problem reproduced: yes, by both dealer and independent service center. Vehicle inspected by manufacturer: yes. They attempted service but their repair only lasted a few months. Symptoms prior to failure: no. The problem is that the warning lights are…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2020 Kia Niro have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 Kia Niro: 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?
Owners report engine problems most often (9 reports), followed by unknown or other (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 60,000 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.