2020 Kia Rio recalls
Reported Dec 1, 2021 · 87 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America
Problem: 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.
Risk: Reduced braking performance can cause longer brake pedal travel or extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
2020 Kia Rio problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Unknown or Other | 8 | |
| Engine | 5 | |
| Power Train | 5 | |
| Electrical System | 5 | |
| Steering | 4 | |
| Service Brakes | 3 | |
| Wheels | 2 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | |
| Seat Belts | 1 | |
| Air Bags | 1 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Buckle Assembly — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 5,000 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 Rio complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Seats · reported Aug 30, 2026
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…
Power Train · at 28,000 miles · reported Mar 17, 2026
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.
Service Brakes · reported Sep 30, 2025
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.
Power Train · reported Jun 9, 2025
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.
Electrical System · reported Apr 6, 2025
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…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2020 Kia Rio have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2020 Kia Rio: 21V-936 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Kia Rio?
Owners report unknown or other problems most often (8 reports), followed by engine (5). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 5,000 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.