2020 Kia Rio: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2020 Kia Rio at 36 mpg combined across 1 version. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 27 owner complaints for this model year.
Safety recalls
1
EPA combined mpg
36
NHTSA overall rating
—
Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT
Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Kia dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.
2020 Kia Rio recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 1 safety recall for the 2020 Kia Rio, newest first.
Service brakes, hydraulic: Foundation components: Master cylinder
NHTSA 21V936000Reported Dec 1, 2021
Filed by
Kia America, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. SC223)
Units affected
87 (estimate)
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.
Remedy
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.
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
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2020 Kia Rio fuel economy by version
EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.
EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.
2020 Kia Rio crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
2020 Kia Rio NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicle
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
Forward collision warning
2020 Kia Rio 4 DR FWD
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
—
Optional
2020 Kia Rio 5 HB FWD
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
—
Optional
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.
Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.
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2020 Kia Rio owner complaints
Owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Kia Rio, most recently on Aug 30, 2026. 3 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 1 injured people and 3 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
Most-cited components in 2020 Kia Rio complaints
Component named in complaints
Mentions
Unknown or other
8
Electrical system
5
Engine
5
Power train
5
Steering
4
Service brakes
3
Exterior lighting
2
Wheels
2
Air bags
1
Seat belts: Rear/other: Buckle assembly
1
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
