MotorDeets

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.

1vehicle recalls
27owner complaints
3mention a crash
36best combined mpg
2020 Kia Rio
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

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.

Other / unknown8
Engine5
Transmission & drivetrain5
Electrical5
Steering4
Brakes3
Wheels2
Exterior lights2

What owners describe

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)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
1.6 L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive334136Regular

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.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2020 Kia Rio manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2020 Kia Rio manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2020 Kia Rio manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2020 Kia Rio manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

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.

Other Rio years

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