2020 Kia Rio
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine is the largest identified problem area: 5 of 27 complaints (19%) mention it. 8 complaints mention a component NHTSA leaves uncategorised.
Complaints filed rose from 21 in 2019 to 27 in 2020.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | vs. 2020 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 1,950 | 1,950 | 1,750 | 1,750 | 1,750 | |
| Combined MPG | 32 | 32 | 36 | 36 | 36 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 28–29 / 37 | 28–29 / 37 | 33 / 41 | 33 / 41 | 33 / 41 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 277–280 | 278–280 | 249 | 249 | 250 | |
| Complaints filed | 28 | 21 | 27 | 15 | 11 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 2 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Rio have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Kia Rio get?
EPA rates it 36 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Kia Rio?
EPA estimates $1,750 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (1)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4 | 1.6L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 33 mpg | 41 mpg | 36 mpg | $1,750 | 249 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (1)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER · Campaign 21V936000 · Dec 2, 2021
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.