The Lemon Index2020 Kia Rio.
The 2020 Kia Rio is about average by owner complaints: 20 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 89, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 1 recall, and it gets 36 mpg combined. The best Kia Rio year is 2018.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 27 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Rio year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 25K miles on the car (8 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 1
- brakes 2021
The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 68 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake…
- Technical service bulletin: partial repair of c-mdps motor, ecu, worm gear and/or steering…
- Technical service bulletin: service action: ivt/cvt sw logic improvement and/or ivt/cvt…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Rio 5 HB FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| Kia Rio 4 DR FWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
While driving, my 2020 Kia Rio has stalled when accelerating while turning at a traffic light and while attempting tp pass a car on interstate. Also several time when jnust driving. Very scary feeling.
2020 Kia Rio owner · NHTSA complaint 11395702
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Kia Rio reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew 1.1× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 89; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Rio year by this measure is 2018.
What are the most common 2020 Kia Rio problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (20%), steering (20%) and transmission & drivetrain (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Rio have?
1 safety recall (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Kia Rio get?
36 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2020 Kia Rio have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 15% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Kia Rio cost in fuel a year?
About $1800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Kia Rio have?
1.6L 4-cyl.
What Kia Rio year is better than the 2020?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2018, 2022 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works