NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD
2020 Kia Rio Safety Record
The 2020 Kia Rio has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its federal safety record shows 1 recall and 26 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
CRASH
DATANot crash-tested
The 2020 Kia Rio has not been rated by NHTSA for crashworthiness, nor has a Safety Index been computed. Its safety profile must therefore be assessed by other metrics: a single active recall notice and 26 owner complaints. The recall addresses potential brake master cylinder integrity issues. Among the owner complaints are serious allegations, including those related to crashes, vehicle fires, and fatalities.
The 2020 Kia Rio was not crash-tested by NHTSA, carries one federal recall involving the brake master cylinder, and falls within a Moderate recall and complaint burden band, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA crash test | Not crash-tested |
|---|---|
| Recall and complaint burden | Moderate |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 26 (unverified allegations) |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Kia Rio?
The 2020 Kia Rio has no crash-test ratings from NHTSA, leaving its safety profile to be assessed by its recall and complaint data alone. A single recall, however, addresses a critical safety function: the brake master cylinder was manufactured with sharp edges. This is a foundational braking system concern. The vehicle's 26 owner complaints, though unverified, are spread across five distinct vehicle systems. The most recent complaint was filed in early 2026, indicating an active record. The overall volume of recalls and complaints places the Rio in the Moderate burden band, but the nature of the braking system recall necessitates direct attention. With no crash data for this model year or closely related years, consumers lack a key safety benchmark.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Kia Rio have any recalls?
The 2020 Kia Rio carries one recall, covering the brake master cylinder. Kia determined that the master cylinder on certain 2020-2021 Rio vehicles may have been manufactured with sharp edges, a defect rooted in a foundation braking component. NHTSA has issued no park-outside or do-not-drive directive in the data provided for this campaign, but any open recall status should be confirmed by VIN at nhtsa.gov.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER21V936000
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.
Reported 2021-12-01
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Kia Rio?
Owners of the 2020 Kia Rio have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA, spanning Unknown or Other issues (7 reports), powertrain (5), engine (5), electrical system (4), steering (4), and service brakes (3). These are unverified consumer allegations and have not been confirmed as defects by NHTSA. The complaint set includes alleged involvement in crashes, fire incidents, injuries, and fatalities.
26 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Kia Rio?
The 2020 Kia Rio has been subject to a significant brake master cylinder recall, an issue crucial for any prospective buyer to verify. Checking the vehicle's VIN through nhtsa.gov will confirm if this recall has been remedied. Unresolved safety recalls transfer with the vehicle, not with the seller, underscoring the importance of this pre-purchase check.
- The 2020 Kia Rio has no NHTSA crash-test score. The agency did not test this model year, so no star ratings or Safety Index exist for it.
- A brake master cylinder recall affects certain 2020 Rio vehicles. The defect involves sharp edges introduced during manufacturing of a core braking component. Shoppers and owners should verify remedy status by VIN at nhtsa.gov.
- Twenty-six owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA against the 2020 Rio. These are unverified allegations, but the filings span powertrain, engine, electrical, steering, and braking systems, and include alleged crashes, fires, injuries, and deaths.
- The 2020 Rio's Moderate burden band is a volume classification based on its recall and complaint record only. It is not a crash-safety grade and cannot substitute for a tested vehicle's star rating.
FAQ2020 Kia Rio safety questions
Was the 2020 Kia Rio crash-tested by NHTSA?
No. NHTSA has not run a New Car Assessment Program crash test on this configuration, so it carries no Safety Index. Its safety record here is built from 1 recall and 26 owner complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Rio have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Kia Rio. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Kia Rio?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 26 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Kia Rio. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Rio 2020.
- SCORE This configuration was not crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. We report its recall and complaint record only.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.