Kia · Niro · 2020
2020 Kia Niro
1
Recall
31
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2020 Kia Niro has 1 recall and 31 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: power train (7 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2020 Kia Niro page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is power train with 7 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2020 Kia Niro currently shows 1 NHTSA recall listed on this page and 31 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are power train (7), engine (6), unknown or other (4).
- Vehicle
- 2020 Kia Niro
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 31
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
12.1% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: Optional
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 23V534000July 31, 2023
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:CLUTCHES/BANDS:ACTUATORS/SOLENOIDS
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2022 Niro and 2018-2022 Niro Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.
Remedy Status
Dealers will inspect and replace the hydraulic clutch actuator as necessary and install a new fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 29, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC276.
Owner Complaints
31 totalFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 23, 2026
I own a 2020 Kia Niro PHEV. In October 2024, my dealership performed Technical Service Bulletin SA512 on my vehicle addressing the inverter coolant system. I was not informed at that time that the issue was likely to recur or that periodic maintenance would be required. In March ...
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ENGINE
Mar 8, 2026
I had my oil changed in Dec. 2025. I drove 1000+ miles w/no issue. Engine suddenly seized w/no engine light warning. Oil dumped all at once. Kia refuses to cover under warranty. THIS HAPPENED TO MY CAR: NTSA announced it had launched an investigation into Hyundai Motor Comp...
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ENGINE
Mar 8, 2026
Engine Seized at 79,000 miles on Kia Niro Hybrid on 3/8/2025. Oil was changed at 78,225 miles on 12/16/2025. No issues with vehicle until approx. 1,000 miles later and just a month and a half later when car suddenly lost power on a highway forcing me to try to safely and quick...
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VISIBILITY/WIPER
Feb 24, 2026
One night the tailgate latch began clicking, locking and unlocking itself and then not latching closed, causing the inside light to remain on and the tailgate open indicator to display on the display panel. Then it just went dead and would not open at all, even if using the speci...
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SERVICE BRAKES
Dec 20, 2025
When I’m braking at slow speeds, 10mph or less the front left tire braking system locks and makes the car skid. This happens randomly. There’s also a clicking sound made from the regen braking to switching to regular braking. The mechanic replaced the hca assembly and wiring kit ...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 12, 2025
There were no symptoms prior to the warning message and warning symbol on the dash. Warning message was "Check EV System". I took my car to the dealer immediately. The dealer has had my car for 3 1/2 months, since Sept 12, 2025. Now the field tech from Kia, on 12/22/25, says tha...
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HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Aug 8, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the HEV Hybrid System warning light illuminated, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause o...
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BACK OVER PREVENTION
Jul 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V426000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the rearview camera displayed a black screen while the vehicle ...
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ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Jun 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Niro. The contact stated that the oil change due in 700 miles message was displayed. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH to have an oil change performed, oil change service at 55 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated ...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 29, 2025
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The component that failed was the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator, which is part of the hybrid transmission system. This component was already replaced in May 2024 under recall SC276, but...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 31 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2020 Kia models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Niro have?
The 2020 Kia Niro has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2020 Kia Niro?
NHTSA has received 31 owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Kia Niro.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2020 Kia Niro?
The 2020 Kia Niro received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Kia Niro?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2020 Kia Niro are power train (7 reports), engine (6 reports), unknown or other (4 reports).
Does the 2020 Kia Niro have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2020 Kia Niro. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.