2020 Kia Niro Phev Problems & Complaints

Better than average67% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Niro Phev at the same age

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2020 Kia Niro Phev with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 67% fewer than a typical Niro Phev model year at the same age, making the 2020 one of the better Niro Phev years. The most reported problem area is the transmission & drivetrain (2 complaints, typically around 0 miles). One recall covers this model year.

5complaints
1recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2020 Kia Niro Phev problems

  • Transmission & drivetrain~0 miles
    240%
  • Steering
    120%
  • Brakes
    120%
  • Body & structure
    120%

Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Kia Niro Phev complaints by model year

2018201920202022202313265126
Owner complaints per model year, Kia Niro Phev. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Niro Phev years: 2020, 2023. Years to avoid: 2022. Compare all years →

2020 Kia Niro Phev recalls (1)

Power train › Automatic transmission › Internal › Clutches/bands › Actuators/solenoids

NHTSA recall 23V-534 · Jul 31, 2023 · 121,411 vehicles

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: 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.

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2020 Kia Niro Phev:

Pedestrian alert sounds

NHTSA investigation DP22005 · opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V-063

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Kia Niro Phev a good car?

Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 Niro Phev rates better than average: 67% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Niro Phev at the same age. It is one of the best Niro Phev years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Kia Niro Phev?

The transmission & drivetrain — 2 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (1) and brakes (1).

How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Niro Phev have?

There is 1 recall for the 2020 Kia Niro Phev, the most recent from July 31, 2023 (actuators/solenoids). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Kia Niro Phev?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2022. See the full Kia Niro Phev years comparison.

At what mileage do 2020 Kia Niro Phev problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 0 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.