Recall 21V936 affects 87 2020-2021 Kia Rio vehicles for a brake master cylinder defect. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 87 2020-2021 Rio vehicles because sharp edges inside the brake master cylinder can damage the inner oil seal and reduce braking performance. Longer brake pedal travel or longer stopping distance raises crash risk, and Kia dealers will repair the issue free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake master cylinder on a 2020-2021 Kia Rio is the main hydraulic part that turns brake-pedal force into brake-fluid pressure. When you press the pedal, the master cylinder pushes fluid through the brake lines so the wheel brakes can clamp and slow the vehicle.
On affected Rio vehicles, the master cylinder body was not machined correctly. Sharp edges inside the part can cut or wear the inner oil seal, which is supposed to keep brake fluid pressure contained. Once that seal is damaged, the brake system loses pressure and braking performance is reduced.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner should not expect a warning light, noise, or visible leak before the brake master cylinder problem affects braking.
Who's affected?
Both listed model years involve the same hydraulic brake system component.
| 2020 Kia Rio | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Kia Rio | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 87 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced braking performance can make the brake pedal travel farther and require more distance to stop, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the problem affects braking, so schedule the repair soon and leave extra stopping room until it is done. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Kia Rio is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free brake master cylinder replacement, the repair for the seal damage that reduces braking performance.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V936 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions and reference Kia recall SC223.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician replaces the brake master cylinder covered by recall 21V936. The part and labor are free under the recall. This repair addresses the master cylinder issue that can reduce braking performance when sharp internal edges damage the inner oil seal. If you already paid for a related brake master cylinder repair, Kia's general reimbursement plan covers repair expenses already incurred. Bring the service invoice and payment documentation to the dealer or contact Kia customer service to start the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 1, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 6, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| January 6, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 11, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 11, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V936?
Recall 21V936 covers 87 2020-2021 Kia Rio vehicles with a brake master cylinder that can damage the inner oil seal and reduce braking performance. Longer brake pedal travel or a longer stopping distance increases crash risk. Kia dealers will replace the brake master cylinder for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Kia Rio is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Rio is included in recall 21V936. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the brake master cylinder replacement. Reference recall number 21V936 and Kia recall SC223 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kia will replace the brake master cylinder free of charge at a franchised Kia dealer. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 21V936.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced braking performance. The brake master cylinder defect can cause longer brake pedal travel or increase the distance needed to stop the vehicle, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free repair with a Kia dealer.
When were owners notified about recall 21V936?
Kia mailed owner notification letters on January 11, 2022. If you bought the Rio used or never received the letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call a Kia dealer or Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V936000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V936 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V936000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →