The Kia Stinger is a rear- or all-wheel-drive sport sedan with a hatchback-style liftgate, sold for the 2018 to 2023 model years. It came with a turbocharged four-cylinder or a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6. The first model year drew far more owner complaints than any later year, and several recalls cover fire and loss-of-power risks.
This guide ranks each Stinger model year using NHTSA complaints and recalls and our years to avoid methodology. In short: avoid the 2018, be careful with 2019 to 2021, and look for a 2022 or 2023 if you want a Stinger.
Related: Genesis G70 years to avoid, Audi A5 years to avoid, BMW 4 Series years to avoid.
How we rated the best and worst Kia Stinger years
We put the most weight on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, and every count in this guide comes from NHTSA’s complaint and recall records.
The Stinger has 171 NHTSA complaints across all model years. The 2018 alone has 71, and complaints drop to 5 for the 2023. Every model year is part of at least one fire-related recall for the 3.3-liter V6, so check recall completion on the specific car as well as the model year.
Every Kia Stinger model year ranked
| Model year | Verdict | NHTSA complaints | NHTSA recalls | Most-reported components |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Avoid | 71 | 4 | Engine, electrical system, fuel and propulsion |
| 2019 | Caution | 44 | 3 | Engine, service brakes, electrical system |
| 2020 | Caution | 16 | 6 | Electrical system, engine, fuel and propulsion |
| 2021 | Caution | 17 | 5 | Service brakes, engine, fuel and propulsion |
| 2022 | Good | 18 | 1 | Electrical system, engine, visibility |
| 2023 | Best | 5 | 1 | Structure, air bags, electrical system |
Most common Kia Stinger problems
These are the problems that show up most in NHTSA complaints and recall campaigns.
1. Engine problems and loss of power
The engine is the most-reported component, with 54 complaints across all years and 28 for the 2018 alone. Complaints describe loss of power, knocking, misfires and the car refusing to accelerate from a stop.
Two recalls cover loss of drive power from the fuel system. Campaign 23V634 covers certain 2018 to 2021 Stingers where a valve in the high-pressure fuel pump may stick. Campaign 20V560 covers certain 2020 and 2021 cars where a plastic burr in the fuel pump could block fuel supply to the engine.
2. Engine compartment fires
Several 2018 and 2019 complaints describe smoke or fire in the engine compartment. Three recalls cover fire risks. Campaign 18V754 covers certain 2018 Stingers where the front wiring harness can be damaged by a burr on the fender panel and short circuit. Campaign 20V518 covers certain 2018 to 2021 cars where a fire may start near the anti-lock brake control unit. Campaign 24V169 covers 2018 to 2023 Stingers with the 3.3-liter V6, where the left turbocharger oil feed pipe may leak oil onto hot engine parts.
Several 2019 complaints describe long waits for parts to complete campaign 20V518, so confirm the work has actually been done.
3. Brake vibration
Service brakes are the third most-reported component, with 30 complaints. Most describe the car shaking or the pedal vibrating under braking, often blamed on warped rotors, and some owners report rotors being replaced more than once.
4. Shattering sunroofs
Complaints for the 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023 model years describe the sunroof shattering while driving, with no impact. There is no Stinger recall for the sunroof in NHTSA data.
5. Steering and fuel gauge recalls (2020 and 2021)
Campaign 20V422 covers a small number of 2020 Stingers with the 2.0-liter engine, where a power steering part may have been made incorrectly, making the steering lock up or become difficult. Campaign 21V862 covers certain 2020 and 2021 cars with a software error that may show an incorrect fuel level, so the car could run out of fuel.
Which Kia Stinger years to avoid
Avoid: 2018
The 2018 has 71 NHTSA complaints, the most of any year and more than four times the 2020 or 2021. It has 4 recalls, including the wiring harness, anti-lock brake unit and turbocharger oil pipe fire risks. Engine complaints, including loss of power, lead the list.
Caution: 2019, 2020 and 2021
The 2019 has 44 complaints, led by the engine and brakes. The 2020 and 2021 have far fewer complaints, 16 and 17, but the most recalls of any year, 6 and 5, including fuel pump problems that can cause a loss of power. Confirm all recall work before you buy one of these years.
What is the best Kia Stinger year
The 2023 is the best Stinger year in NHTSA data. It has 5 complaints and one recall, the turbocharger oil pipe campaign for V6 cars. The 2022 is also a good choice, with 18 complaints and the same single recall.
Kia Stinger pre-purchase checklist
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm every open recall is complete, especially the fire-related campaigns.
- On a V6 car, confirm the turbocharger oil feed pipe recall is done and look for oil leaks around the turbochargers.
- Test drive from a standstill and at highway speed, and watch for hesitation, loss of power or warning lights.
- Brake firmly from highway speed and feel for vibration through the pedal or steering wheel.
- Check the sunroof glass for chips or cracks.
- Ask for service records, and have a mechanic inspect the car before you buy.
Better alternatives to consider
If you want a sporty sedan or fastback, these models are worth comparing. Check the years to avoid for each one before you shop.
Is the Kia Stinger reliable
The Stinger’s NHTSA record is weak in its first year and improves steadily after that. Every year has at least one fire-related recall to check, and the early cars have many engine and brake complaints. A later car with complete recall work and good maintenance is the safest choice.
Frequently asked questions
What years did Kia make the Stinger?
Kia sold the Stinger in the US for the 2018 to 2023 model years. NHTSA and fueleconomy.gov list no 2024 Stinger.
What is the most common problem with the Kia Stinger?
The engine is the most common complaint. It is the most-reported component in NHTSA complaints across all years, and many complaints describe a loss of power.
What gas mileage does the Kia Stinger get?
Fueleconomy.gov rates the four-cylinder Stinger at 24 to 25 mpg combined and the 3.3-liter V6 at 20 mpg combined.
Which Kia Stinger years should you avoid?
Avoid the 2018 Stinger. It has the most NHTSA complaints, led by the engine. The 2023 is the best year.