Stinger (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
TGDI Lamda II
3.3L 6-cyl / 365 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
TGDI Theta II
2.0L 4-cyl / 252 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
TGDI Theta III
2.5L 4-cyl / 300 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Kia Stinger Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Kia Stinger, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2018-2023 Kia Stinger
On a used 2018-2023 Kia Stinger, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (52), the electrical system (35) and the fuel system (34). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 52 owner complaints on the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger about the engine, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 35 owner complaints on the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger about the electrical system.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 34 owner complaints on the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger about the brakes.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 9 owner complaints on the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger about the body and structure.
Recalls (7)
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019-2020 K900, and 2018-2023 Stinger vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine. The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles. The fuel control valve plunger may stick inside the high pressure fuel pump, causing over-pressurization and loss of drive power.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Stinger vehicles. A software error in the instrument cluster may cause an inaccurate fuel gauge reading.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Stinger vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine.
Kia Motors America (Kia) recalled certain 2019 Stinger vehicles equipped with 3.3L T-GDI engines on August 27, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Kia expanded the recall population and added certain 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles. While driving, an engine compartment fire may occur in the area where the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) is located.
Show 2 older recalls
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Stinger vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Turbo-GDI engine. A component within the Rack Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, possibly resulting in the steering locking or becoming difficult while driving.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Stinger vehicles. The front wiring harness located in the engine and passenger compartment may get damaged from contacting a burr on the left fender body panel.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2018-2023 Kia Stinger complaints?
Owners have filed 169 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger. The systems they name most often are the engine, the electrical system and the fuel system.
Is the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 169 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger have?
NHTSA has 169 owner complaints on file for the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls covering some 2018-2023 Kia Stinger vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Stinger?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the electrical system and the fuel system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Stinger?
The 2023 Kia Stinger received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 5 stars (8.7% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 169 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.