Stinger (1st)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
TGDI Lamda II
3.3L 6-cyl / 365 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
TGDI Theta II
2.0L 4-cyl / 252 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
TGDI Theta III
2.5L 4-cyl / 300 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Kia Stinger Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Kia Stinger regardless of engine variant.
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) 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.
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 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) 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.
Alternatives in Midsize Sedan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2018-2023 Kia Stinger problems?
The 2018-2023 Kia Stinger has accumulated 152 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Fuel System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Kia Stinger engine is most reliable?
The 2018-2023 Kia Stinger was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.3L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger a good used car?
The 2018-2023 Kia Stinger can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 152 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger have?
The 2018-2023 Kia Stinger has 152 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2018-2023 Kia Stinger?
There are 7 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2018-2023 Kia Stinger vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Stinger?
Before buying a used Kia Stinger, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Electrical System, Fuel System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 152 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.