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Vehicle Stats/KIA/Stinger Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Aug 2026Methodology

KIA Stinger Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls β€” NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 165 complaints and 20 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used KIA Stinger options? We analyzed 6 model years (2018–2023) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

165
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
20
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
6
Crash-Related
crash complaints
8
Fire-Related
fire complaints
2
Injuries Reported
across all years
6
Years Analyzed
2018–2023

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Found a KIA Stinger? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns β€” they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the KIA Stinger has 165 owner complaints and 20 safety recalls across model years 2018–2023. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2018 drew the most complaints; 2023 drew the fewest.

KIA Stinger β€” key reliability facts
Make
KIA
Model
Stinger
Model years analyzed
2018–2023 (6 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
165
Safety recall campaigns
20
Crash-related complaints
6
Fire-related complaints
8
Worst model year (by complaints)
2018 (67 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2023 (5 complaints)
Top reported issue area
ENGINE
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) Β· Data last refreshed Aug 25, 2026
This Stinger has 20 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free β†’

By model year

KIA Stinger: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used β€” lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
201867 complaints201943 complaints202117 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
20235 complaints202016 complaints202217 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record β€” lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2018 KIA Stinger? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year β€” averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free β†’

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

20232023 Kia Stinger 4 DR AWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
5/5
20222022 Kia Stinger 4 DR AWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
5/5
20212021 Kia Stinger 4 DR RWD
Overall Safety
5/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover Risk
5/5
How to read NCAP stars
5 stars β€” Excellent
4 stars β€” Good
3 stars β€” Average
2 stars β€” Below average
1 star β€” Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The KIA STINGER has 165 NHTSA complaints and 20 recalls on record. 6 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 165 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 20 federal recall campaigns
  • 6 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume β€” popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2018
67
2019
43
2020
16
2021
17
2022
17
2023
5

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

20 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING

#24V169000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBINGJanuary 3, 2024
Safety recall

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING

#24V169000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBINGJanuary 3, 2024
Safety recall

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING

#24V169000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBINGJanuary 3, 2024
Safety recall

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING

#24V169000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBINGJanuary 3, 2024
Safety recall

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING

#24V169000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBINGJanuary 3, 2024
Safety recall

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING

#24V169000ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBINGJanuary 3, 2024
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE

#21V862000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGEMay 11, 2021
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE

#21V862000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGEMay 11, 2021
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

#20V518000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

#23V634000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Safety recall

STEERING

#20V422000STEERING
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

#20V560000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

#20V518000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

#23V634000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

#20V560000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

#20V518000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

#23V634000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

#18V754000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

#20V518000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Safety recall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

#23V634000FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2018–2023. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 165 NHTSA complaints β€” these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
ENGINE47 complaints
02
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM35 complaints
03
SERVICE BRAKES30 complaints
04
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM24 complaints
05
UNKNOWN OR OTHER22 complaints
06
POWER TRAIN13 complaints
07
EXTERIOR LIGHTING10 complaints
08
STRUCTURE9 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

165 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOct 2025

Upon getting warranty repairs done to vehicle, the car started to glitch out the next day in the cabin with multiple electronics. Driver window switch was turning on and off, when it turned off, multiple electronics glitched out in the car. Brought back to dealership as multiple sources online said the driver's door switch was the reason for the glitches. Upon the dealership removing the door panel, they discovered the door switch short circuits and the plug burnt and melted the connector. Incident is definitely a fire risk as the connector is near cloth inside the panel and could've burnt the car to the ground if not addressed sooner. Multiple reports of this flickering door switch issue online, photos can be provided, dealership confirmed the issue, video evidence of the problem happening. Life was at disk due to drivers door possibly catching on fire trapping occupants inside. Problem was reproduced and diagnosed at dealership. Component failed: 2022-2023 Driver Door Window Master Switch Part number: 93570-J5002 I can provide documentation and photos upon request.

CrashAIR BAGSFeb 2025

To whom it may concern, I spun out on the highway in slippery conditions and hit the guard rail, probably at 50-60mph and none of the airbags deployed. I contacted KIA and even though the car is located at their dealership they have not even bothered to move this along and get it inspected. The insurance company sent an estimator to check, and I am waiting to see if they would repair or total it, but Kia has not bothered so far to send a team. There were no symptoms before the accident that the car may malfunction at any point. At walked out of this not because the safety mechanisms did their job, it's by the grace of god.

STRUCTUREMay 2024

After driving on the highway for approximately 20 miles with no warning lights illuminated or any signs of issue, the driver's door opened while driving at highway speeds. We were in a right hand turn on a highway exchange ramp at approximately 65 mph, when the door popped open an audible warning began to sound and visual door ajar warnings illuminated on the dash. This was not just an erroneous alarm of the door ajar alarm; the door came unlatched opening enough to see daylight around the seal. My wife immediately grabbed the door and pulled it shut while driving. After closing the door the audible and visual alarms extinguished. I witnessed the incident from the passenger seat and can verify she did not on purpose or by accident touch the interior door handle to release the latch. This occurred with the vehicle having approximately 6,000 miles on the odometer. Doors should not inadvertently pop open while driving, this puts us at extreme risk of injury or death. If this were to occur while someone was leaning against it the outcome could be fatal.

STRUCTURENov 2023

Kia America is failing to address a significant defect in the sunroof of my Kia Stinger. Despite multiple attempts to resolve this issue with the company directly and using the BBB AUTO line I have received dismissive and unhelpful responses. Kia America is demonstrating a complete disregard for customer satisfaction and safety. The interior of my Kia Stinger has been producing an excessively loud and distracting noise since the day of purchase. I have contacted Kia America on numerous occasions to seek assistance and resolution. However, their response has been consistently unsatisfactory and dismissive of my concerns. In their latest communication, which I have attached for your reference, their representative has gone so far as to suggest that the noise is normal and imply that I should trade in my vehicle due to my dissatisfaction. This response is wholly inadequate and fails to address a clear defect in the sunroof and other potentially defective components. I have previously owned vehicles with sunroofs, and none of them exhibited such a disruptive noise. It is evident that there is a manufacturing or design flaw in the sunroof of my Kia Stinger, and Kia America's unwillingness to acknowledge and rectify the issue is deeply concerning. I believe this defect poses a significant safety risk. It is a safety risk because it sounds like the glass is banging against itself, which over time can create fatigue cracks damaging the glass. This may lead to premature wear to the point where the entire glass breaks, flies back and hits someone else or micro pieces may fall into the car and land into someone's eyes. The distracting noise from the sunroof can impair the driver's concentration, potentially leading to accidents or hazardous driving conditions. Furthermore, there has been other documented complaints of people's sunroofs blowing out; I am trying to avoid being the next victim. The defect compromises the overall quality and value of the vehicle.

STRUCTURE,VISIBILITYApr 2023

Sunroof explosion

VISIBILITY/WIPERJul 2026

I was driving on the highway & my sunroof exploded. At first i thought someone had dropped something off a bridge , but i realized from the damages. Sunroof exploded. The glass caused damage to my paint !

Read 14 more owner reports
ENGINEJun 2026

Oil pressure sensor failure on the engine, there is an open TSB for this same issue/same engine on other Kia models but not the Stinger. Dealer verified that the oil pressure is fine and that it is the sensor, independently verified by a third party shop. Dealer charge is over $3k for the repair and third party is just about $2k.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEApr 2026

My 2019 Kia Stinger GT2 with approximately 25,000 miles has been out of service since February 12, 2026 for diagnosis and repair of a system issue. The vehicle has remained at the dealership for over two months. Multiple repair attempts have been made, including escalation to Kia corporate engineering. Despite these efforts, the issue has not been clearly diagnosed and no permanent repair has been completed. The vehicle is currently unusable, and the inability to identify the root cause raises concerns that the issue could result in unpredictable or recurring system behavior. Given the reliance on electronic and computer-controlled systems, there is concern about safe and reliable operation if the vehicle is returned without a confirmed fix. The manufacturer has not provided a clear resolution or timeline.

STRUCTUREMar 2026

The roof trim panel separates from the vehicle while driving. Depending on the car's speed the metal, plastic and rubber strip is lifted up and off the car and into the slip stream behind the vehicle creating a serious hazard for cars behind us. We examined the strip and determined the plastic clips that hold this panel in place do not function as intended, or fail to adequately hold this large section of trim in place during driving conditions. We brought this to the attention to the Kia dealership and were told "Warranty replacement items are not covered after 12 months". They offered to replace the item but we believe it is material craftsmanship and a design flaw that allows this trim to fall off the car while driving.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOct 2025

Wiring harness has been severed, chewed through, or burnt. Multiple times. If my phone listed down below does not work call [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMSep 2025

The issue involves the high-pressure fuel pump covered under Recall 23V634000 (Kia SC281). When the recall was marked as β€œcompleted” at the dealership, only a software update was performed. The required inspection of the fuel pump and potential replacement were never carried out. Two years later, the vehicle began experiencing problems consistent with the recall defect, including loss of power and engine performance issues. This indicates the recall remedy was not properly completed, and the defective fuel pump was left in place. The safety risk is that the vehicle may lose motive power while driving, increasing the likelihood of a crash. This problem could potentially affect other owners if recalls are being closed without full inspection or replacement. The symptoms have been observed during regular driving and can be reproduced. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Kia for the current issue beyond the original recall visit. Warning lights and drivability issues began appearing recently, which align with the defect described in the recall notice. The high-pressure fuel pump is available for inspection upon request.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMMar 2025

The car had fuel pump recall I had it fixed on 10/24 now the car has the same issue but your kia refuses to fix it. My warranty company is replaceing the fuel pump but not the reprogramming of it but why is it my issue if it is a recall to begin with that wasn’t fixed or I would not need a high pressure fuel pump and have the same problem. Kia states they only fix one time so now I’m responsible to have it programmed when it was a recall to begin with

ENGINEMar 2025

I brought my vehicle in for the recall SC300 and they discovered that my oil pressure switch is leaking which is on top of the engine. This is causing a leak and oil pressure light to come on intermittently. Same part as the Kia Sorento, cadenza, and the Sedona that all had the warranty extended recall to 15 years or 150,000 miles. Every Kia forum has people complaining about the same issue and being charged $3000-5000. This can cause an engine fire if left unchecked just like the recall SC300. There is a backlog for that part to come in to fix the issue and people are driving with the light flickering because they don’t know the oil pressure switch is leaking over there engine and down to the EPU which could start a fire as well.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMFeb 2025

Car was idling louder than usual, engine light came on. Car felt like it wanted to go forward while in park. Dealership diagnosed bad fuel pump and sensor. Had to replace fuel pump, sensor and gaskets with fuel line too.

ENGINEFeb 2025

Engine failure at 60,960 miles. Kia dealer confirmed premature connecting rod bearing failure.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERJan 2025

Pulled the dipstick for the first time to check the oil. Proceeded to whip off the end and reinserted to take an accurate measurement of the oil and when I pulled the dipstick back out the plastic tip was broken off. I have read online that this is a common issue. Plastic?? Really?? Seems like a very bad design.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINESep 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, after which the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and was unable to accelerate as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V634000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 63,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINEMay 2024

I called the Vanguard Kia dealership in Arlington (3:22pm), TX the date I received the recall letter on 5/7/2024. The service rep (I didn't get his name) put me hold and confirmed the work would only take 3 hours, I would take a shuttle home, I should arrive first thing at 7am the following morning. I arrived at the dealership to drop my car of 7am on [XXX]. There was no service scheduled for me, but since I get there early I was only 3rd in line to be seen. As I was about to leave in the shuttle, and the Zach (second service rep to help) advised they didn't have the part or the tools to perform the work need to complete my recall. I was upset because I was assured by the service rep I spoke with the day prior that I'd didn't a loaner and I'd drop my car off and get it back same day since it was a 3 hour job. I inquired about getting a loaner vehicle and I was told my job wasn't big enough to qualify for loaner; even my car was still under the original warranty and this was recall related work. I was told I "should" be ok driving the car, even though I express concern about the catching fire as stated in the recall letter. After call Kia Customer Relations, they give the dealership a call and they still refused to accommondate me. I was told "if any happened Kia would take responsiblity", "I was concerned, just don't park the car close to the my home" (Zach's peer), and that I could pay out of pocket up front for a rental and they reimburse once I got my car back. I don't feel I needed to have to come out of pocket anything consider this is warranty / recall work. They gave me the car and had me drive back home, and now I have get it back up there whenever they get my parts. I've been accommodated in no way for the misleading instruction, and lack of consideration driving a car back and forth that had a active recall; INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMar 2024

I have gone to Joe Myers Kia no less than 5 times in the last 4 years asking them for assistance in performing the repairs for the recall associated with my vehicle (NHTSA Recall Number 20V518000). The first two times in 2020, they claimed supply chain issues and said they couldn't get the part(s) for the repair. The next 2 times, the took down my VIN and phone number and said they needed to order the part and they'd call me when it came in. They never called. The last time I was there, they insisted that they needed an 8 hour appointment to simply verify that my car was eligible for, and needed, the recall, and then another 8 hour appointment to do the repair. I am not able to give up my car for 2 days, without a loaner, for a 2-3 hour repair job (as approximated in the recall text).

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEDec 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, several messages appeared on the instrument panel that instructed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for service. The contact called the dealer and was informed that a diagnostic test would be performed to determine the cause of the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that there was an extended wait to have the vehicle scheduled for service. The contact later received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V634000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which was linked to the failure. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Showing 20 of 165 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact KIA Stinger

These pages show model-year patterns across 6 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations β€” here’s what each number actually tells you about a used KIA Stinger, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is β€” but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The KIA Stinger has 165 complaints on record across 6 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The KIA Stinger has 20 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 6 of the KIA Stinger's 165 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β€” a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable β€” simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all KIA Stinger vehicles on the road β€” not any specific car. Two KIA Stinger vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage β€” NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The KIA Stinger has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a KIA Stinger by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used KIA Stinger.

VIN check in CaliforniaVIN check in TexasVIN check in FloridaVIN check in New YorkVIN check in PennsylvaniaVIN check in IllinoisVIN check in OhioVIN check in GeorgiaFree VIN check

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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KIA Stinger reliability β€” frequently asked questions

Is the KIA Stinger reliable?

Poor. The KIA Stinger has 165 NHTSA owner complaints and 20 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which KIA Stinger years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2018 (67 complaints), 2019 (43 complaints), 2021 (17 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common KIA Stinger problems?

Top reported issues: ENGINE (47 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (35 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (30 complaints).

Does the KIA Stinger have recalls?

Yes β€” 20 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the KIA Stinger. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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