VinSpectorAI Logo
HomeHow It Works Pricing Vehicle Stats
States
CaliforniaTexasFloridaNew YorkPennsylvaniaIllinoisOhioGeorgiaNorth CarolinaMichiganNew JerseyVirginia
View All 50 States →
Blog Garage VIN Search Quick Check Inspection Guide
LoginDemo
Vehicle Stats/KIA/Stinger Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Oct 2026Methodology

KIA Stinger Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 169 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.

169
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

Free VIN check

Found a KIA Stinger? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — 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 169 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 — key reliability facts
Make
KIA
Model
Stinger
Model years analyzed
2018–2023 (6 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
169
Safety recall campaigns
20
Crash-related complaints
6
Fire-related complaints
8
Worst model year (by complaints)
2018 (69 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2023 (5 complaints)
Top reported issue area
ENGINE
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Oct 4, 2026
This Stinger has 20 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

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 — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
201869 complaints201944 complaints202218 complaints

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

Best years to buy
20235 complaints202016 complaints202117 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

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

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 — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — 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 169 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
  • 169 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 — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2018
69
2019
44
2020
16
2021
17
2022
18
2023
5

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Oct 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

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

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

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 169 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
ENGINE48 complaints
02
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM35 complaints
03
SERVICE BRAKES30 complaints
04
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM25 complaints
05
UNKNOWN OR OTHER22 complaints
06
POWER TRAIN13 complaints
07
EXTERIOR LIGHTING10 complaints
08
FUEL SYSTEM9 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

169 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.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMJun 2026

My car started skipping or stalling when I'd press the accelerator. Then the check engine light came on. I took it to an Independent mechanic and it showed high pressure fuel pump or system. The spark plugs were changed, but the problem remained. I checked and noticed that there was a recall for that particular problem. I called the dealership and they said my VIN wasn't attached to it. But I do think it should be.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMOct 2025

Since April I have been having the same issue. Sometimes when I am stopped and the autostop is supposed to shut down the engine, the engine just sputters and if I hit the gas nothing happens. I have to put the car in park and shut it down then restart it. I try to shut the auto stop off when I get in the car but sometimes I forget. It has happened at over 20 times that I have documented over the last couple of thousand miles, many times in dangerous locations, in the middle of interactions or waiting for a light. The engine light has also gone on and off over the last couple of months. The car is now at the dealership and they say the high pressure fuel pump is leaking. I see there has been a recall in specific Kia Stingers, should my car be involved in this recall? The issue began around 45000 miles and continues at 52000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKESAug 2025

At certain times when I am braking the brake "skips" it's like i am unable to brake so I end up braking late. It's become a safety hazard since there are times when I have almost hit another car. Also, the other is the silver trim on the exterior looks completely faded probably from the sun but I've seen multiple stingers with this issue and should be replaced and yes the car is dirty but that is not dirt.

SERVICE BRAKESMar 2024

All 4 Rotors are warped and pads are worn down on a 30K mile vehicle. Have had several mechanics tell me That the pressure proportioning valve hose.might be becoming stuck on just enough to make the rotors get hot and wear down. I have looked online and have read many people having the same issues.Kia has told me there are no active bulletins or recalls for this problem.I have driven sport vehicles 40 plus years and have never had to replace the brakes on a 30k mile car.and it is making the steering wheel shake when brakes are applied at 35-40 Mph.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENov 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Stinger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to his nearby residence. The contact stated upon driving the vehicle uphill that same day, the vehicle failed to exceed 2-3 MPH and started losing power. The contact stated that he drove back to his nearby residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V634000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) that he related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKESJun 2023

Bought this vehicle from Carvana.com and have been trying to get it repaired since then. There is something wrong with the steering/braking/suspension system. According to License Mechanic Derek Hartfield at Monroe (248) 980-3262 after a road test - told me the vehicle is not safe to drive. He attempted to repair vehicle and Carvana denied the repair. Carvana instructed me to take car to Dealership, dealer has a wait list, I have a family and need to work. It feels like no one wants to help, and just keeps expecting me to drive from repair shop to repair shop. I just want to drive or they can take the car back if it is a lemon. At present the car has alot of issues and I dont know where else to turn. Issue: Vibration driving, vibration stopping, sounds awful when slowing down from highway driving, shakes with or without brakes, the rear wheels both lean inward when looking at the vehicle from the rear. Note: There was a sticker on the undercarriage of what looks like a repair on this vehicle on the rear right , which is odd because there is no history of accident. But accordingly, some repair was made on or about [XXX] to the Right Rear portion of the vehicle. I am not a mechanic so this is all frustrating for me. Car has been to shop since [XXX] located at 3939 Rochester Rd, Troy, MI 48083 6 times; +12483853735 - Monroe Mechanic determined vehicle has a bearing issue and is not safe to drive. Carvana denied the claim and ask me to take vehicle to dealer for warranty repair not considering my 6 visits to shop with three repairs. Vehicle was taken to Summit Place KIA on three occasions to make sure if was safe to drive located at 4200 Interpark Dr, Auburn Hills, MI 48326. +12486826002 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Read 14 more owner reports
CrashPOWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINEDec 2022

My transmission/engine and brake system failed. I was slowing down to probably 5 mph to make a right hand turn into my driveway from the street when the engine started racing. I heard a loud whine and the car started to speed up. I jammed my foot onto the brake to slow down but did not have the time to try to put the transmission into neutral. The car was not slowing down so I turned right to hit my tree rather than proceed straight and crash into my garage. When I hit the tree there was a large jolt and the car stopped. NO airbags deployed and I felt the impact on my right foot that was firmly on the brake; I checked to make sure I was not inadvertently pressing the accelerator. This same issue with the engine suddenly revving happened one time a year ago but stopped when I put the car in neutral.

VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHEROct 2022

I was driving on hwy 73 when I heard a sound like a shotgun went off. Glass started falling in the car and on me as the sunroof had shattered. There was no other vehicle in the area and the sunroof was closed.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIRAug 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the rotors twice; however, the failure recurred with a metal-to-metal noise while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately. The contact had to downshift manually to slow down the vehicle. Additionally, after driving for a lengthy period of time, the steering wheel would shake and a burning odor was detected while the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the failure was a maintenance issue and provided no further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

ENGINEJul 2022

The car started to slow down and once I came to a stand still. The car would not start!

VISIBILITY/WIPERFeb 2022

When driving in below freezing temperatures, the windshield washer fluid nozzles freeze and prevent the flow of windshield washer fluid when it's needed most resulting in severely impaired visibility and sometimes requiring stopping along the roadway to clean the windshield manually. This condition has happened multiple times, only in freezing temperatures in spite of the use of multiple types of fluid that are all rated for temperatures far below where the freezing is occuring.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERFeb 2022

Component/system failure from repair invoice: Perform Campain SC196A New fuse Kit in junction box 1 cause action to take: service campaign 1 correction action taken SC!96/SC196A MULTI FUSE & JUNCTION BOX COVER INSTALLATION 201121R1 FAILED DESCRIPTION: REPAIR KIT MULTIFUS ,,ENGINE INJECTORS #3&4 STUCK OPEN CAUSING FUEL TO DUMP INTO EXHAUST UMBURNED ... FAILED PIPE ASSY FUEL INJECTOR ASSY FUEL MY AND OTHERS SAFETY WAS PUT AT RISK I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE IN RUSH HOUR AND THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE LANE THICK WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT THE BACK AND GAS SMELL FILLING UP THE CABIN OF THE CAR AND AS I TRIED TO GET TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER THE CAR KEPT STALLING AND WOULDNT START AND CARS FLYING BY WHIZZING BY ME AND BLOWING THE HORN AND COULD HAVE HIT ME FROM THE BACK OR EITHER SIDE COULD HAVE CAUSED A PILE UP AND KILLED ME OR OTHERS. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED BY OTHER KIA STINGER GT OWNERS ( GOOGLE ) NO WARNINGS NO SYMPTOMS NOTHING THIS HAPPENED FRIDAY DECEMBER 31, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHERSep 2021

Exploding/Shattered Sunroof No cars on the road near me at the time of incident, eliminating rock or debris damage Glass shards fell onto me in the cabin of car There was potential for accident due to sudden distraction Dealer has claimed rock damage but this is false Sunroof appears to have blown out upwards from the center Sounded like a bomb went off when it blew No warning signs Car was purchased brand new 5 months prior

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 2021

After failed first fix at 300 miles, wife was driving an ran out of gas on highway around 800 miles on O/D. Told this time the entire instrument/gauge cluster is bad. Dangerous situation to run out of fuel on a highway. Kia roadside assistance driver would not come and get her as she was on an Express Lane. Had to fill up car with fuel myself (after scrambling down highway embankment) while standing in traffic lane (fuel fill cap is on driver's side).

ENGINEApr 2021

JUST PURCHASED A 2021 KIA STINGER GT AWD NEW ABOUT A MONTH AGO. JUST OVER 1000 MILES ON IT NOW AND ENCOUNTERED A CONCERNING ISSUE. SITTING AT A STOPLIGHT WITH THE AUTO START/STOP OFF, TRACTION CONTROL OFF AND IN SPORTS MODE, I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND THERE WAS A SLIGHT HESITATION FOLLOWED BY A PRETTY FORCEFUL LURCH FORWARD. AS I APPROACHED THE NEXT STOPLIGHT SEVERAL HUNDRED FEET FURTHER AHEAD THE CAR COMPLETELY STALLED OUT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE IT... OF COURSE.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApr 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 KIA STINGER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V518000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NALLEY KIA (7849 MALL PKWY, LITHONIA, GA 30038, (770) 288-5283) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEMMar 2021

BRAND NEW CAR, JUST OVER 300 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY MAIN ROAD IN FAIRFAX, VA. WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED (INCHES TO SPARE) AND STRANDED ON THE ROAD. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. A POLICE OFFICER RESCUED ME AND PUSHED ME TO SAFETY ON A NEARBY RESIDENTIAL SIDE STREET TO AWAIT A TOW TRUCK. TURNS OUT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE WIRING FROM THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AND THE FUEL GAUGE WAS REPORTING JUST UNDER HALF A TANK DESPITE BEING EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS SO NEW THAT I HAD NOT FILLED IT UP SINCE TAKING DELIVERY. GIVEN THIS WAS A BRAND NEW CAR, SPORADIC DRIVING DUE TO THE PANDEMIC, SHARING THE CAR WITH MY WIFE AND THE FACT THIS CAR IS MUCH LESS FUEL EFFICIENT THAN MY PREVIOUS CAR, I DID NOT REALIZE THE GAUGE WAS STUCK AND WAS NOT AS SUSPICIOUS ABOUT IT AS I WOULD PERHAPS HAVE BEEN IN ANOTHER CAR. MOMENTS EARLIER, I HAD BEEN ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WITH NO SHOULDER DUE TO CONSTRUCTION. IF I HAD RUN OUT OF GAS THEN, IT COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. UNEXPECTEDLY LOSING ALL POWER AND NOT KNOWING THE FUEL LEVEL IN THE VEHICLE COULD LEAD TO A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT I DIDN'T GET REAR ENDED, AND THAT THERE WAS A POLICE OFFICER NEARBY WHO CAME ACROSS ME AND HELPED.

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.

Showing 20 of 169 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 — 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 — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The KIA Stinger has 169 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 169 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — 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 — 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 — 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 — 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.

Compare

Buyers also compare

How does the KIA Stinger stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.

Toyota Camry reliability Ford F 150 reliability Chevrolet Silverado reliability
KIA Stinger vs Toyota CamryKIA Stinger vs Ford F 150KIA Stinger vs Chevrolet Silverado

Explore

Other KIA models

Compare vs Honda Accord
KIA OptimaKIA SorentoKIA SportageKIA ForteKIA TellurideAll KIA Models

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.

All KIA reliability statsSafest car brandsBest value carsMost accident-prone carsVIN check by stateAll vehicle stats

KIA Stinger reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the KIA Stinger reliable?

Poor. The KIA Stinger has 169 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 (69 complaints), 2019 (44 complaints), 2022 (18 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 (48 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (35 complaints); SERVICE BRAKES (30 complaints).

Does the KIA Stinger have recalls?

Yes — 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.

VinSpectorAI

AI-powered vehicle history reports that explain what a car's past means for you — fraud checks, a clear verdict and what to pay.

Free
VIN check
50+
Brands
AI
Powered
Check Any VIN Free
Product
  • Free VIN Check
  • $4.50 Quick Check
  • Free Recall Check
  • VIN Search
  • VIN Search by State
  • VIN Check by Brand
  • Vehicle Reliability Stats
  • AI Analysis
  • Pricing
Company
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Affiliate Program
Guides
  • NMVTIS Guide
  • What Is NHTSA
  • DMV Record Guide
  • Black Book Value
  • FAQ
Legal
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility

© 2026 VinSpectorAI. All rights reserved.

contact@vinspectorai.com
Made with for car enthusiasts