What year Kia Stinger should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2018 and 2019 Kia Stinger have the highest complaint index scores (100 and 80) and are rated Avoid relative to other Stinger years.

What is the best year for the Kia Stinger?

The 2020 and 2023 Stinger have the lowest complaint index scores (20 and 0) and are rated Best among the six model years covered.

What are the most common Kia Stinger problems?

Across all years, engine issues account for 32% of complaints, followed by electrical system problems at 26%, fuel system at 20%, and brakes at 18%.

Does the Kia Stinger have engine recalls?

Yes. NHTSA recall 24V169000 covers 2018-2023 Stinger vehicles with a 3.3-liter turbo engine, citing a left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly that may deteriorate.

Is the 2022 Kia Stinger reliable?

The 2022 Stinger is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60 and electrical system issues as its top reported problem area.

Kia Stinger Best and Worst Years (2018–2023)

The 2018 and 2019 Kia Stinger years have the highest complaint index (100 and 80) and the most engine, electrical, and fuel system reports, making them the years to avoid. The 2020 and 2023 model years score lowest (20 and 0) and are rated Best.

Avoid 2018 Avoid 2019 Best 2020 Best 2023

Model years: 6; 2018–2023
NHTSA complaints: 168
Recall campaigns: 7
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 8
Top problem area: Engine

Stinger Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Kia Stinger problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2018	Avoid	100	68	2	5	4	Engine	22	—
2019	Avoid	80	44	1	3	3	Engine	22	—
2020	Best	20	16	1	0	6	Fuel System	22	5★
2021	Good	40	17	1	0	5	Brakes	22	5★
2022	Caution	60	18	0	0	1	Electrical System	22	5★
2023	Best	0	5	1	0	1	Structure & Body	22	5★

Stinger years to avoid: what went wrong

2018 Kia Stinger Index 100 · 68 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2018 Stinger has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst of all six model years. Engine problems make up 41% of its complaints, with a median failure mileage of 44,350 miles. Electrical system issues (26% of complaints) surfaced much earlier, at a median of 7,700 miles, and several owners reported fires. Fuel system complaints (22%) had a median mileage of 63,500. The year carries four recall campaigns, including turbocharger oil feed pipe deterioration and a fuel pump plunger that can stick and cause loss of drive power. NHTSA also lists two crashes, five fires, two injuries, and one death tied to this model year.

2018 engine problems →2018 electrical system problems →2018 fuel system problems →

2019 Kia Stinger Index 80 · 44 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2019 Stinger ranks second-worst with a complaint index of 80. Engine complaints account for 27% of reports, with a median failure mileage of 21,000. Brake complaints (25%) showed a very low median mileage of 1,380, and electrical system issues (23%) had a median of 12,000 miles. Owners reported fires linked to melted fuse panels and smoke entering the cabin. This year has three recall campaigns, covering the same turbocharger oil feed pipe and fuel pump defects as 2018, plus a brake-related fuse kit recall. NHTSA lists one crash and three fires for the year.

Most common Kia Stinger problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine54 (32%)
Electrical System43 (26%)
Fuel System34 (20%)
Brakes30 (18%)
Other22 (13%)
Transmission & Powertrain13 (8%)
Structure & Body10 (6%)
Visibility & Wipers10 (6%)
Steering5 (3%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Kia Stinger should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2018 and 2019 Kia Stinger have the highest complaint index scores (100 and 80) and are rated Avoid relative to other Stinger years.
What is the best year for the Kia Stinger?: The 2020 and 2023 Stinger have the lowest complaint index scores (20 and 0) and are rated Best among the six model years covered.
What are the most common Kia Stinger problems?: Across all years, engine issues account for 32% of complaints, followed by electrical system problems at 26%, fuel system at 20%, and brakes at 18%.
Does the Kia Stinger have engine recalls?: Yes. NHTSA recall 24V169000 covers 2018-2023 Stinger vehicles with a 3.3-liter turbo engine, citing a left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly that may deteriorate.
Is the 2022 Kia Stinger reliable?: The 2022 Stinger is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 60 and electrical system issues as its top reported problem area.