2021 Kia Stinger Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Kia Stinger has 17 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls, with a complaint index of 60, ranking it 3rd worst out of 6 model years and earning a Caution verdict. Brakes account for 35% of complaints, followed by engine and fuel system issues.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 60/100
- #3 of 6 Stinger years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 17
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 Kia Stinger problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes6 (35%)
- Other5 (29%)
- Engine4 (24%)
- Fuel System4 (24%)
- Electrical System2 (12%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brake rotors reportedly warp and wear down early, sometimes even after being replaced, producing metal-to-metal noise and reduced stopping power.
- Some owners report the engine racing or lurching forward unexpectedly at low speeds, including one case tied to a crash.
- A fuel system defect has caused sudden loss of drive power while turning or climbing hills, in some cases limiting the car to a few miles per hour.
- Owners describe the vehicle losing power and stalling on the highway shortly after purchase, at very low mileage, due to a wiring defect near the fuel sensor.
- Windshield washer fluid nozzles reportedly freeze in cold weather, blocking fluid flow and impairing visibility.
- The instrument cluster has shown inaccurate fuel gauge readings, in one case contributing to running out of gas on the highway.
2021 Kia Stinger recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V169000Mar 1, 2024Engine36,248 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger:hoses/plumbing
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.
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 26, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC300.
- NHTSA 23V634000Sep 13, 2023Fuel System18,224 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, inspect, and replace the fuel pump as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC281.
- NHTSA 21V862000Nov 5, 2021Electrical System53 vehicles
Electrical system:instrument panel:fuel gauge
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.
Risk: An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC219.
2021 Kia Stinger fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Stinger years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Kia Stinger reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Stinger carries a Caution verdict, with a complaint index of 60 that ranks it 3rd worst among the 6 model years covered.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia Stinger?
- Brakes make up 35% of complaints, followed by engine issues at 24% and fuel system issues also at 24%, according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2021 Kia Stinger have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2021 Stinger, covering the engine's turbocharger oil feed pipe, the fuel pump and fuel control valve, instrument cluster software, and a brake-related fuse kit.
- How does the 2021 Stinger compare to other model years?
- The 2021 model year has a complaint index of 60, better than 2018 (100, Avoid) and 2019 (80, Avoid) but worse than 2022 (40, Good) and 2023 (0, Best).
- What mileage do 2021 Stinger brake problems show up at?
- NHTSA complaints about brakes show a median mileage of 25,000 at the time of failure.