2021 Kia Stinger Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
40/100
#4 most-complained of 6 Stinger years
The 2021 Kia Stinger ranks 4th out of 6 model years with a Complaint Index of 40, earning a "Good" verdict relative to other Stinger years. NHTSA lists 17 complaints, 5 recalls, and 1 crash, with brakes as the top problem area at 35% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 17
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 27 hwy
Top 2021 Kia Stinger problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report sudden loss of drive power while turning, with the vehicle unable to exceed a few mph afterward, tied to the fuel pump recall.
- Some describe rotors warping and brake pads wearing down repeatedly, even after dealer replacement, with metal-to-metal noise and delayed stopping.
- At low mileage, owners report the engine hesitating then lurching forward suddenly from a stop with traction control off.
- Several owners report a sudden loss of power while driving, with the car stalling and refusing to restart, linked to wiring near the fuel sender.
- In freezing temperatures, windshield washer fluid nozzles were reported to freeze, blocking fluid flow and reducing visibility on the road.
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 has a Complaint Index of 40 and ranks 4th out of 6 model years, giving it a "Good" verdict relative to other Stinger years.
- What problems does the 2021 Kia Stinger have?
- NHTSA lists 17 complaints for the 2021 Stinger, led by brakes (35%), followed by engine (24%) and fuel system (24%) issues. One complaint involved a crash.
- Does the 2021 Kia Stinger have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2021 Stinger covering the engine turbocharger oil feed hose, fuel pump plunger sticking, instrument cluster fuel gauge software, fuel pump jet nozzle burrs, and a brake fuse kit.
- What year Kia Stinger should I avoid?
- Among Stinger years, 2018 and 2019 are flagged as "Avoid" with Complaint Index scores of 100 and 80. The 2021 model, with an index of 40, is rated "Good" by comparison.
- How is fuel economy on the 2021 Kia Stinger?
- The 2021 Stinger gets 22 mpg combined (19 city / 27 highway), with an EPA-estimated annual fuel cost of $3,650.