2021 Kia Stinger: common problems and reliability
An average Stinger year.
17 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 5 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Stinger?The 2021 Kia Stinger has 17 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and engine.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Kia Stinger vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Stinger years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Stinger?
Across the 6 Stinger model years we track, complaint volume runs from 5 (2023) to 68 (2018). With 17 complaints, the 2021 Stinger sits about the same as the model's median of 18.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Stinger
electrical system:instrument panel:fuel gauge
Campaign 21V862000Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Stinger vehicles. A software error in the instrument cluster may cause an inaccurate fuel gauge reading.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 20V560000Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Stinger vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an insufficient fuel supply to the engine.
service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module
Campaign 20V518000Kia Motors America (Kia) recalled certain 2019 Stinger vehicles equipped with 3.3L T-GDI engines on August 27, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Kia expanded the recall population and added certain 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles. While driving, an engine compartment fire may occur in the area where the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) is located.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 23V634000Kia 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.
Show 1 more recall
engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger:hoses/plumbing
Campaign 24V169000Kia 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.
What owners say across generations
Mixed to positive sentiment, with a clear distinction between engine variants. The 3.3L twin-turbo V6 (TT) models are widely praised for their strong acceleration, smooth power delivery, and compelling value proposition as a sporty, practical liftback.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Stinger. See the full Stinger owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Stinger listings typically run $23,295–$29,995 across 2018 to 2023 model years.
Other Stinger model years
Compare every Stinger year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Stinger against its rivals
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