VehicleVerdict

2019 Kia Stinger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2019 Kia Stinger carries two red flags at once: 53 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 2.0× the Stinger norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). It is one of the Stinger years to avoid.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (12), brakes (11), and electrical system (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

53

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations · 1 open

1

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other Stinger years?

Stinger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted86 complaints2018: 86 complaints2019: 53 complaints2020: 29 complaints2021: 25 complaints2022: 18 complaints2023: 6 complaints
Stinger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Stinger years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Kia Stinger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1223%
Brakes1121%
Electrical System917%
Fuel System611%
Other59%
Transmission36%
Visibility & Wipers24%
Body & Structure24%
Tires & Wheels12%
Lighting12%
Driver Assistance12%

Does the 2019 Kia Stinger have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V169000EngineMarch 1, 2024 · 36,248 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

23V634000Fuel SystemSeptember 13, 2023 · 18,224 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

20V518000BrakesAugust 27, 2020 · 28,200 units

Defect

Kia 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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fuse kit in the electrical junction box, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 30, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC196.

Open NHTSA investigations

AQ23002

Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA STINGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STATIONARY AT A STOP SIGN, WHEN HE NOTICE SMOKE ENTERING THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE TIRE GAUGE AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE REVERSED INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED OFF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 9, 2019 · fire

“COMPARED TO THE MANY CARS I'VE DRIVEN, I BELIEVE I HAVE TO ADD MORE EFFORT TO BRAKE FOR MY KIA STINGER. IT TAKES TOO LONG TO COME TO A STOP FOR THE FORCE I'M ADDING TO THE BRAKE. IT IS MORE NOTICEABLE IN THE CITY DUE TO CONSTANT BRAKING. I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH IT SINCE I GOT THE CAR BUT IT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 3, 2019

“ON MAY 14TH AT APPROXIMATELY 2:50PM, I WAS IN THE CAR FOR ROUGHLY THREE MINUTES GETTING ONTO 33 EAST IN MARYVILLE OHIO. I SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR AND PULLED OVER TO SEE WHERE THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM. I OPENED THE HATCHBACK OF THE CAR AND SAW THE REAR FUSE PANEL IN THE HATCHBACK WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 14, 2019 · fire

“The car had fuel pump recall I had it fixed on 10/24 now the car has the same issue but your kia refuses to fix it. My warranty company is replaceing the fuel pump but not the reprogramming of it but why is it my issue if it is a recall to begin with that wasn’t fixed or I would not need a high…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 17, 2025

“MY CAR ACCELERATED OM IT'S OWN ON A SMALL STREET AND I HIT TWO CARS AND DAMAGED MINE AND I BARELY STOPPED BEFORE HITTING A BRICK WALL I DID CONTACT KIA CONSUMER AND THEY SAID THEY WILL SEND INSPECTOR TO CHECK THE CAR AND NOBODY EVER CAME I CALLED THEM FIVE OR SIV TIMES ABOUT THIS BECAUSE BODY SHOP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · July 21, 2020 · crash

2019 Kia Stinger — common questions

Is the 2019 Kia Stinger reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 53 complaints put the 2019 model at #2 of 6 Stinger years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Stinger years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Stinger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (12 complaints), brakes (11 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).

Does the 2019 Kia Stinger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Kia Stinger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2019 Kia Stinger under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Kia Stinger years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Stinger years to avoid are 2018, 2019. The cleanest record among Stinger years belongs to 2023.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.