VehicleVerdict

2021 Kia Stinger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 25 complaints on file for the 2021 Kia Stinger — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

25

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Stinger years?

Stinger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted86 complaints2018: 86 complaints2019: 53 complaints2020: 29 complaints2021: 25 complaints2022: 18 complaints2023: 6 complaints
Stinger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Stinger years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Kia Stinger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes624%
Other520%
Engine416%
Fuel System416%
Electrical System28%
Visibility & Wipers28%
Suspension14%
Transmission14%

Does the 2021 Kia Stinger have recalls?

5 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.

21V862000Electrical SystemNovember 5, 2021 · 53 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

20V560000Fuel SystemSeptember 16, 2020 · 635 units

Defect

Kia 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.

Consequence

Insufficient fuel supply to the engine can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel pump and replace the jet nozzle housing assembly, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC198.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“My transmission/engine and brake system failed. I was slowing down to probably 5 mph to make a right hand turn into my driveway from the street when the engine started racing. I heard a loud whine and the car started to speed up. I jammed my foot onto the brake to slow down but did not have the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 9, 2022 · crash

“At certain times when I am braking the brake "skips" it's like i am unable to brake so I end up braking late. It's become a safety hazard since there are times when I have almost hit another car. Also, the other is the silver trim on the exterior looks completely faded probably from the sun but…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 5, 2025

“My car started skipping or stalling when I'd press the accelerator. Then the check engine light came on. I took it to an Independent mechanic and it showed high pressure fuel pump or system. The spark plugs were changed, but the problem remained. I checked and noticed that there was a recall for…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 8, 2026

“My transmission/engine and brake system failed. I was slowing down to probably 5 mph to make a right hand turn into my driveway from the street when the engine started racing. I heard a loud whine and the car started to speed up. I jammed my foot onto the brake to slow down but did not have the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 9, 2022 · crash

“When driving in below freezing temperatures, the windshield washer fluid nozzles freeze and prevent the flow of windshield washer fluid when it's needed most resulting in severely impaired visibility and sometimes requiring stopping along the roadway to clean the windshield manually. This condition…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 24, 2022

2021 Kia Stinger — common questions

Is the 2021 Kia Stinger reliable?

The record is thin — 25 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 Stinger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (6 complaints), other (5 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 2021 Kia Stinger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Kia Stinger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

How safe is the 2021 Kia Stinger?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Kia Stinger earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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.