NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil.
This page covers 7 recalls, 16 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Kia Stinger.
20–25 mpg combined
9.4–11.8 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2020 Kia Stinger are relatively few, but a handful of recurring patterns stand out. The fuel and propulsion system draws the most reports, with owners describing sudden engine shutoffs while driving, no-restart situations, and fuel pump failures, typically with little or no warning light beforehand. Engine complaints include loud knocking noises accompanied by white exhaust smoke, with at least one owner reporting the diagnosis came back as needing a full engine replacement. Electric power steering also shows up across multiple reports: owners describe the steering wheel locking up or going very heavy mid-turn, and in some cases the wheel moving on its own while the car is sitting at idle.
16
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2020 Kia Stinger has 7 recalls, the most serious involving fire risk, sudden loss of steering, and loss of drive power that can each raise the risk of a crash.
On the fire side, oil leaking from the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose on 3.3-liter turbo models can contact hot engine components and ignite, and a separate issue with the anti-lock brake hydraulic control unit can also lead to an engine compartment fire. Two fuel delivery problems affect drive power: a sticking valve in the high-pressure fuel pump can cause over-pressurization and cut power to the wheels, and a plastic burr left in the fuel pump's jet nozzle can block fuel flow and cause the engine to lose power. Steering is also a concern on 2.0-liter turbo models, where a defect in the electric power steering rack assembly can cause the steering to lock up or become very difficult to turn while driving. A software error in the instrument cluster can display an inaccurate fuel gauge reading, potentially causing the engine to stall unexpectedly. There is also a label issue where the tire inflation placard lists an incorrect cold pressure for the front tires, though this does not affect how the vehicle drives.
At a glance
What can fail
The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel control valve plunger in the high pressure fuel pump can stick, causing fuel pressure to build up too high and resulting in loss of engine power.
What the fix does
Dealers will update engine software, inspect the fuel pump, and replace it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the instrument cluster may cause the fuel gauge to display an inaccurate reading.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the instrument cluster software at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire pressure label on some vehicles shows an incorrect recommended cold pressure for the front tires (36 psi instead of the correct 38 psi), which does not meet Canadian regulatory requirements.
What the fix does
Kia has updated its manufacturing process so that all new vehicles now have the correct tire pressure information on their labels.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr left from manufacturing, blocking the nozzle and reducing fuel supply to the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel pump and replace the jet nozzle housing assembly if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An engine compartment fire may occur in the area where the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit is located while the vehicle is being driven.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new fuse kit in the electrical junction box at no cost to address the fire risk.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A component in the power steering assembly may be defective, causing the steering to lock or become hard to turn while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
