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 6 recalls, 16 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 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
The complaint picture for the 2021 Kia Stinger is relatively thin at 16 total reports, so patterns are limited. Engine behavior draws the most attention, with owners describing stalling or loss of power, most often tied to the auto stop-start system cutting out unexpectedly at a stop, requiring a full shutdown and restart to recover. A separate engine complaint describes sudden loss of drive power mid-turn with no warning lights, the vehicle recovering after a restart. Brake-related reports, while fewer, describe a noticeable skip or inconsistency during braking, and at least one owner reports heavily worn rotors and warped rotors on a relatively low-mileage vehicle, with the braking system suspected of holding partial pressure and generating excess heat.
16
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2021 Kia Stinger has 6 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from two separate sources: the anti-lock brake control unit area can ignite while driving, and the left turbocharger's oil feed line can deteriorate and spray oil onto hot engine components on vehicles with the 3.3-liter turbo engine.
On the fuel delivery side, there are two distinct issues that can cut engine power without warning. The high-pressure fuel pump's control valve plunger can stick and cause over-pressurization, cutting drive power while the car is moving. Separately, a plastic burr left inside the fuel pump's jet nozzle can block fuel flow to the engine, producing the same result: sudden loss of power in traffic. Both of these affect 2020-2021 model year vehicles, while the fuel pump pressurization issue extends back to 2018 models as well. Rounding out the fuel-related concerns, a software error in the instrument cluster can cause the fuel gauge to read higher than the actual tank level, meaning the car can run out of fuel and stall with the gauge still showing fuel remaining. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this gauge inaccuracy, and an additional recall was issued to address cases where the displayed level remains misleadingly high.
At a glance
What can fail
The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil.
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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
The fuel gauge may show more fuel in the tank than actually exists, potentially causing the engine to stall when the tank runs empty.
What the fix does
Kia will mail you instructions to visit a dealer, who will update your instrument cluster software.
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 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.
