For a mid-sized sedan with powerful engine options, plush interiors, and a stylish body, the Kia Stinger did not get as much hype—or sales—as it rightfully deserves. Just because the Stinger has been discontinued since 2023, doesn’t mean it’s no longer worth a second look.
If you’re looking for a fun and comfortable ride with lots of potential, the Stinger is without a doubt a strong contender. But it begs the question—is the Kia Stinger still actually a reliable vehicle?
Are Kia Stingers Reliable?
The Kia Stinger is, on average, a generally dependable car. Good engine performance, lots of cargo space, and a host of standard features at a reasonable price–there’s no other midsize car quite like the Stinger.
But like all vehicles, it has had a mix of good and bad reviews online. Many owners report their Stinger has lasted them several years with little to no problems–in part due to routine maintenance. Meanwhile, other owners complain about leaks from its oil pressure switch.
Here’s what popular review sites rate the latest Kia Stinger model’s reliability:
- Car and Driver: 7.5/10
- JD Power: 80/100
- U.S. News: 9.2/10
- Edmunds: 8.1/10
Edmunds notes that the Stinger’s annual repair cost ranges from $300 to $800, which is average for other cars of its class and size. It has excellent ownership costs, making the Kia Stinger one of the more reliable vehicle models in the market today.
What Are the Most Common Issues with the Kia Stinger?
Although generally reliable, the Kia Stinger is not without its fair share of issues. Some of its more common problems involve oil pressure switch leaks, faulty fuel gauge, gas fumes, brake issues, electrical system problems, and rattling noises.
Oil Pressure Switch Leak
Owners of the Kia Stinger have reported experiencing oil pressure switch leakage onto the harness. This is notably separate from the recall Kia made in 2024 to replace the necessary pipe/hose assembly that feeds oil to the left-hand turbocharger.
Affected Model Year:
- 2018
Faulty Fuel Gauge
There have been online reports from concerned Kia Stinger owners about the fuel gauge not working. The faulty gauge supposedly showed incorrect numbers and put some owners at risk of accidents due to inaccurate fuel readings. Some reported their vehicles suddenly stopping while on the road because of this.
Kia issued a recall on 2020 and 2021 Kia Stingers to resolve this issue as the inaccurate fuel gauge reading was allegedly due to a software error in the instrument cluster.
Affected Model Years:
- 2020
- 2021
Gas Fumes
Some owners of the 2022 Kia Stinger complained about smelling gas fumes inside and outside of the vehicle, which allegedly led to these owners and their passengers experiencing headaches and nausea. Unfortunately, there have been no recalls issued to address this issue.
Affected Model Year:
- 2022
Brake Issues
There have also been reports of brake issues with 2018 and 2020 Kia Stingers. Reports show that the braking system problems persisted once they showed up. Owners share that when they turn the wheels, they also hear a grating noise. Others note that their brake rotors are prone to wear.
Affected Model Years:
- 2018
- 2020
Electrical System Problems
Another notable issue with some Kia Stingers is with the electrical system. A broken front wire harness became the cause of certain electrical problems, which resulted in fire risks and short circuits. This prompted Kia to issue a recall to replace the damaged wiring harness.
Affected Model Year:
- 2018
- 2019
- 2021
Rattling Noises
Some owners of the Kia Stinger have reported hearing rattling sounds when driving. These sounds may come from the engine, exhaust heat shield, license plate, and trunk.
Affected Model Years:
- 2018
- 2020
What Are the Best Model Years for the Kia Stinger?
Overall, while there have been a variety of issues associated with the Kia Stinger, it is still generally considered a reliable vehicle. It’s an all-rounder, perfect for those looking for a sleek and sporty vehicle.
The model years listed below are known as the most reliable, with fewer reported issues:
- 2019
- 2022
- 2023
FAQ
Why did Kia stop making the Stinger?
Kia discontinued the Stinger in April 2023 primarily due to decreasing demand worldwide. It reportedly only sold 1,499 units in Korea, it being the least-selling Kia model. As such, Kia streamlined its production by discontinuing those low in demand and switching to electric models.
How much horsepower does the Kia Stinger have?
If your Stinger has a 2.5-liter turbo-four engine, it produces 300 horsepower; on the other hand, if you have the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, then you can expect as much as 368 horsepower.