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ProblemsByVin File / 2021-KIA-STINGER
2021 · kia

kia Stinger problems

4 safety recalls. 16 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.8 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints

brakes
3 reports · avg $450
moderate
engine
3 reports · avg $3,100
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2021 Stinger · powertrain Crash
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…
12/09/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11496826.0
2021 Stinger · fuel system
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Stinger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to his nearby residence.…
11/21/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11556241.0
2021 Stinger · visibility
I was driving on hwy 73 when I heard a sound like a shotgun went off. Glass started falling in the car and on me as the sunroof had shattered. There was no other vehicle in the area and the sunroof was closed.
10/10/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11488712.0
2021 Stinger · engine
Since April I have been having the same issue. Sometimes when I am stopped and the autostop is supposed to shut down the engine, the engine just sputters and if I hit the gas nothing happens. I have to put the car in park and shut it down then restart it. I try to shut the auto…
10/01/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11690875.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 3 of 4

severe NHTSA 20V518000 27/08/2020

Kia Motors America (Kia) recalled certain 2019 Stinger vehicles equipped with 3

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

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 20V560000 16/09/2020

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Stinger vehicles

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

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 23V634000 13/09/2023

Kia America, Inc

A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.
View all 4 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2021 Kia Stinger reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Kia Stinger is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2021 Kia Stinger?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is brakes, with 3 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The brakes is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Kia Stinger has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 Kia Stinger?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 16 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $450, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 19 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with kia. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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