2021 Kia Stinger
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes leads by volume: 6 of 17 complaints (35%) mention it.
Complaints filed rose from 16 in 2020 to 17 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,100–3,900 | 3,100–3,900 | 3,100–3,900 | 3,100–3,900 | 3,100–3,900 | |
| Combined MPG | 20–25 | 20–25 | 20–25 | 20–25 | 20–25 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–22 / 25–29 | 17–22 / 25–29 | 17–22 / 25–29 | 17–22 / 24–32 | 17–22 / 24–32 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 365–446 | 365–449 | 365–449 | 355–451 | 355–451 | |
| Complaints filed | 44 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 5 | |
| Recalls issued | 3 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Kia Stinger have?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2021 Kia Stinger?
Brakes: 6 of 17 NHTSA complaints (35%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia Stinger get?
EPA rates it 20–25 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Kia Stinger?
EPA estimates $3,100–$3,900 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 21 mpg | 29 mpg (high) | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 368 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 22 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | $3,100 (low) | 365 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.3L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 449 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,900 (high) | 446 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (5)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING · Campaign 24V169000 · Mar 4, 2024
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 23V634000 · Sep 14, 2023
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE · Campaign 21V862000 · Nov 8, 2021
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP · Campaign 20V560000 · Sep 16, 2020
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · Campaign 20V518000 · Aug 28, 2020
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.