2020 Kia Stinger problems
The Kia Stinger (Korean: 기아 스팅어) is a mid-size liftback/fastback manufactured by Kia between 2017 and 2023.
Overview
The Stinger traces its roots to the GT Concept from the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and the Kia GT4 Stinger from the 2014 North American International Auto Show. Design work was led by Peter Schreyer and Gregory Guillaume (Kia's Chief Designer) at Kia's European studio in Frankfurt and engineered by former BMW M Vice President of Engineering Albert Biermann, the car was unveiled at the 2017 North American International Auto Show. Biermann is now the executive vice president of performance development and high performance vehicles of the Hyundai Motor Group.
Testing of the car involved over 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) at the Korea International Circuit and 10,000 kilometres (6,200 mi) at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Social links
Common 2020 Kia Stinger problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here are some common problems reported by owners of the 2020 Kia Stinger:
- Roof Cracking/Fading: Owners have mentioned concerns about rail roof cracking or fading. This issue may impact the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle and require attention to maintain the car's appearance.
- Window Trim Discoloration: Discoloration of the window trim has been noted by some Kia Stinger owners. This problem could affect the overall look of the vehicle and may require cosmetic attention.
- Transmission Hard Shifting: The standard eight-speed automatic transmission in the Kia Stinger has been associated with hard shifting, particularly in gears like fourth and fifth. This issue has been reported by multiple owners and may impact the driving experience .
- Electrical Circuit Short Circuit: There have been recalls related to the electrical circuit within the HECU, which may experience a short circuit condition leading to excessive current. Ensuring that this recall has been addressed by a Kia dealer is important for vehicle safety and performance.
- Fuel Pump Nozzle Blockage: Another recall involves a blocked fuel pump nozzle that can result in a loss of power. Checking if this recall has been attended to is crucial to prevent potential issues while driving the Kia Stinger.
These reported problems highlight various concerns that Kia Stinger owners have faced with the 2020 model. Addressing these issues promptly and ensuring that any recalls are taken care of can help maintain the performance and reliability of the vehicle.
Is a Kia Stinger a reliable car?
Reported problems with the Stinger are few, so far, with most relating to non-engine electrics, and most models in the Kia range have a good reputation for reliability.
Why is the Kia Stinger not selling well?
However, as shown by sales figures on GoodCarBadCar, the Stinger has not been the sales success that Kia would have hoped it would be. This is likely down to the high price tag for the V6 model when a comparable BMW, Mercedes or Audi is available for the same money or less.
Do Kia Stinger's have transmission problems?
If you don't routinely and consistently change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your Kia Stinger transmission will quickly slip.
What is the engine issue on the Kia Stinger?
Kia is recalling certain 2019-2020 K900 and 2018-2023 Stinger sedans with a 3.3-liter turbocharged engine due to concerns that the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil. Over time, that pipe and the assembly may break down because of exposure to heat from the exhaust manifold.
2020 Kia Stinger car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Stinger problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Service brakes problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2020 Kia Stinger vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2020 Kia Stinger complaints
The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2020 Kia Stinger.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-15
- VIN: KNAE35LC8L6
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Kia Stinger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V169000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled several times for recall repair. The contact stated that upon taken the vehicle to the dealer, the dealer advised the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to a second dealer, Clay Cooley (1247 E Airport Fwy, Irving, TX 75062), where the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-10
- VIN: KNAE15LA1L6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
- Summary: The vehicle will shut off without reason from time to time. I'll be sitting at a light, stop sign, or intersection, and the car just shuts off. All electronics inside the car turn off, the engine turns off, and it's as if I've shut the car off to get out. Usually, I'm able to restart the car after a few moments and go about my day, but in doing some research on this issue, there have been others that have had the same issue. When others take their car in to have it investigated, the dealership is unable to locate the issue as it's extremely difficult to replicate. A person's safety is definitely in question considering if the car shuts off while driving, it could lock the steering wheel as a few others have seen. The only symptom that I have experienced is the music from the radio goes weird prior to the car shutting down.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-29
- VIN: KNAE15LA2L6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: I was sitting at a red light with my foot on the brake. When I took my foot off the brake when the light turned green, my car would not drive forward!! I checked to make sure my car was not in Park. All of the lights on the dash were on and the engine was no longer running. Not to mention something similar happened November 18, 2023 where I was driving and the engine suddenly lost power And cut off, and it would not crank back up for longer than 3 secs w/o losing power. my car could no longer run. I ended up having to get it towed to a local Kia dealership On Covington Pike in Memphis, TN (the location on Mt Moriah informed me that if I took it to to their location, I would be charged $175 plus tax for them to run diagnostic on it, and it would be best to take it to the location that I purchased the car from—THAT IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE & ridiculous!!!) and all they did was replace the high pressure fuel pump. They did not hook my car up to do a diagnostic, they just went off of the code reader my friend had. The code showed P0088- fuel rail/system pressure- too high. Nothing else was checked to see if it was defective. That particular kia rep told me that there wasn’t anything they could do unless there was a check engine light lit up on the dash. Now fast forward to today, a similar situation happened, but luckily my car was able to start back up. I’ve been waiting on them to perform 1 of the recalls for over 3years now and it’s always the same story, they don’t have the part, they would have to get that ordered & contact me when it comes in & when it comes in, they don’t contact me!! I really want to know what’s going on with my car for it to still be fairly new and to have these issues when I keep the maintenance up. I can’t afford to be stranded or put myself or the lives of other motorists on the road in danger because my vehicle will randomly lose power out of nowhere. That’s unacceptable and dangerous!
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-27
- VIN: KNAE15LA6L6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: 1st safety related incident discovered December 27th, 2021, rear window defroster stopped working. Checked rear fuse block as the owner's manual had listed that the fuse would be located there. Visual observation of fuse block showed rear heater fuse had blown and the area around the fuse discolored and melted. Remedy was dealership replacing rear fuse block and given back with no explanation why the fuse heated up to cause fuse and fuse block to start to melt. 2nd same safety related incident discovered June 18th, 2023, when checking rear fuse block to see if the previous repair fixed the possible electrical fire related concern. It was noticed again that the same fuse had similar discoloration and plastic melting around the fuse. Fuse was removed and alternate dealership contacted about this concern. Vehicle was left at dealership on July 28th, 2023 and loaner vehicle was given to use until remedy could be completed. As of October 14th, 2023 this vehicle is still at the dealership with no remedy or cause determined why the rear fuse block has started melting again after being replaced the first time. Pictures of the fuses and the melted fuse block have been secured by this writer. Neither the fuse blocks nor the fuses are in my possession. Current miles on the vehicle is 47,922. This unsafe condition has the potential to cause a fire and could either cause serious physical injury and or death.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-05
- VIN: KNAE15LA4L6
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk and hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. One day while at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where he was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact purchased the spark plugs from the dealer but had an independent mechanic perform the repair. Despite the repair, the failure occurred a second time. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where another diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was notified that both the spark plugs, and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V560000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the recall but was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 59,272.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-06-10
- VIN: KNAE55LC2L6
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Dealer said it is a known issue, but the brakes leave deposit on rotors and cause severe shaking while slowing down. Rattles entire car and steering wheel violently. Had this issue first at 5k miles, now at 18k miles and it is back. The dealer turned the rotors for me under warranty at 5k, but now are telling me I need to purchase my own aftermarket pads and rotors because they won't cover it. Pads have plenty of meat left, just has a nasty "warble" under braking.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-15
- VIN: knae15la7l6
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Dealer stated that the GDI pump has failed and that is not a common issue. My car started shuddering as I was driving in the interstate I5 north at 70mph, then the car stalled in the middle of the freeway, gas pedal was useless, if it was not because my speed was 70mph and the force of the speed keep my car moving for a little I would probably be hit by a truck putting my life and others at risk. Car was towed back to the dealer, very strong smell of gas and smoke was coming from underneath it, engine lights came on after it stalled a second time while parked on the side of the road. Only signs noticed was the shuddering one day prior to this incident but car did not stall and I thought It was because it needed oil change, other was hesitation to start while cold, after a second attempt it would start without problem. all those signs were not long lasting nor repetitive (shuddering happened only ones prior the day of the incident and ones seconds before the incident).
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-07
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KNAE15LA8L6
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: moving forward into parking space with my foot on the brake car accelerated and smashed into a tree.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-07
- VIN: KNAE45LC3L6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW IN JULY AND HAVE HAD THE SAME ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM AT LEAST 7 TIMES NOW. THE ISSUE IS THAT SOMETIMES, WHEN I GIVE A RIGHT HAND TURN SIGNAL, THE VEHICLE'S ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN. IT HAS DONE IT ON A SLOW TURN, ON A MERGE GOING 35MPH, AND ON A A HIGHWAY EXIT RAMP GOING 60MPH. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL ME, OR SOMEONE ELSE, DIES AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE. I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM OFF AND ON FOR 6 MONTHS AND I'M TIRED OF IT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-27
- VIN: KNAE45LC6L6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL LINE CONNECTION WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAD A LOCK/COVER THAT WAS NOT SEATED/ATTACHED. ISSUE WAS DISCOVERED AFTER DOING A THOROUGH LOOK OVER OF A NEWLY PURCHASED VEHICLE IN WHICH A LOOSE NUT WAS FOUND IN THE TRUNK. UPON REMOVAL OF THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER NEXT TO THE NON LOCKED FUEL LINE TWO MISSING BOLTS WERE FOUND FOR A WIRE HARNESS ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. OWNER CONNECTED FUEL LINE LOCK, DEALER INSTALLED TWO BOLTS TO THE WIRE HARNESS. NO RECEIPT WAS GIVEN SINCE NOTHING WAS BILLED.
2020 Kia Stinger recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 2020 Kia Stinger.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Stinger vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Turbo-GDI engine. A component within the Rack Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, possibly resulting in the steering locking or becoming difficult while driving.
- Consequence: A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the MDPS Assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC193.
Negative 2020 Kia Stinger car reviews
Positive 2020 Kia Stinger car reviews
-
My 2019 Stinger Premium AWD is amazing! I've owned an 11-15-16 Optimum 2.0, but the 2019 Kia Stinger is definitely the best yet! I would highly recommend this Kia to anyone. It has all the bells and whistles, including a roll bar with an airbag in the roof - now that's what I call safety!
-
The KIA Stinger is a car that is not for everyone, but for those who appreciate its true value, it is an exceptional choice. In its price range, there are no comparable cars. The twin turbo provides unbelievable acceleration, while the steering is butter smooth and the ride is very comfortable. Living in Montana, the AWD was a must, and we have had no problems driving this car 12 months a year, even in snow and ice. We have had no problems with the car in the 15K miles we have driven it. If you are looking for near-luxury and definite performance, I highly recommend scheduling a test drive to see what KIA has done!
-
This car is amazing! It's one of the fastest and best handling cars I've ever been in, even when compared to the German sports cars I rode in during my time in the ARMY in Germany. I'm truly impressed with the Stinger and its German ingenuity. I highly recommend taking one for a test drive - you won't be disappointed! Great job, KIA! The only issue we've had is that we live in northern Wisconsin and the summer tire package isn't great in the winter, even with just a little bit of snow on the road. If you're in a similar situation, I would definitely recommend getting the winter package. The only downside is that the summer package comes with two different size tires and rims between the front and rear, while the winter package comes with all four corners the same size. However, if you don't want to store two sets of tires and rims, you can at least put four of the same size summer tires on those rims. Overall, this is definitely a 5-star car!
-
The car is amazing! It has all-wheel drive, is fast, and comes with all the creature comforts. Plus, it has a better warranty and looks great! Who cares if it doesn't have a German label? It's cheaper to maintain, insure, and buy. I think it's like wearing jeans with no designer labels - they look better, last longer, and are more affordable. Have a great day!
-
I've been driving the '20 Stinger GT-2 in ceramic silver for about 7 months now and I must say, I absolutely love this car! The exterior styling is a real head-turner and I've lost count of the number of times people have stopped me just to tell me how beautiful it is. The interior is very nice with great finishes, although I wouldn't call it luxury, maybe entry-level luxury. The seats are excellent - firm and comfortable, and the headrest is the best I've ever had (I'm 5'9
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2020 Kia Stinger problems:
Common issues/problems to look out for? | Kia Stinger Forum
Feb 6, 2023 ... Brake pulsating, trunk rattle, rail roof cracking/fading, window trim discoloration, etc…. 2020 Kia Stinger Snow White Pearl GT RWD -- Lap3 ECU ...
Any reported Kia Stinger Engine Issues? : r/StingerGT
Jan 25, 2023 ... The only common problems that I know of personally can be shifting delays with the transmission or slight jerking when the car downshifts ...
Stinger reliable? : r/kiastinger
Apr 15, 2023 ... Very reliable and the one in the Stinger uses forged internals. Unlikely the engine will encounter any major issues. When it comes to interior, ...
Common Problems, Issues and Complaints with the Genesis G70 ...
Apr 24, 2019 ... 5 MAJOR Problems with the Kia Stinger [and G70]. Click to expand... I have a 2020 G70 and I have had problems with the wheels. In 40 years of ...
Other years of Kia Stinger
Are you having problems with your 2020 Kia Stinger?
Julian Schmidt 2025-08-04
I was hesitant about spending $48k on a Kia, but my wife really wanted it, so I bought it for her. Unfortunately, I haven't been too impressed with it. The depreciation is quite high and I had to replace the front pads and rotors with aftermarket parts at only 14k miles. The OEM pads are substandard and create hot spots on the rotors, which is a common issue among owners. Recently, the car went into limp mode at 16k miles while I was driving on the highway, which was quite concerning. Although the dealership couldn't find anything wrong, it was difficult to find information on Kia roadside assistance trip interruption. I've had some trouble with customer service as well. I offered to sell the car back to the dealership, but unfortunately, they declined without even discussing the price. I'm planning on selling it as soon as I can get it home, assuming it doesn't break down again. Overall, my experience with the Stinger has been disappointing, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
Hermann Lesch 2025-04-12
I recently leased a GT AWD, which I thought was my dream car, after trading in my 16 optima lease a year early. Unfortunately, within a month of purchase, the rear defroster unit shorted out and was supposedly fixed by the dealership where I bought the car. However, on my way to work on 5/14, the rear defroster shorted out again. I immediately called the dealership to schedule another appointment to fix it. On my way back home, I noticed smoke coming from the back of the car. I pulled over and opened the hatchback to see that the entire right side of the truck was on fire and flames shot out of the car, burning my hand. The car burned to the frame within 3 minutes. An investigation was done on the car with the NHTSA, fire investigators, Kia's engineers, and the dealership, and Kia accepted responsibility for the cause of the fire, which was a faulty rear defroster assembly unit. However, I have been struggling to get a response from Kia and my case manager has refused to reply to my emails or phone calls. Kia's offer to make things right was my initial down payment on the lease only if I signed a gag order to never discuss what happened. I have tried numerous times to escalate the issue, but I am told that my case worker at Kia doesn't have a boss and then they just hang up on me or my wife. This car has a fatal defect and Kia needs to take responsibility before someone dies in this car! I have contacted several legal firms and I am also contacting every local news investigation team in the state to try and save people's lives.At this point, it's not just about the money. Kia is selling vehicles that they know are not safe and can kill people.
Tony Ullrich 2024-10-28
Within the first couple of days, I experienced some lights popping up on the dashboard, which was a bit of a turnoff. But I guess that's what you should expect when purchasing a used car.
Earnest Kuhn 2024-09-22
The car's handling leaves room for improvement, and the braking system could be more responsive. However, it is an aesthetically pleasing vehicle.
Judson Becker 2024-04-09
I appreciate the stylish design of the car and its performance is satisfactory. However, I have noticed some issues with the build quality that do not meet the high standards of the Kia brand. The cruise control has a jerky sensation, which has been reviewed by Kia engineers but unfortunately deemed normal. Additionally, there are some rattling sounds coming from the rear hatch and sunroof, and a chirping sound when turning off the vehicle, which has also been confirmed as normal by Kia engineers. While the car looks good on the outside, it is important to consider the quality of the build. I am currently facing negative equity and will have to keep the car for a year or two, but I will not be purchasing a Kia product again due to these issues.