The Kia Stinger stands out as a well-rounded sports sedan that combines performance, style, and value. It offers powerful engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and a twin-turbo V6. As far as looks go, it’s sleek and sporty, turning heads with its fastback design.
However, the Stinger isn’t particularly valuable down the line, as it has a five-year depreciation rate of 58%, according to AutoPadre. Besides that, this model is fairly reliable, with most of its common issues easily resolved.
J.D. Power gave the Kia Stinger, specifically its 2019 and 2023 models an above-average rating of 81 out of 100. Both years did great on the driving experience criterion, scoring 86 and 84 out of 100, respectively.
J.D. Power also gave the 2023 Stinger an 87/100 in terms of quality and reliability, a criterion that measures levels of defects, malfunctions, and design flaws experienced by owners.
As mentioned, the Stinger has a powerful engine, which makes for thrilling driving experiences.
Its superb suspension system smooths out road imperfections to ensure a comfortable ride even on bumpy terrains. Lastly, the Stinger’s rear-wheel drive and sharp steering make driving engaging and dynamic, allowing for better corners.
Also, aside from its sleek design, the Stinger also boasts generous passenger and cargo space, making it a practical choice for daily driving or long trips.
The Kia Stinger is a reliable sedan, but it has its fair share of issues. Some of the most common problems the model faces include unpleasant odor, fuel system issues, electrical system problems, faulty brakes, and rattling noises.
Some Kia Stinger owners have complained about unpleasant odors, namely the smell of gas and burning. In fact, Kia had to recall the 2018 to 2023 Stingers due to oil leaks that resulted in the unpleasant odor.
The smell of gas is typically due to the seal on the gas cap being worn or faulty, leading to fuel vapors escaping and the smell of gas lingering. If it’s not the gas cap, it might be due to overfilling the gas tank. The fuel can overflow, which can create a gas smell.
If the unpleasant smell is accompanied by black smoke coming from the exhaust pipes, then the fuel regulator is the likely culprit. Once the regulator wears, it could impact the air and fuel mixture because of fuel that enters the fuel rails.
The gas smell can also come from fuel leaks in the fuel lines, gas tank, or fuel injectors. Other symptoms of a worn gas cap include an illumination check engine light and a fault code set up by the evap emissions systems.
On the other hand, based on reports, the scent of something burning in a Kia Stinger can be caused by the following:
Electrical issues also hampered some Kia Stingers, particularly the 2018 and 2020 models, which prompted recalls. The recalls were made in 2021 because of a software error in the instrument cluster that could result in inaccurate fuel gauge readings.
Some electrical issues stemmed from a damaged front wiring harness, which led to short-circuiting and fire hazards.
If your Stinger has the same electrical system problems, you can have the wiring harness replaced for free if it’s part of the units affected by the recall in late 2018. To do so, you need to make an appointment with the dealership by contacting them or the manufacturer.
Electrical issues happen across different manufacturers. They have to perform computer reflash to fix problems down the line.
Some Kia Stingers have issues with the braking system, although they didn’t appear until some drivers reached 24,000 miles. This issue is prevalent in 2018 and 2020 models, with some owners also reporting a burning smell when applying the brakes.
Reports show that the braking system problems persisted once they showed up. The main complaint is there tends to be a noise when the driver turns the wheels.
Similarly, some owners shared that the brakes are prone to wear, which is common with sports and performance vehicles because their brake rotors are softer than most cars.
Luckily, letting a mechanic check the brakes can fix the noise problem, while replacing the rotors typically resolves the early wear issue.
Some Kia Stinger owners have complained about hearing rattling noises while driving. The sounds can come from different components and areas, such as the trunk, license plate, exhaust heat shield, and engine.
Owners also complained about rattling noises inside the chamber, particularly in the 2018 and 2020 models. The noise most often comes from the ball joints, struts, and sway bar links.
Several owners have reported rattling noises from the trunk area, typically due to loose items in the spare tire compartment or issues with the trunk latch. Some found that adjusting the trunk hinges or adding rubber stoppers fixed the rattling noise.
A loose license plate can also cause a rattling sound. Some owners used a silicone cover or tightened the license plate’s screws to reduce the noise.
A loose exhaust heat shield can make a rattling noise, especially when going over bumps. If this happens, it’s best to replace the heat shield to prevent noise and other possible issues.
Some Kia Stinger owners have also reported hearing a rattling noise from the engine area. There are a lot of possible causes, such as loose accessories, exhaust problems, or timing chain issues. The best way to deal with this is by taking your vehicle to an auto shop.
The Kia Stinger, specifically the 2023 model, starts at $37,865 and goes up to $54,065, depending on the trim and options. You can add all-wheel drive for an additional charge, which replaces the rear-drive Stinger’s Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires with all-season tires. However, this option reduces the top speed from 167 to 149 mph.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.