2021 Kia Stinger Safety Report
2021 KIA STINGER Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Kia Stinger
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Kia Stinger. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (5) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Low (16) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 1 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2023 | Compare against the 2023 Kia Stinger with 5 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Kia Stinger before buying across this generation. |
Kia Stinger Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Kia Stinger years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Kia Stinger | 12 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Kia Stinger | 14 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Kia Stinger | 5 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Kia Stinger | 40 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Kia Stinger | 64 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Kia Stinger Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Kia Stinger, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyEngine,Fuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other,Service Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes issues Kia onlyService Brakes
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Kia onlyFuel System, Gasoline
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel System, Gasoline issues Kia onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Kia Stinger
Reliability Score
The 2021 Kia Stinger receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Kia Stinger
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Kia Stinger
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Kia Stinger:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling Hoses and plumbing defects in the engine cooling system have been reported, leading to recalls. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel System, Gasoline Fuel pump malfunctions have been identified, causing recalls for certain models. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes Issues with the hydraulic service brakes, including anti-lock, traction control, and electronic limited slip systems, have been reported. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Software errors in the instrument panel fuel gauge have been reported, though less frequently. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Kia Stinger:
Issues with engine cooling system components, including hoses and plumbing, have been reported.
Fuel pump malfunctions have been reported, leading to recalls.
Hydraulic service brake issues, including anti-lock, traction control, and electronic limited slip systems, have been reported.
Software errors in the instrument panel fuel gauge have been reported.
Recall Details for the 2021 Kia Stinger
The following 5 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Kia Stinger by NHTSA:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Kia Stinger
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Kia Stinger with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes.
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 stop off when I get in the car but sometimes I forget. It has happened at over 20 times that I have documented over the l...
At certain times when I am braking the brake "skips" it's like i am unable to brake so I end up braking late. It's become a safety hazard since there are times when I have almost hit another car. Also, the other is the silver trim on the exterior looks completely faded probably from the sun but I've seen multiple stingers with this issue and should be replaced and yes the car is dirty but that is...
All 4 Rotors are warped and pads are worn down on a 30K mile vehicle. Have had several mechanics tell me That the pressure proportioning valve hose.might be becoming stuck on just enough to make the rotors get hot and wear down. I have looked online and have read many people having the same issues.Kia has told me there are no active bulletins or recalls for this problem.I have driven sport vehic...
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. The contact stated upon driving the vehicle uphill that same day, the vehicle failed to exceed 2-3 MPH and started losing p...
Bought this vehicle from Carvana.com and have been trying to get it repaired since then. There is something wrong with the steering/braking/suspension system. According to License Mechanic Derek Hartfield at Monroe (248) 980-3262 after a road test - told me the vehicle is not safe to drive. He attempted to repair vehicle and Carvana denied the repair. Carvana instructed me to take car to Dea...
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 did not have the time to try to put the transmission into neutral. The car was not slowing down so I turned right to hit ...
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the rotors twice; however, the failure recurred with a metal-to-metal noise while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately. The contact had to downshift manually to slow down the vehicle. Additionally,...
The car started to slow down and once I came to a stand still. The car would not start!
When driving in below freezing temperatures, the windshield washer fluid nozzles freeze and prevent the flow of windshield washer fluid when it's needed most resulting in severely impaired visibility and sometimes requiring stopping along the roadway to clean the windshield manually. This condition has happened multiple times, only in freezing temperatures in spite of the use of multiple types of ...
Component/system failure from repair invoice: Perform Campain SC196A New fuse Kit in junction box 1 cause action to take: service campaign 1 correction action taken SC!96/SC196A MULTI FUSE & JUNCTION BOX COVER INSTALLATION 201121R1 FAILED DESCRIPTION: REPAIR KIT MULTIFUS ,,ENGINE INJECTORS #3&4 STUCK OPEN CAUSING FUEL TO DUMP INTO EXHAUST UMBURNED ... FAILED PIPE ASSY FUEL INJECTOR ASSY FUEL MY...
Exploding/Shattered Sunroof No cars on the road near me at the time of incident, eliminating rock or debris damage Glass shards fell onto me in the cabin of car There was potential for accident due to sudden distraction Dealer has claimed rock damage but this is false Sunroof appears to have blown out upwards from the center Sounded like a bomb went off when it blew No warning signs Car was pur...
After failed first fix at 300 miles, wife was driving an ran out of gas on highway around 800 miles on O/D. Told this time the entire instrument/gauge cluster is bad. Dangerous situation to run out of fuel on a highway. Kia roadside assistance driver would not come and get her as she was on an Express Lane. Had to fill up car with fuel myself (after scrambling down highway embankment) while standi...
JUST PURCHASED A 2021 KIA STINGER GT AWD NEW ABOUT A MONTH AGO. JUST OVER 1000 MILES ON IT NOW AND ENCOUNTERED A CONCERNING ISSUE. SITTING AT A STOPLIGHT WITH THE AUTO START/STOP OFF, TRACTION CONTROL OFF AND IN SPORTS MODE, I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND THERE WAS A SLIGHT HESITATION FOLLOWED BY A PRETTY FORCEFUL LURCH FORWARD. AS I APPROACHED THE NEXT STOPLIGHT SEVERAL HUNDRED FEET FURTHER AHEAD TH...
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 KIA STINGER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V518000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NALLEY KIA (7849 MALL PKWY, LITHONIA, GA 30038, (770) 288-5283) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THA...
BRAND NEW CAR, JUST OVER 300 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY MAIN ROAD IN FAIRFAX, VA. WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED (INCHES TO SPARE) AND STRANDED ON THE ROAD. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. A POLICE OFFICER RESCUED ME AND PUSHED ME TO SAFETY ON A NEARBY RESIDENTIAL SIDE STREET TO AWAIT A TOW TRUCK. TURNS OUT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE WIRING FROM THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AND T...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Kia Stinger
Has the 2021 KIA STINGER been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 KIA STINGER has 5 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 KIA STINGER have?
The 2021 KIA STINGER has 16 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 1 involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 KIA STINGER?
The 2021 KIA STINGER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 KIA STINGER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 KIA STINGER involve engine (2 complaints), unknown or other (2 complaints), engine,fuel/propulsion system (1 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other,service brakes, service brakes, fuel system, gasoline.
How many crash reports does the 2021 KIA STINGER have?
There are 1 crash reports associated with the 2021 KIA STINGER out of 16 total complaints (6.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 KIA STINGER have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 KIA STINGER in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 KIA STINGER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 KIA STINGER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 KIA STINGER?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 KIA STINGER.
Should I buy a 2021 KIA STINGER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 KIA STINGER is acceptable with caveats. It has 16 complaints, 5 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 KIA STINGER?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 KIA STINGER are: 1. ENGINE (2 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), 3. ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 KIA STINGER?
Be cautious of engine cooling and fuel system issues, as these have been the most frequently reported problems. Ensure regular maintenance to avoid potential safety hazards. The 2021 KIA STINGER has 16 NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 KIA STINGER?
The 2021 KIA STINGER receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 16 owner complaints, 5 recalls, and 1 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and Engine Cooling and Fuel System, Gasoline.
What are the known issues with the 2021 KIA STINGER?
Known issues with the 2021 KIA STINGER include: Engine and Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Gasoline, Service Brakes, Electrical System. These are based on patterns found across 16 NHTSA complaints. 5 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2021 KIA STINGER?
Engine and engine cooling issues, as well as fuel system problems, are the most common issues reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 KIA STINGER?
Yes, there are recalls for engine cooling system defects and fuel pump malfunctions.
What should I do if I experience brake issues in my 2021 KIA STINGER?
Contact your local dealership for a brake system inspection and repair as soon as possible.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine cooling and fuel system issues, as these have been the most frequently reported problems. Ensure regular maintenance to avoid potential safety hazards.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Kia Stinger
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Kia Stinger. The data includes 16 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Kia Stinger an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16