2022 Kia Stinger User Complaints and Problems
The Kia Stinger being the first-generation lineup introduced recently in 2018, does not show a history of problems but has shown a fair share of complaints. Occasional and uncommon problems with the Stinger lineup include shaky braking, engine stalling, driver-assist malfunctions, loss of electric power, and instances of rogue acceleration but the primary problems with the lineup comprise fuel gauge failures, sunroof explosions, unavailability of recalled parts, and engine compartment fires. Engine compartment fires have been the most prominent problem cases for the Stinger lineup with multiple total losses and recalls.
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine compartment Fire- Engine compartment fire is the major problem when it comes to the Kia Stinger. The manufacturer claims the ABS unit defects to be the primary cause of the fire. This major problem with the Kia Stinger has led to most recalls for the lineup.
- Engine stalling- Registered complaint cases have mentioned frequent occurrences of a sudden loss of drive power and engine output leading to engine stalling under driving conditions. This puts not only the operator at risk but also the fellow motorists.
- Vibrations under braking- Buyers of the Kia Stinger have reported a few cases of shaky braking wherein they have experienced increased vehicle body vibrations during the application of brakes.
- Rogue acceleration- The issue of rogue and unintended acceleration persists with the 2019 Kia Stinger and has led to users ending up crashing. As per complaints, users have complained of the car accelerating and lurching forward as a response to applying brakes.
Electric System Complaints
- Fuel gauge malfunctioning- Fuel gauge malfunctions have been one of the most common and troublesome problems with the Kia Stinger lineup. Reported complaints have stated users ending up on an empty fuel tank due to inaccurate fuel level projections on the fuel gauge. Sudden loss of drive due to lack of fuel can be a major risk while driving through interstates or highways.
- Loss of electric power- Loss of electric power is not as common as fuel gauge malfunctions but Stinger users have reported complaints stating complete loss of electric power and features while driving. A few cases mention the use of the left turn indicator leading to loss of power but no official confirmation from the manufacturer’s end.
Structural Complaints
- Sunroof explosions- Kia Stinger users have come across instances of the vehicle sunroof exploding and shattering under driving conditions despite no external impact. This has been a prominent structural problem with the Kia Stinger lineup and continues to possess a threat to people both inside the vehicle as well as to those near the vehicle.
Safety Complaints
- Driver-assist malfunctioning- Although driver-assist malfunctions have been uncommon occurrences with the Kia stinger, users have reported instances of the blind spot assist and the front collision warning systems activating and engaging auto emergency braking without any tangible or visible threat. This possesses a serious threat of crashing.
Miscellaneous Complaints
- Logistical delays- The most common complaint with Kia Stinger users remains to be the unavailability of the recalled parts. Kia users have stated receiving timely recall notifications citing a threat of engine compartment fires but prolonged delays for procurement of replacement parts on the dealership end. The issue has often rendered users with not-safe-to-drive vehicles.
|
Category
|
Number of complaints
|
|
Fuel and Propulsion System
|
4
|
|
Powertrain
|
3
|
|
Wheels
|
1
|
|
Brakes
|
10
|
2022 Kia Stinger Recalls
In all, the Kia Stinger has seen 10 major recalls. It is officially claimed that the primary cause for the majority of these recalls is the faulty ABS unit which possesses a risk of engine compartment fire. Insufficient fuel supply, inaccurate fuel gauge calibration, and potential loss of steering control are the secondary major issues with the Kia Stinger which required additional batches of recall. A quick summarization of the recalls is featured below.
|
S. No
|
Date
|
NHTSA ID
|
Issues Noticed
|
Additional Remarks
|
|
1
|
November 5, 2021
|
21V862000
|
Inaccurate fuel gauge readings.
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An inaccurate reading on the fuel gauge may lead to the vehicle running out of fuel, stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
|
|
2
|
September 16, 2020
|
20V560000
|
Insufficient fuel supply.
|
Insufficient fuel supply to the engine may lead to loss of drive, increasing the risk of a crash.
|
|
3
|
August 27, 2020
|
20V518000
|
ABS unit may cause a fire.
|
ABS unit may cause an engine compartment fire, increasing the risk of an injury.
|
|
4
|
July 22, 2020
|
20V422000
|
Potential loss of steering control.
|
A loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
|
|
5
|
October 25, 2018
|
18V754000
|
The wiring harness may be damaged by the front fender.
|
A damaged wiring harness may short circuit increasing the risk of a fire.
|
Mapping across its competition, the 22 Stinger lineup has seen no recall history as of now but the 2022 Audi A5 Sportback has 1 recall under its count. The 2022 Genesis G70 and the 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia lineups also manage a clear record for recalls as of now putting them at par with the 2022 Kia Stinger.
|
Component Affected
|
2022
|
2021
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
|
Safety
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Exterior
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Electric
|
0
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
2
|
|
Interior
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Drive System
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Fuel System
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
|
Engine
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
Which Kia Stinger model year should you avoid?
Ever since the introduction of the Kia Stinger lineup with the 2018 Kia Stinger, the first generation of the lineup has not come across many grave defects except for the 2020 iteration which saw 4 recalls a handful of user complaints. This makes the 2020 Kia Stinger a dicey choice to go ahead with. It is the 2021 Kia Stinger that makes for the best bet going ahead to purchase a used Stinger. Also, It would be helpful for potential buyers to double-check the recall status and history of the listings considered to ensure a satisfactory purchase.
Should you buy a used Kia Stinger?
The Kia Stinger lineup makes for a perfect choice of a dynamic sedan for a budget. It is sporty, it is fun to drive, the bodywork comes off pleasing to the eye and it offers versatile performance. Although Kia has come across frequent complaints Kia as a manufacturer has ensured timely remedies with recalls and an effective aftersales network. Also, Kia further extends a step by offering generous warranty coverage packages across its Stinger lineup. All in all a used Kia Stinger is a value-for-money purchase with plenty to offer.
