Kia Stinger research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The Stinger is Kia's grand-touring fastback: it looks like a sleek sedan but opens with a hatchback-style liftgate, and it drives the rear wheels (AWD optional). Four-cylinder models are quick and economical, while the 3.3L twin-turbo V6 GT trims (365-368 hp) rival far pricier European sport sedans. The 2022-2023 refresh brought a stronger 300-hp 2.5L turbo. Kia ended the Stinger after 2023.
Model years covered: 2018–2023. The Stinger was sold in the U.S. for 2018-2023 only; Kia ended production after the 2023 model year and there is no 2024-2026 Stinger.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Strong twin turbo V6 performance
- Rear drive handling balance
- Practical liftgate cargo
- Available AWD
- High equipment for the price
- Comfortable long distance cruiser
- Strong value versus european rivals
Things to know before you buy
- Performance tires and brakes cost more
- V6 fuel economy is modest
- Several VIN specific recalls to confirm
- Many cars are modified
- 2022 refresh brings 2.5 liter turbo
- Discontinued after 2023
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 1 (2018–2023)
The only Stinger generation (CK) ran 2018-2023 in the U.S. 2018-2021 cars use a 255-hp, 260 lb-ft 2.0L turbo four or a 365-hp, 376 lb-ft 3.3L twin-turbo V6; the 2022 refresh swapped in a 300-hp 2.5L turbo four and lifted the V6 to 368 hp, with a larger screen and updated lights. Every Stinger uses an 8-speed automatic with RWD or AWD.
Buyer takeaway: For value, a 2018-2021 GT or GT1 V6 gives the most performance per dollar; for a four-cylinder, the 2022-2023 2.5L turbo is far stronger than the 2.0L. Confirm recall repairs by VIN, check tires and brakes, and avoid heavily modified cars.
Kia Stinger by model year
2023 Kia Stinger
2023 is the final Stinger year. The lineup narrows to the 300-hp 2.5L turbo GT-Line and the 368-hp twin-turbo V6 GT2, plus a limited Tribute Edition based on the GT2 (about 400 for the U.S.). Kia has no direct successor, so parts and service run through regular Kia dealers.
- Engines: 2.5 liter turbo I4 300 hp 311 lb ft; 3.3 liter twin turbo V6 368 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; All wheel drive available
- Body style: 5 door fastback liftback
What changed:
- Lineup narrows to two trims
- Tribute edition limited to about 400 US cars
- Final model year of the stinger
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; V6 turbo oil feed pipe recall status; Exact engine and drivetrain by VIN; Tire wear and alignment RWD performance tires; Brakes and rotors; Turbocharger oil leaks and boost hoses; 8 speed automatic shift quality; Electrical and infotainment check; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Oil change records and premium fuel use.
2022 Kia Stinger
The 2022 refresh replaced the 2.0L with a much stronger 300-hp, 311 lb-ft 2.5L turbo four on the GT-Line (about 22/32 mpg RWD), while the twin-turbo V6 rose to 368 hp with a variable exhaust (about 17/24 mpg AWD). A 10.25-inch touchscreen, revised lights and more standard driver aids round out the update.
- Engines: 2.5 liter turbo I4 300 hp 311 lb ft; 3.3 liter twin turbo V6 368 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; All wheel drive available
- Body style: 5 door fastback liftback
What changed:
- New 2.5 liter turbo 300 hp replaces 2.0 liter
- V6 rises to 368 hp with variable exhaust
- Larger touchscreen standard
- Refreshed lighting and more standard driver aids
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; V6 turbo oil feed pipe recall status; Exact engine and drivetrain by VIN; Tire wear and alignment RWD performance tires; Brakes and rotors; Turbocharger oil leaks and boost hoses; 8 speed automatic shift quality; Electrical and infotainment check; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Oil change records and premium fuel use.
2021 Kia Stinger
The 2021 Stinger is largely a carryover: GT-Line with the 255-hp 2.0L turbo, and GT, GT1 and GT2 with the 365-hp twin-turbo V6, all with an 8-speed automatic and RWD or AWD. It is the last year of the 2.0L engine and of the original styling, often making it the best-priced V6 Stinger.
- Engines: 2.0 liter turbo I4 255 hp 260 lb ft; 3.3 liter twin turbo V6 365 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; All wheel drive available
- Body style: 5 door fastback liftback
What changed:
- Largely carryover
- Red interior option for V6 models
- Last year of the 2.0 liter turbo
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Abs module fuse kit recall status; High pressure fuel pump recall status; V6 turbo oil feed pipe recall status; Exact engine and drivetrain by VIN; Tire wear and alignment RWD performance tires; Brakes and rotors; Turbocharger oil leaks and boost hoses; 8 speed automatic shift quality; Electrical and infotainment check; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Oil change records and premium fuel use.
2020 Kia Stinger
For 2020 the four-cylinder lineup became a single GT-Line trim with V6-style exterior styling and wireless charging; V6 trims remain GT, GT1 and GT2. Engines stay at 255 hp (2.0L turbo) and 365 hp (3.3L twin-turbo V6). The limited GTS edition offered an AWD system with a rear-biased Drift mode.
- Engines: 2.0 liter turbo I4 255 hp 260 lb ft; 3.3 liter twin turbo V6 365 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; All wheel drive available
- Body style: 5 door fastback liftback
What changed:
- Base and premium four cylinder trims combined into GT line
- GT line gains V6 style exterior
- Limited edition with drift mode AWD
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Abs module fuse kit recall status; High pressure fuel pump recall status; V6 turbo oil feed pipe recall status; Exact engine and drivetrain by VIN; Tire wear and alignment RWD performance tires; Brakes and rotors; Turbocharger oil leaks and boost hoses; 8 speed automatic shift quality; Electrical and infotainment check; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Oil change records and premium fuel use.
2019 Kia Stinger
The 2019 Stinger keeps the 255-hp 2.0L turbo and 365-hp twin-turbo V6 with an 8-speed automatic. Kia added blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning to more trims and a limited-slip differential to the V6 GT, and a limited-production orange GTS edition arrived late in the year. A good value year for a V6 GT or GT1.
- Engines: 2.0 liter turbo I4 255 hp 260 lb ft; 3.3 liter twin turbo V6 365 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; All wheel drive available
- Body style: 5 door fastback liftback
What changed:
- Blind spot and rear cross traffic added to lower trims
- GT gains limited slip differential
- Limited orange special edition late in year
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Abs module fuse kit recall status; High pressure fuel pump recall status; V6 turbo oil feed pipe recall status; Exact engine and drivetrain by VIN; Tire wear and alignment RWD performance tires; Brakes and rotors; Turbocharger oil leaks and boost hoses; 8 speed automatic shift quality; Electrical and infotainment check; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Oil change records and premium fuel use.
2018 Kia Stinger
The 2018 Stinger launched Kia's rear-drive sport fastback with a big liftgate. Base and Premium use a 255-hp 2.0L turbo four (about 22/29 mpg RWD); GT, GT1 and GT2 get a 365-hp, 376 lb-ft 3.3L twin-turbo V6 (about 19/25 mpg RWD). All use an 8-speed automatic with RWD or AWD. First-year cars should be checked for several later recalls.
- Engines: 2.0 liter turbo I4 255 hp 260 lb ft; 3.3 liter twin turbo V6 365 hp 376 lb ft
- Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; All wheel drive available
- Body style: 5 door fastback liftback
What changed:
- All new rear drive sport fastback
- Available all wheel drive
- Large liftgate instead of trunk lid
- Twin turbo V6 GT trims
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Abs module fuse kit recall status; High pressure fuel pump recall status; V6 turbo oil feed pipe recall status; Exact engine and drivetrain by VIN; Tire wear and alignment RWD performance tires; Brakes and rotors; Turbocharger oil leaks and boost hoses; 8 speed automatic shift quality; Electrical and infotainment check; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Oil change records and premium fuel use.
Known issues and what to check
- 3.3L V6 Turbocharger Oil Feed Pipe Recall (24V169) (2018–2023)
Certain 2018-2023 Stingers with the 3.3L twin-turbo V6 were recalled (NHTSA 24V169, Kia SC300) because the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose can deteriorate and leak oil onto hot parts, raising fire risk. Dealers replace the pipe and hose assembly free of charge.
What to do: Confirm the SC300 repair is complete before buying a V6 Stinger. - ABS Hydraulic Unit (HECU) Fire-Risk Recall (20V518) (2018–2021)
Certain 2018-2021 Stingers were recalled (NHTSA 20V518, Kia SC196) because the anti-lock brake hydraulic electronic control unit area could short and cause an engine-compartment fire. The remedy is a new fuse kit in the junction box, installed free.
What to do: Check the VIN for the SC196 fuse-kit repair. - High-Pressure Fuel Pump Recall (23V634) (2018–2021)
Certain 2018-2021 Stingers were recalled (NHTSA 23V634, Kia SC281) because a fuel control valve plunger can stick in the high-pressure fuel pump, over-pressurizing the system and causing loss of drive power. Dealers update engine software and inspect or replace the pump.
What to do: Confirm the SC281 software and pump inspection is complete. - Performance Tires, Brakes and Alignment (2018–2023)
The Stinger is a heavy, powerful rear-drive car on wide performance tires, often staggered sizes on V6 models. Tires and Brembo brakes (GT trims) wear faster and cost more than on a typical family sedan, and hard driving shows up in uneven tire wear.
What to do: Budget for tires and brakes, and favor cars with even tire wear and service records. - Turbocharged Engine Care and Modified Cars (2018–2023)
All Stinger engines are turbocharged and direct-injected. They reward on-time synthetic oil changes and the recommended fuel, and many Stingers are tuned or modified (intakes, downpipes, ECU tunes), which can affect warranty coverage and long-term durability.
What to do: Ask about modifications and prefer stock, well-documented cars. - 2.0T vs 2.5T vs V6 Resolution (2018–2023)
Stingers span three engines: a 255-hp 2.0L turbo (2018-2021), a 300-hp 2.5L turbo (2022-2023) and a 3.3L twin-turbo V6 (365 hp, then 368 hp from 2022), each with RWD or AWD. Performance, fuel economy, recalls and value differ sharply, so the exact configuration matters.
What to do: Confirm engine, trim and drivetrain before comparing prices.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine and VIN. Check the VIN for open recalls and completed remedies, including the V6 turbo oil-feed pipe, ABS module fuse kit and fuel pump campaigns.
Similar vehicles to consider
- Genesis G70
- BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
- Audi A5 Sportback
- Audi A7
- BMW 3 Series
- Infiniti Q50
- Dodge Charger
- Acura TLX
Questions this guide answers
- What engine does this Stinger have?
- What is the difference between the GT-Line, GT, GT1 and GT2?
- Is the 2022-2023 2.5L turbo better than the 2.0L?
- What recalls should I check on a Stinger?
- Is the Stinger rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
- What fuel economy does a Stinger get?
- Why was the Stinger discontinued?
- How does the Stinger compare to the Genesis G70?
- What should I inspect on a used Stinger?
- What is the Stinger Tribute Edition?