Is the 2019 Kia STINGER reliable?

The 2019 Kia STINGER has 53 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2019 Kia STINGER?

Top problems: ENGINE (12 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (11 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (9 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2019 Kia STINGER?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING. Contact any Kia dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2019 Kia STINGER?

The 2019 Kia STINGER gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2019 Kia STINGER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2019 Kia STINGER is approximately $1,607/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2019 Kia STINGER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2019 Kia STINGER has 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.8x the segment average of 29. The most common issue is engine problems (23% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2019 kia stinger. the contact stated while stationary at a stop sign, when he notice smoke entering the cab of the vehicle. the contact stated the tire gauge and brake warning light were illuminated. the contact stated he reversed into a parking lot and turned off the vehicle.. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 1 crash report

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

12 complaints

23%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA STINGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STATIONARY AT A STOP SIGN, WHEN HE NOTICE SMOKE ENTERING THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE TIRE GAUGE AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE REVERSED INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE.
• RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR MY VEHICLE, STATING THAT THERE IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE, AND THEY ARE PRONE TO CATCHING FIRE - AND THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE PARKED OUTSIDE. I CONTACTED MY DEALERSHIP TO ASK FOR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, AND WAS SPECIFICALLY TOLD TO BRING MY CAR IN TO THEIR DEALERS
• NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 20V-518. I OWN A 2019 KIA STINGER GT2 AND I'VE HAD MAJOR ISSUES AND A RECENT 'INTERIM' SAFETY RECALL LETTING ME KNOW THE ENGINE CAN CATCH FIRE AND I SHOULDN'T DRIVE IT AND SHOULD LEAVE IT OUTSIDE (NOT IN MY GARAGE) AND WAIT UNTIL THEY SEND ME ANOTHER LETTER AND HAVE A FIX. IT'S

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA STINGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STATIONARY AT A STOP SIGN, WHEN HE NOTICE SMOKE ENTERING THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE TIRE GAUGE AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE REVERSED INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2019 Kia STINGER

Based on 21 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 16K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 12K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 21K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE27/08/2020

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.

Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.

Fix: 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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2019 Kia STINGER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2019 Kia STINGER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,607

Full coverage / month

$134

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1607

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Kia STINGER Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (Optima 2.0T, Sorento 2.5T) may benefit from more frequent oil changes.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Kia New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

10 year powertrain not transferable to subsequent owners

These are the terms for a new Kia. If you're buying a used 2019 STINGER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Kia dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 53 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 KIA STINGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STATIONARY AT A STOP SIGN, WHEN HE NOTICE SMOKE ENTERING THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE TIRE GAUGE AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE REVERSED INTO A PARKING LOT AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: I BOUGHT MY KIA STINGER AWD ON APRIL THE 1ST AND WHEN I BEGIN TO DRIVE I FIRST NOTICED THE BRAKES FELT MUSSY AND I HAD TO REALLY STAND ON THEM AT MODERATE SPEEDS AROUND TOWN AND JUST THE OTHER DAY(APRIL 28) I WAS COMING BACK HOME AND I STARTED GEARING DOWN FROM 30MPH AND SIGNALED TWO TURN LEFT AND
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: ON MAY 14TH AT APPROXIMATELY 2:50PM, I WAS IN THE CAR FOR ROUGHLY THREE MINUTES GETTING ONTO 33 EAST IN MARYVILLE OHIO. I SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR AND PULLED OVER TO SEE WHERE THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM. I OPENED THE HATCHBACK OF THE CAR AND SAW THE REAR FUSE PANEL IN THE HATCHBACK WAS ME
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: ON FEB 18, 2020 THE CAR HAD A THROTTLE HESITATION AND CUT OFF IN TRAFFIC WHILE TURNING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND WHEN STARTED AGAIN HAD CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CAR WENT INTO LIMP HOME MODE. CAR HAD ERROR CODES P061B, P0172, P0175, P2180, P2178. KIA ADVISED TO NOT DRIVE THE CAR AND HAVE IT TOWED TO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)