2021 Kia STINGER
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Kia STINGER has 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 29. The most common issue is brakes problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: 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 rep. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year.
25
Total Complaints
5
Recalls Issued
5/5
Safety Stars
0.9x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
BRAKES
6 complaints- • 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 REP
- • 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 th
- • 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
“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 REP”
— NHTSA complaint filing
Recalls (5)
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.
Risk: An inaccurate fuel gauge may result in the vehicle unexpectedly running out of fuel and stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Kia STINGER
Live EIA pricesBased 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 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Kia STINGER
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Kia STINGER Service Intervals
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
10 year powertrain not transferable to subsequent owners
These are the terms for a new Kia. If you're buying a used 2021 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
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 25 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐BRAKES: 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 REP
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: 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 PRE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Kia STINGER — Year Comparison
How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 25
- Recalls
- 5
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 3
- Injury reports
- 0
- Segment avg
- 29
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Kia STINGER