Model year guide

2021 Kia stinger

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Kia stinger is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 2 on record.

2021 Kia stinger — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2021 Kia stinger at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints17
Combined20–25 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2021 Kia stinger recalls 5

Electrical System:instrument Panel:fuel Gauge NHTSA Campaign #21V862000 · 05/11/2021

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.

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 System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #20V560000 · 16/09/2020

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.

Fix: 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module NHTSA Campaign #20V518000 · 27/08/2020

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.

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 ser…

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #23V634000 · 13/09/2023

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.

Fix: 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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger:hoses/plumbing NHTSA Campaign #24V169000 · 01/03/2024

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2021 Kia stinger common problems

Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA. These are the most-reported areas in a sample of the most recent — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

2021 Kia stinger MPG & running costs

Combined20–25 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,725
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (S8)
Forced inductionTurbocharged
Engine start-stopYes
Passenger volume95 cu ft
Cargo volume23 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$6,625 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2021 Kia stinger costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,625
Fuel only$18,625
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2021 Kia stinger trims & engines on record

Trims
GT2
Engines
3.3L 6-cyl 365 hp

2021 Kia stinger vehicles on record

Other Kia stinger model years

2021 Kia stinger — frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Kia stinger have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2021 Kia stinger. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Kia stinger?

Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA; in a sample of the most recent, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, engine, fuel/propulsion system.

What gas mileage does the 2021 Kia stinger get?

The 2021 Kia stinger has U.S. EPA estimates of 20–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.