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2019 Kia Stinger
Buyable, but go in with open eyes: this car has specific known issues to check before money changes hands.
42 owner complaints · 3 recalls · data verified July 14, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why caution?
Has a "park it / park outside" recall, the most serious kind. Verify the fix was done before buying.
Engine problems dominate (29% of complaints, typically reported near 61k miles).
Very few owner complaints for its age and sales volume.
Complaints are overwhelmingly minor: almost none involve crashes, fires, or injuries.
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
How it crashes
NHTSA’s own crash tests, separate from the reliability score above.
NHTSA crash-tested this model year but didn’t publish an overall star rating for it.
1 open NHTSA defect investigation on file for this model year, separate from the recalls above.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings. Star ratings compare vehicles within the same class and size, not across every car on the road.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2019 Kia Stinger, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Brakes (11) · Electrical system (9) · Fuel system (6)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint, a rough guide, not a schedule.
Engine
29%12 complaints · typically near 61k mi · 4 in the last 2 years
“Oil pressure sensor failure on the engine, there is an open TSB for this same issue/same engine on other Kia models but not the Stinger. Dealer verified that the oil p…”
Brakes
26%11 complaints
“I have driven 6,000 miles myself since purchasing the vehicle in March of ‘22. The brakes have developed a wobble or shutter feeling. While driving with no braking, th…”
Electrical system
21%9 complaints · 2 in the last 2 years
“Wiring harness has been severed, chewed through, or burnt. Multiple times. If my phone listed down below does not work call [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE …”
Fuel system
14%6 complaints · 4 in the last 2 years
“Car was idling louder than usual, engine light came on. Car felt like it wanted to go forward while in park. Dealership diagnosed bad fuel pump and sensor. Had to repl…”
Recalls (3)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Engine And Engine Cooling · 24V169000
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.
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline · 23V634000
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.
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Park itService Brakes, Hydraulic · 20V518000
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.
Before you hand over money
Verify the recall work was done
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2019 Kia STINGER beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2019? See how every Stinger model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2019 Kia Stinger against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.