Kia Stinger Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)

From 2018 through 2023, the Kia Stinger, a near-premium sports sedan, was built. 

The vehicle is well-known for its robust value, outstanding performance, and stunning excellent looks.

The finest and worst Stinger model years will all be discussed in this post.

Kia Stinger Best and Worst Years

Here are the greatest and worst years for the Kia Stinger, according to search results:

2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020 are the best and worst years, respectively.The 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020 models of the Kia Stinger are typically regarded as the strongest years for the car.

The dependability, lack of recalls, and cutting-edge technological characteristics of these years are lauded.The Kia Stinger’s worst years are 2018 and 2019, which are more likely to have problems and should be avoided when buying a secondhand car. To make sure you are obtaining a dependable and well-equipped Kia Stinger, it is crucial to conduct research on the precise model year and trim level you are interested in.

What Are The Kia Stinger’s Best Years?

Kia Stinger 2023 and 2022

The 2023 and 2022 Stinger models, which have the newest technology, design, and equipment, are great choices. Both models offer great value, a chic interior with hatchback convenience, and a striking appearance.

The Stinger underwent various aesthetic modifications for 2022, as well as more powerful standard and V6 engines, a larger touchscreen display, and more sophisticated driver assistance.

For 2023, there were no significant changes.

There are three trim options for the 2022 model year: GT-Line, GT1, and GT2. The GT1 midrange model was dropped for 2023.

The base GT line is powered by a 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower, while the GT1 and GT2 are equipped with a 3.3-liter turbo V6 with 368 horsepower.

For combined city and highway driving, the EPA estimates 25 MPG for base models, which is respectable for the segment.

The NHTSA awarded the 2022 and 2023 models a flawless 5-star safety certification.

Stinger 2023:

• Edmunds: 4.5 out of 5
• 4.8 / 5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
• 79/100 JD Power

Stinger 2022:

• Edmunds: 4.4 out of 5
• 4.8 / 5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
• JD Power: 79 out of 100

Kia Stinger in 2021 and 2020

The 2021 and 2020 Stingers are excellent options if your budget won’t allow for the newest Stingers or you don’t care about having the most modern design, technology, and engines.

The 2020 Stinger was called “one of the best sport sedans on the market” by Edmunds, and the 2021 model is largely unchanged.

They have a strong optional V-6 engine, excellent performance, outstanding handling, and spectacular external style.

There are four trim levels: GT-Line, GT, GT1, and GT2.

The following models are equipped with a turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 (365 horsepower), while the base GT-Line gets a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine (255 hp). 

These engines are standard with rear-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available on all models as an option for individuals who seek more traction.

Owners claim that the interior, exterior, comfort, dependability, manufacturing quality, acceleration, and technology of these cars are their finest features. 

Stinger 2021:

Edmunds: 4.3 out of 5

4.8 / 5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book

JD Power: 75 out of 100

Stinger 2020:

Edmunds: 4.5 out of 5

4.8 / 5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book

: 78 out of 100 JD Power

What Are The Kia Stinger’s Worst Years?

Kia Stinger from 2018 and 2019

Approaching the Stingers from 2018 and 2019 should be done with caution. They were the first models, which naturally also made them the most difficult.

The largest problem owners of both models had, according to statistics from the auto industry, was an engine-related one, with loss of engine power being the most typical symptom.

Common issues:

• Cracking, peeling, and flaking paint
• Misfiring cylinders
• Fuel pump problems
• Fire started in the rear fuse panel.
• Unsufficiently bright headlights

How Safe is Kia Stinger?

Numerous sources have given the Kia Stinger high marks for safety. Following are some salient details from the search results:

• The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the 2022 and 2023 Kia Stinger models “Good” ratings in the majority of categories, including moderate overlap front and side, roof strength, and head restraints and seats.
• The 2022 Kia Stinger received a five-star overall safety certification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has awarded the Kia Stinger a five-star safety rating.
• The Kia Stinger received a five-star safety certification from Euro NCAP, with notable ratings in the categories of adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, and safety assist.

In conclusion, the IIHS, NHTSA, ANCAP, and Euro NCAP have all given the Kia Stinger high marks for safety. The car contains a number of safety features that can help avoid accidents and safeguard occupants in the case of one. It is significant to remember that safety ratings are predicated on particular model years and may change depending on the kind of crash test used.

Reliability of Kia Stinger 

Here is what we know about the Kia Stinger’s dependability based on the search results:

Positive: According to J.D. Power, the 2023 Kia Stinger has a predicted dependability rating of 84 out of 100.

The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain guarantee from Kia shows that the company is confident in the dependability of its cars.

In a lengthy test by Car and Driver, the Kia Stinger was deemed to be dependable with no major concerns recorded after 24,000 miles.

Negative: Information on the dependability of older Kia Stinger cars is scarce.

In conclusion, given the scant data at hand, the Kia Stinger’s reliability seems to be favorable. J.D. Power predicts that the 2023 model will be 84 out of 100 reliable, and a lengthy test by Car and Driver has not shown any material problems. On the reliability of earlier Kia Stinger models, there isn’t much information, though. Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to look into the reliability ratings of particular model years.

Tips to Maintain Your Kia Stinger 

Based on the search results, here are some suggestions for maintaining your Kia Stinger:

• Maintain your Kia Stinger according to the suggested maintenance schedule, which calls for frequent coolant, air filter, and oil changes.
• Maintaining a clean interior and exterior will help keep dirt and other debris from building up and harming your car.
• Make that the levels of all the fluids, including the coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and oil, are checked frequently.
• Regularly check the battery to make sure it is operating properly.
• To promote even wear, keep your tires filled to the recommended pressure and rotate them frequently.
• According to the manufacturer’s advice, replace the spark plugs.
• Every 15,000 miles, the cabin air filter should be changed.
• Every 24,000 miles, check the suspension ball joints, mounting bolts, and the steering gear box and rack.
• Every 25,000 miles, flush the coolant and replace it.
• If you routinely drive in harsh conditions, you might want to think about changing the oil more frequently than the suggested period.

You can make sure that your Kia Stinger runs well and lasts for many years by paying attention to the advice in this article. The secret to avoiding expensive repairs and maintaining the condition of your car is routine maintenance. In order to avoid further damage, it’s crucial to adhere to the suggested maintenance program for your particular model year.

How Can You Tell Whether Something Is a Lemon?

Purchase a vehicle history report.

There is no better initial step when purchasing a used car than to obtain a car history report. Two well-known services offer this information for little money: Anyone looking to purchase a used car will find the information provided by CarFax and AutoCheck extremely helpful. 

The reports let you know the number of past owners, whether or not it had any accidents, how frequently it required maintenance, and the current title. The final section is among the most crucial since it contains the lemon label, which attests that the car followed the correct legal procedures to be designated as a lemon.

However, in some areas, dealers must inform a customer if the vehicle is a manufacturer buyback, which is a reliable way to determine whether a vehicle has a lemon title. 

However, it is the responsibility of the buyer to conduct a thorough investigation into the vehicle’s history. Therefore, consumers may need help if they accidentally purchase a secondhand lemon because they must inspect it first.

Owner Background

You can view the owner’s history on the vehicle history report, which should indicate whether the manufacturer has purchased the vehicle back. 

While owners can claim a car is a lemon in a legal dispute and ask the automaker to buy back the problematic vehicle, that is a guaranteed technique to determine if the car was labeled a lemon.

 You can also determine if the vehicle was sold or traded before it was given a lemon tag if the prior owner may have missed an issue. It also implies that the car’s persistent issue must be apparent.

Repair Record

Look carefully at the vehicle’s repair record and try to identify any recurring issues. Recurring problems in cars with lemon histories are simple to spot. You can determine whether the issues with the car are minor wear and tear concerns, such as those with the clutch or brakes, or a more severe problem. 

Check to discover if the repairs were necessary or carried out even when the car was brand new. It can assist in determining whether the car is a lemon or if an incident like a collision or modification caused a misdiagnosed issue.

Are the repairs significant or minor? A severe repair would deal with the drivetrain or suspension, whereas a superficial one would address non-driving-related issues like window or seat controls. 

Severe repairs would be more challenging, but handling a car might not be a hassle if a car was considered a lemon for a less severe cause.

The report also shows whether repairs are being made at a dealership or a general shop. Like you would with any used car, examine the vehicle’s general condition and health and determine whether routine maintenance has also been carried out. 

This will assist you in deciding whether or not you should consider purchasing this car.

Inspection before purchase

Is the car still a good investment? You should get a pre-purchase inspection if the flaws are not too concerning or if you believe the automobile may have been incorrectly labeled as a lemon. 

A mechanic can determine whether the problems are repairable and why the car was considered a lemon. 

A technician can assist you in determining whether or not a recurring issue is indicative of more severe problems or worries about the quality of the vehicle.

Their satisfaction with the car might help determine if it is a worthwhile investment or a lost cause.

FAQ on Kia Stinger Best and Worst Years

Which Kia Stinger year is the best?

If you stick with the finest years, the Kia Stinger is a great option for a car. If you’re interested, we suggest the used selections for 2019, 2021, and 2022.

Kia Stinger cars lack dependability?

The majority of the Stinger’s reported issues so far have been with non-engine electrics, and the majority of the Kia lineup has a solid reputation for dependability.

Is maintaining a Kia Stinger expensive?

A Kia Stinger is expected to cost between $95 and $1784 in maintenance and repairs, with an average of $217.

Why does Kia no longer produce the Stinger?

Despite Kia’s plans for the potent four-door hatchback with rear-wheel drive, it only took the Korean automaker five years to discontinue the Stinger after adopting the brand’s all-electric vision. Kia jumped on the battery-powered bandwagon because it believes that other EVs, like the EV6, can act as a logical replacement.

Does the Kia Stinger surpass the Mustang?

Overall. When seeking for a sports vehicle, the 2021 Ford Mustang and Kia Stinger are great choices, but the Mustang will have more potent engines and provide you the option of a coupe or a convertible. At a lower cost, the Stinger has additional storage space, a smooth ride, and plenty of power to accelerate.