2019 Kia Stinger Complaints

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 05/15/2026

My 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0T, VIN [XXX], suffered catastrophic engine failure at 32,000 miles due to a replacement fuel injector installed by an authorized Kia dealership. On XXX, Galeana Kia of [XXX], replaced the fuel injector on cylinder 3 under fault codes P0300 and P0303 and returned vehicle as "operating as designed." I paid for this repair out of pocket. On XXX— 57 days post-repair — Galeana Kia's own technician documented verbatim: "Found injector stuck opened. Performed compression test and found low compression on cylinder 3 due to piston ring failure. Injector stuck open washed out piston rings." The failed injector was the replacement part Galeana Kia installed on XXX Full engine replacement is estimated at $12,000. Kia America has not resolved this matter despite 11 weeks of documented engagement under case 26100462. Safety concern: sudden engine failure at highway speed. Parts quality concern: OEM replacement injector failed causing catastrophic engine damage. Request NHTSA investigate whether other 2019 Stinger 2.0T vehicles may have fuel system or injector failures creating similar risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 07/18/2026

I was driving on the highway & my sunroof exploded. At first i thought someone had dropped something off a bridge , but i realized from the damages. Sunroof exploded. The glass caused damage to my paint !

ENGINE — Filed 05/23/2025

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 pressure is fine and that it is the sensor, independently verified by a third party shop. Dealer charge is over $3k for the repair and third party is just about $2k.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 02/12/2026

My 2019 Kia Stinger GT2 with approximately 25,000 miles has been out of service since February 12, 2026 for diagnosis and repair of a system issue. The vehicle has remained at the dealership for over two months. Multiple repair attempts have been made, including escalation to Kia corporate engineering. Despite these efforts, the issue has not been clearly diagnosed and no permanent repair has been completed. The vehicle is currently unusable, and the inability to identify the root cause raises concerns that the issue could result in unpredictable or recurring system behavior. Given the reliance on electronic and computer-controlled systems, there is concern about safe and reliable operation if the vehicle is returned without a confirmed fix. The manufacturer has not provided a clear resolution or timeline.

STRUCTURE — Filed 03/01/2026

The roof trim panel separates from the vehicle while driving. Depending on the car's speed the metal, plastic and rubber strip is lifted up and off the car and into the slip stream behind the vehicle creating a serious hazard for cars behind us. We examined the strip and determined the plastic clips that hold this panel in place do not function as intended, or fail to adequately hold this large section of trim in place during driving conditions. We brought this to the attention to the Kia dealership and were told "Warranty replacement items are not covered after 12 months". They offered to replace the item but we believe it is material craftsmanship and a design flaw that allows this trim to fall off the car while driving.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 10/08/2025

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 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/01/2025

The issue involves the high-pressure fuel pump covered under Recall 23V634000 (Kia SC281). When the recall was marked as “completed” at the dealership, only a software update was performed. The required inspection of the fuel pump and potential replacement were never carried out. Two years later, the vehicle began experiencing problems consistent with the recall defect, including loss of power and engine performance issues. This indicates the recall remedy was not properly completed, and the defective fuel pump was left in place. The safety risk is that the vehicle may lose motive power while driving, increasing the likelihood of a crash. This problem could potentially affect other owners if recalls are being closed without full inspection or replacement. The symptoms have been observed during regular driving and can be reproduced. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Kia for the current issue beyond the original recall visit. Warning lights and drivability issues began appearing recently, which align with the defect described in the recall notice. The high-pressure fuel pump is available for inspection upon request.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 03/17/2025

The car had fuel pump recall I had it fixed on 10/24 now the car has the same issue but your kia refuses to fix it. My warranty company is replaceing the fuel pump but not the reprogramming of it but why is it my issue if it is a recall to begin with that wasn’t fixed or I would not need a high pressure fuel pump and have the same problem. Kia states they only fix one time so now I’m responsible to have it programmed when it was a recall to begin with

ENGINE — Filed 01/15/2025

I brought my vehicle in for the recall SC300 and they discovered that my oil pressure switch is leaking which is on top of the engine. This is causing a leak and oil pressure light to come on intermittently. Same part as the Kia Sorento, cadenza, and the Sedona that all had the warranty extended recall to 15 years or 150,000 miles. Every Kia forum has people complaining about the same issue and being charged $3000-5000. This can cause an engine fire if left unchecked just like the recall SC300. There is a backlog for that part to come in to fix the issue and people are driving with the light flickering because they don’t know the oil pressure switch is leaking over there engine and down to the EPU which could start a fire as well.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 01/03/2025

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 replace fuel pump, sensor and gaskets with fuel line too.

ENGINE — Filed 12/20/2024

Engine failure at 60,960 miles. Kia dealer confirmed premature connecting rod bearing failure.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/23/2025

Pulled the dipstick for the first time to check the oil. Proceeded to whip off the end and reinserted to take an accurate measurement of the oil and when I pulled the dipstick back out the plastic tip was broken off. I have read online that this is a common issue. Plastic?? Really?? Seems like a very bad design.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 09/02/2024

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, after which the vehicle entered LIMP Mode and was unable to accelerate as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V634000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); the VIN was included, but the vehicle had already been repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 63,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 05/08/2024

I called the Vanguard Kia dealership in Arlington (3:22pm), TX the date I received the recall letter on 5/7/2024. The service rep (I didn't get his name) put me hold and confirmed the work would only take 3 hours, I would take a shuttle home, I should arrive first thing at 7am the following morning. I arrived at the dealership to drop my car of 7am on [XXX]. There was no service scheduled for me, but since I get there early I was only 3rd in line to be seen. As I was about to leave in the shuttle, and the Zach (second service rep to help) advised they didn't have the part or the tools to perform the work need to complete my recall. I was upset because I was assured by the service rep I spoke with the day prior that I'd didn't a loaner and I'd drop my car off and get it back same day since it was a 3 hour job. I inquired about getting a loaner vehicle and I was told my job wasn't big enough to qualify for loaner; even my car was still under the original warranty and this was recall related work. I was told I "should" be ok driving the car, even though I express concern about the catching fire as stated in the recall letter. After call Kia Customer Relations, they give the dealership a call and they still refused to accommondate me. I was told "if any happened Kia would take responsiblity", "I was concerned, just don't park the car close to the my home" (Zach's peer), and that I could pay out of pocket up front for a rental and they reimburse once I got my car back. I don't feel I needed to have to come out of pocket anything consider this is warranty / recall work. They gave me the car and had me drive back home, and now I have get it back up there whenever they get my parts. I've been accommodated in no way for the misleading instruction, and lack of consideration driving a car back and forth that had a active recall; INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 01/12/2024

I have gone to Joe Myers Kia no less than 5 times in the last 4 years asking them for assistance in performing the repairs for the recall associated with my vehicle (NHTSA Recall Number 20V518000). The first two times in 2020, they claimed supply chain issues and said they couldn't get the part(s) for the repair. The next 2 times, the took down my VIN and phone number and said they needed to order the part and they'd call me when it came in. They never called. The last time I was there, they insisted that they needed an 8 hour appointment to simply verify that my car was eligible for, and needed, the recall, and then another 8 hour appointment to do the repair. I am not able to give up my car for 2 days, without a loaner, for a 2-3 hour repair job (as approximated in the recall text).

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 12/21/2023

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, several messages appeared on the instrument panel that instructed the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for service. The contact called the dealer and was informed that a diagnostic test would be performed to determine the cause of the failure. In addition, the contact was informed that there was an extended wait to have the vehicle scheduled for service. The contact later received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V634000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which was linked to the failure. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 04/03/2023

Top roof molding on each side of moonroof cracked and faded paint. Near fuel tank paint chipped off. Color is snow pearl white and looks horrendous for a car of this price tag

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 02/14/2023

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Stinger. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance system erroneously engaged, and the vehicle slowed down. The contact was able to pull over, wait for several minutes, and then restart the vehicle. The service engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while merging into traffic, the vehicle slowed down and stopped in traffic. The contact stated that the battery had drained. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. who was unable to duplicate the failure and cleared the warning light. The accelerator pedal and battery were replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/05/2022

I only have 16,2000 miles on this car and for a while now after driving for 10-15 minutes I get a good shaking out of the front end and steering wheel when I use the brakes. I have no problems when the car is cold (less then 10 miles). I gets to the point I am worried there is something wrong with the car. I have started using the paddle shifters to downshift to help slow the car down because I don't want to use the brakes so much. I am not sure if this is a maintenance issue that requires new brakes pads or rotors. Are there any known issues with the brakes on 2019 KIA Stingers that I need to be worried about? Am I required to replace pads or rotors at a certain mileage? Is this something I need to take to a dealer to have inspected? I don't recall when I first noticed this issue so I will add today's date and today's mileage on the car but it has been happening for many months before I started to get concerned.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 01/01/2019

****BIG safety issue. Headlights low visibility- doesn't shine far enough ahead to avoid any possible collision w/ pedestrian/vehicle. Headlights seem to shine down more and not far enough up ahead. I've avoided driving at night all together due to this safety issue. I do NOT have vision issues- it is the vehicle itself. There is no way to adjust headlights unless the car is physically taken apart and manually done. I've almost hit a pedestrian at high speed and barely stopped. There was no extended visibility up ahead to react and stop more safely. Very dangerous. I don't understand why the headlights were positioned in this manner.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 05/20/2022

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, the vibration is obvious. When braking, the vibration feels dangerous.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/21/2020

MY CAR ACCELERATED OM IT'S OWN ON A SMALL STREET AND I HIT TWO CARS AND DAMAGED MINE AND I BARELY STOPPED BEFORE HITTING A BRICK WALL I DID CONTACT KIA CONSUMER AND THEY SAID THEY WILL SEND INSPECTOR TO CHECK THE CAR AND NOBODY EVER CAME I CALLED THEM FIVE OR SIV TIMES ABOUT THIS BECAUSE BODY SHOP KEPT TELLING ME THAT NOBODY FROM KIA EVER CAME AND THEY KEEP IGNORING ME AFTER THEY TOLD ME KIA WILL HELP THE PERSON'S NAME FROM KIA MOTORS WHO TAKES CARE OF THIS CASE I SAMUEL KIM AND MY CASE NUMBER IS 13725169.HIS EMAIL IS SAMUELKIM@KIAUSA.COM I'VE SENT EMAILS TO HIM TO HIM MANY TIMES BUT HE DIDN'T RESPOND

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/07/2020

I STARTED MY CAR AND REALIZED THAT THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS FLASHING AND INDICATED "CHECK MY BLIND SPOT FOR A COLLISION". I WAS PULLING OUT ONTO A SECONDARY ROAD AND THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS IN THE NEAR VICINITY. I THOUGHT EVERYTHING WOULD CORRECT ITSELF ONCE I STARTED DOWN THE ROAD. I TURNED ONTO THE MAIN ROAD AND EVERYTHING KEPT FLASHING, THERE WAS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN THE STEERING AND THE CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. I SLOWED DOWN TO MAKE IT TO THE SAFEST PLACE TO PULL OVER, WHICH WAS A DOLLAR GENERAL. ONCE I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE, I SHUT MY CAR OFF AND RESTARTED TO SEE IF IT WOULD RESET THE COMPUTER AND INSTRUMENT PANEL. I THEN SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC AND SAW WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I CALLED 911 TO REPORT MY CAR ON FIRE. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED THE CAR ALARM WAS GOING OFF, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE GOING AND TONS OF BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THEY REPORTED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE COMPUTER KEPT TRYING TO START THE CAR OVER AND OVER AGAIN. THEY HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO ACTUALLY STOP THE FIRE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. WE FILED A CLAIM WITH THE KIA CORPORATION THE VERY NEXT DAY. I WAS SUPPLIED WITH A RENTAL CAR IN THE MEANTIME. SINCE FILLING THE CLAIM WE HAVE HEARD NOTHING FROM KIA. THEY STATED IT WAS A NATIONAL KIA ISSUE SINCE IT WAS A SPECIAL CASE. ACCORDING TO KIA, MY STINGER IS THE SECOND TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THERE WAS NO RECALL OF ANY SORT. *TR

ENGINE — Filed 08/09/2019

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. THE CONTACT STATED HE AND HIS WIFE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND OPEN THE HOOD AND SAW THE FIRE STARTED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TURNED ON AND THE HORN BEGAN TO MAKE NOISE ON IT'S OWN. THE CONTACT STATED HE ALSO HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED A SAMARITAN RAN INTO A NEAR BY HOME DEPOT STORE TO LOCATE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED NO ONE SUSTAINED ANY INJURES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER WEST PALM BEACH KIA LOCATED AT 735 S MILITARY TRAIL, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33415, (561) 433-1511, WERE NOTIFIED OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,238.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 05/14/2019

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 MELTED OUT AND FLAMES POURED OUT OF THE OPENING. I CALLED 911 IMMEDIATELY. BY THE TIME POLICE AND FIRE ARRIVED THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND BURNED TO THE GROUND WITHIN 7 MINUTES. I AM AWAITING ON THE COMPLETED INVESTIGATION FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO VERIFY MY CLAIM AS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE.