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Model-year record

2020 Kia Stinger
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2020 Kia Stinger

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

16

Reports to NHTSA, 2020

Safety recalls

6

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

22

EPA estimate

Known issues

Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (31% of 16 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (19%).

Electrical System31% · 5 reports
Fuel/Propulsion System19% · 3 reports
Power Train13% · 2 reports
Steering13% · 2 reports
Engine And Engine Cooling6% · 1 report
Fuel System6% · 1 report
Service Brakes6% · 1 report
Unknown Or Other6% · 1 report

Share of all 16 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11593366, ODI 11562645, ODI 11549927, ODI 11387157, ODI 11341840.

Individual complaint reports(16)

Showing the 16 most recent reports
Fuel/Propulsion SystemApr 2026 · ODI 11729891Details +

Was wondering why this vehicle isn't included in the fuel pump recall .There is hesitation, starves for fuel. All the symptoms, per mechanic, saying that is should be included!

Reported
Apr 2026
Incident date
Aug 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11729891 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMar 2026 · ODI 11728277Details +

I am reporting a Failure of the Remedy for NHTSA Recall 23V634000 (Kia Recall SC281). The original recall attempted to "fix" a High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) issue via a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). This remedy has failed. My vehicle is currently experiencing the exact safety hazard described in the recall: loss of motive power and stalling at various speeds due to HPFP failure. Despite the software "patch" performed in 2024, the physical hardware (HPFP) has now suffered a mechanical failure, rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. Description of the Incident: On or about March 15, 2026, the vehicle began lose power and stuttered while in motion, posing a significant risk of a rear-end collision. Diagnostic scans (OBD-II) confirmed code [Insert Code if known, e.g., P0087 for Low Fuel Rail Pressure]. A secondary diagnosis at Courtesy Kia (Mesa, AZ) on March 18, 2026, confirmed the HPFP has failed. Failure of Manufacturer to Act: The manufacturer (Kia America, Case #XXX) is currently refusing to replace the failed component under the recall mandate. They are categorizing the repair as "Goodwill" because the recall was "closed" by the unsuccessful software update. The manufacturer’s refusal to remediate a known mechanical defect that causes stalling in traffic is a direct violation of the spirit and legal requirement of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Current Location of Vehicle: Courtesy XXX. The vehicle is grounded as it is unsafe to operate.

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11728277 at NHTSA →
SteeringMar 2026 · ODI 11722087Details +

I was driving to work when suddenly my steering wheel gets supper heavy as I was making a turn shook the life out of me my eps went out if you could please do a good will repair or see if there’s any extended warranty please check for a TSPs

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11722087 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJan 2026 · ODI 11712123Details +

Transmission light appeared and a loud knocking noise followed by white smoke bellowing out of the exhaust. I took it to a shop and they said it now needs an engine replacement.

Reported
Jan 2026
Incident date
Dec 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11712123 at NHTSA →
SteeringAug 2025 · ODI 11678350Details +

I was driving to work and the steering wheel just looked up and got really stiff and hard to control which was really dangerous. Prior to the I could just be sitting idle and the steering wheel would just start moving by itself out of nowhere.

Reported
Aug 2025
Incident date
Jul 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11678350 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemMar 2025 · ODI 11646586Details +

My car shut off while driving down the road, it would not restart, there were no warning lights or check engine lights on. I had it towed to a repair shop and they replaced the fuel pump. Later I found out the fuel pump was recalled for the car and submitted the work receipt for reimbursement on 12/18/2024. I was never notified of the recall to have it replaced. It has been 11 weeks today and I have not been reimbursed for the $1100 I paid to have the fuel pump replaced. I could have been severely injured when my car engine shut down while driving.

Reported
Mar 2025
Incident date
Dec 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11646586 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingSep 2024 · ODI 11612301Details +

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Stinger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V169000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled several times for recall repair. The contact stated that upon taken the vehicle to the dealer, the dealer advised the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to a second dealer, Clay Cooley (1247 E Airport Fwy, Irving, TX 75062), where the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Reported
Sep 2024
Incident date
Jun 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11612301 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJun 2024 · ODI 11593366Details +

The vehicle will shut off without reason from time to time. I'll be sitting at a light, stop sign, or intersection, and the car just shuts off. All electronics inside the car turn off, the engine turns off, and it's as if I've shut the car off to get out. Usually, I'm able to restart the car after a few moments and go about my day, but in doing some research on this issue, there have been others that have had the same issue. When others take their car in to have it investigated, the dealership is unable to locate the issue as it's extremely difficult to replicate. A person's safety is definitely in question considering if the car shuts off while driving, it could lock the steering wheel as a few others have seen. The only symptom that I have experienced is the music from the radio goes weird prior to the car shutting down.

Reported
Jun 2024
Incident date
Jun 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11593366 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemDec 2023 · ODI 11562645Details +

I was sitting at a red light with my foot on the brake. When I took my foot off the brake when the light turned green, my car would not drive forward!! I checked to make sure my car was not in Park. All of the lights on the dash were on and the engine was no longer running. Not to mention something similar happened November 18, 2023 where I was driving and the engine suddenly lost power And cut off, and it would not crank back up for longer than 3 secs w/o losing power. my car could no longer run. I ended up having to get it towed to a local Kia dealership On Covington Pike in Memphis, TN (the location on Mt Moriah informed me that if I took it to to their location, I would be charged $175 plus tax for them to run diagnostic on it, and it would be best to take it to the location that I purchased the car from—THAT IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE & ridiculous!!!) and all they did was replace the high pressure fuel pump. They did not hook my car up to do a diagnostic, they just went off of the code reader my friend had. The code showed P0088- fuel rail/system pressure- too high. Nothing else was checked to see if it was defective. That particular kia rep told me that there wasn’t anything they could do unless there was a check engine light lit up on the dash. Now fast forward to today, a similar situation happened, but luckily my car was able to start back up. I’ve been waiting on them to perform 1 of the recalls for over 3years now and it’s always the same story, they don’t have the part, they would have to get that ordered & contact me when it comes in & when it comes in, they don’t contact me!! I really want to know what’s going on with my car for it to still be fairly new and to have these issues when I keep the maintenance up. I can’t afford to be stranded or put myself or the lives of other motorists on the road in danger because my vehicle will randomly lose power out of nowhere. That’s unacceptable and dangerous!

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Dec 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11562645 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2023 · ODI 11549927Details +

1st safety related incident discovered December 27th, 2021, rear window defroster stopped working. Checked rear fuse block as the owner's manual had listed that the fuse would be located there. Visual observation of fuse block showed rear heater fuse had blown and the area around the fuse discolored and melted. Remedy was dealership replacing rear fuse block and given back with no explanation why the fuse heated up to cause fuse and fuse block to start to melt. 2nd same safety related incident discovered June 18th, 2023, when checking rear fuse block to see if the previous repair fixed the possible electrical fire related concern. It was noticed again that the same fuse had similar discoloration and plastic melting around the fuse. Fuse was removed and alternate dealership contacted about this concern. Vehicle was left at dealership on July 28th, 2023 and loaner vehicle was given to use until remedy could be completed. As of October 14th, 2023 this vehicle is still at the dealership with no remedy or cause determined why the rear fuse block has started melting again after being replaced the first time. Pictures of the fuses and the melted fuse block have been secured by this writer. Neither the fuse blocks nor the fuses are in my possession. Current miles on the vehicle is 47,922. This unsafe condition has the potential to cause a fire and could either cause serious physical injury and or death.

Reported
Oct 2023
Incident date
Dec 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11549927 at NHTSA →
Fuel SystemMar 2023 · ODI 11509804Details +

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk and hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. One day while at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where he was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact purchased the spark plugs from the dealer but had an independent mechanic perform the repair. Despite the repair, the failure occurred a second time. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where another diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was notified that both the spark plugs, and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V560000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the recall but was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 59,272.

Reported
Mar 2023
Incident date
Feb 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11509804 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJun 2022 · ODI 11469956Details +

Dealer said it is a known issue, but the brakes leave deposit on rotors and cause severe shaking while slowing down. Rattles entire car and steering wheel violently. Had this issue first at 5k miles, now at 18k miles and it is back. The dealer turned the rotors for me under warranty at 5k, but now are telling me I need to purchase my own aftermarket pads and rotors because they won't cover it. Pads have plenty of meat left, just has a nasty "warble" under braking.

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11469956 at NHTSA →
Fuel/Propulsion SystemJun 2022 · ODI 11467020Details +

Dealer stated that the GDI pump has failed and that is not a common issue. My car started shuddering as I was driving in the interstate I5 north at 70mph, then the car stalled in the middle of the freeway, gas pedal was useless, if it was not because my speed was 70mph and the force of the speed keep my car moving for a little I would probably be hit by a truck putting my life and others at risk. Car was towed back to the dealer, very strong smell of gas and smoke was coming from underneath it, engine lights came on after it stalled a second time while parked on the side of the road. Only signs noticed was the shuddering one day prior to this incident but car did not stall and I thought It was because it needed oil change, other was hesitation to start while cold, after a second attempt it would start without problem. all those signs were not long lasting nor repetitive (shuddering happened only ones prior the day of the incident and ones seconds before the incident).

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
May 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11467020 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2021 · ODI 11421197 · crashDetails +

moving forward into parking space with my foot on the brake car accelerated and smashed into a tree.

Reported
Jun 2021
Incident date
Jun 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11421197 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2021 · ODI 11387157Details +

I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW IN JULY AND HAVE HAD THE SAME ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM AT LEAST 7 TIMES NOW. THE ISSUE IS THAT SOMETIMES, WHEN I GIVE A RIGHT HAND TURN SIGNAL, THE VEHICLE'S ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN. IT HAS DONE IT ON A SLOW TURN, ON A MERGE GOING 35MPH, AND ON A A HIGHWAY EXIT RAMP GOING 60MPH. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL ME, OR SOMEONE ELSE, DIES AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE. I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM OFF AND ON FOR 6 MONTHS AND I'M TIRED OF IT.

Reported
Jan 2021
Incident date
Jan 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11387157 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2020 · ODI 11341840Details +

FUEL LINE CONNECTION WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT HAD A LOCK/COVER THAT WAS NOT SEATED/ATTACHED. ISSUE WAS DISCOVERED AFTER DOING A THOROUGH LOOK OVER OF A NEWLY PURCHASED VEHICLE IN WHICH A LOOSE NUT WAS FOUND IN THE TRUNK. UPON REMOVAL OF THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER NEXT TO THE NON LOCKED FUEL LINE TWO MISSING BOLTS WERE FOUND FOR A WIRE HARNESS ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. OWNER CONNECTED FUEL LINE LOCK, DEALER INSTALLED TWO BOLTS TO THE WIRE HARNESS. NO RECEIPT WAS GIVEN SINCE NOTHING WAS BILLED.

Reported
Jul 2020
Incident date
Jul 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11341840 at NHTSA →

Recalls(6)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Engine And Engine CoolingJan 2024 · 24V169000Details +

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.

Remedy: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Electrical SystemMay 2021 · 21V862000Details +

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.

Remedy: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Steering · 20V422000Details +

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Stinger vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Turbo-GDI engine. A component within the Rack Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, possibly resulting in the steering locking or becoming difficult while driving.

Risk: A loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the MDPS Assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC193.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Service Brakes · 20V518000Details +

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.

Remedy: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Fuel System · 20V560000Details +

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.

Risk: Insufficient fuel supply to the engine can result in a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Fuel System · 23V634000Details +

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.

Remedy: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2020 Kia Stinger 4 DR RWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2020 Kia Stinger 4 DR AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Stinger RWD2.0L 4-cylRear-Wheel Drive222925
Stinger AWD2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive212924
Stinger RWD3.3L 6-cylRear-Wheel Drive172520
Stinger AWD3.3L 6-cylAll-Wheel Drive172520

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

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Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2020 Kia Stinger: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2020 Kia Stinger?

Owners filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the 2020 Kia Stinger. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2020 Kia Stinger?

The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (31% of complaints) and fuel/propulsion system (19%).

How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Stinger have?

6 recalls have been issued that affect the 2020 Kia Stinger, covering components such as engine and engine cooling. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Kia Stinger get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Kia Stinger between 20 and 25 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.