Research · Midsize Cars

2020 Kia StingerRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 16 owner complaints for the 2020 Kia Stinger. Most complaints involve fuel/propulsion system (6) and electrical system (6). The EPA rates it 20–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
20–25mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest Mar 2024
Owner complaints
16
Top: fuel/propulsion system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

6 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Service brakes

Park outsideFree remedy

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.

Service brakes, hydraulicReported Aug 27, 2020NHTSA 20V518000

Engine and engine cooling: turbo

Free remedy

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.

Engine and engine coolingReported Mar 1, 2024NHTSA 24V169000

Fuel system

Free remedy

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.

Fuel system, gasolineReported Sep 13, 2023NHTSA 23V634000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

16 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2020 – Apr 2026
  1. Fuel/propulsion system6
  2. Electrical system6
  3. Engine5
  4. Power train2
  5. Steering2
  6. Service brakes2
  7. Suspension1
  8. Engine and engine cooling1
  9. Exterior lighting1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Stinger model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201871
201944
202016
202117
202218
20235
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Fuel/propulsion system

6 reports
“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!”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 8, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11729891

Electrical system

6 reports
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 4, 2026Steering, Electrical systemODI 11722087

Engine

5 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 31, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11728277
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 30, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.3L 6-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Stinger RWD
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
222925$3,200365
Stinger AWD
Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
212924$3,300368
Stinger AWD
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.3 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
172520$4,000449
Stinger RWD
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.3 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
172520$4,000446
  • Stinger RWD
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    22 city · 29 hwy · $3,200/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Stinger AWD
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    21 city · 29 hwy · $3,300/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Stinger AWD
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.3 L, Turbo
    17 city · 25 hwy · $4,000/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Stinger RWD
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.3 L, Turbo
    17 city · 25 hwy · $4,000/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 30, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Kia Stinger 4 DR AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
8.7%
Overall
5 / 5
Kia Stinger 4 DR RWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
5 of 5
Rollover risk
8.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 30, 2026Vehicle 14400Vehicle 14397
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2020 Stinger questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Stinger have?

6 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2020 Kia Stinger problems?

Owners filed 16 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel/propulsion system (6), electrical system (6), engine (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Kia Stinger get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Kia Stinger at 20–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2020 Kia Stinger?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Kia Stinger 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 30, 2026