2019 Kia Stinger Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2019 Kia Stinger carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering control unit/module and fuel pump. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake vibration and soft pedal feel.” Kia uses Hyundai Motor Group's powertrains, so service intervals mirror Hyundai's. Kia Promise covers the first 3 years / 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Kia owners with the Theta II 2.0L/2.4L (Optima, Sorento, Sportage 2011-2019) should adhere strictly to oil intervals due to known oil-consumption issues in Kia TSBs.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

Campaign #20V518000 · Aug 27, 2020

Issue: 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #23V634000 · Sep 13, 2023

Issue: 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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING

Campaign #24V169000 · Jan 3, 2024

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Kia Stinger.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA
  • Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires

    Action #AQ23002 · opened Nov 17, 2023

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electron…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Brake vibration and soft pedal feel

SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2022-08

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11477889
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11470035
Under braking, the entire car vibrates violently. First time I mentioned it to Kia, they resurfaced the rotors and it fixed it temporarily. It doesn’t feel like I am in good control of the car when it is vibrating
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11436853

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Oil pressure sensor or switch failure and leak

ENGINE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2025-03 → 2026-06

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11743225
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11647756

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Sunroof glass spontaneously shatters while driving

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2021-04 → 2026-07

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 !
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11751465
EARLIER TODAY WHILE DRIVING ON THE TOLLWAY I HEARD A LOUD NOISE(SOMEWHAT LIKE A BLOW OUT) I PUT ON MY HAZARDS AND PULLED OVER. I EXITED THE TOLLWAY TO FIND THE SUNROOF SHATTERED WITH A HUGE HOLE!!!
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11407330

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Recall 20V518000 repair delayed, parts unavailable

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

10 NHTSA complaints · 2020-11 → 2024-03

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Stinger. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V518000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11427697
I HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED BY KIA THAT THERE IS A RECALL CAUSING ENGINE FIRES BACK IN NOVEMBER 2020. I HAVE BEEN TRYING NOW WITH TWO DEALERSHIPS FOR MONTHS TO GET IT FIXED
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11398864
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)
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11575840

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Fuel pump recall 23V634000, loss of power

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2023-12 → 2025-09

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11688866
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11615979
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11562321

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Unexplained stall or limp mode with electrical fault

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2026-04

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11732324
MY VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION COMING OFF INTERSTATE THIS EVENING AND MY CAR JUST JUST DOWN AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. I TRIED TO START IT 3X AND 4TH TIME I OPENED THE DOOR AND SHUT IT AND THEN IT STARTED
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11397459
ON FEB 18, 2020 THE CAR HAD A THROTTLE HESITATION AND CUT OFF IN TRAFFIC WHILE TURNING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND WHEN STARTED AGAIN HAD CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND CAR WENT INTO LIMP HOME MODE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11390539

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Engine or electrical fire while driving or parked

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2020-06

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11208262
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11243325
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11329240

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 3,750 mi

Severe service: every 3,750 miles. Normal: 7,500 miles. Theta II 2.0L/2.4L on Optima, Sorento, Sportage (2011-2019): full synthetic only, never extend.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Telluride and Sorento AWD owners benefit from rotation every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads and rotors every 7,500 miles. Forte and Soul front pads typically last 40,000-55,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Required for ABS and ESC pump longevity.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Severe or dusty conditions: 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Severe service: every 30,000 miles. Normal: 60,000 miles. Use Kia SP-IV — same as Hyundai.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped plugs rated 105,000 miles on most Kia engines. 1.6T (Forte GT, Soul Turbo): 60,000 miles. 3.5L Lambda II V6 (Telluride, Sorento): 105,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 30,000 mi

Kia Long-Life Coolant (pink, same as Hyundai): first change at 60,000 miles, then every 30,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD)

Every 60,000 mi

Sportage AWD, Sorento AWD, Telluride AWD: replace transfer case fluid and rear diff fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Optima, Forte, and Sportage; behind the dashboard panel on Telluride.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

9 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2019 Kia Stinger reflects Kia's published service intervals and the Service Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.