MODEL
Kia Stinger
NHTSA safety across every Kia Stinger model year we cover.
Across the 5 model years of the Kia Stinger we cover (2019 to 2023), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2023 at 94 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2020 at 82. 16 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Kia Stinger is a rear-wheel-drive sport sedan that punches squarely into the entry-luxury performance segment, competing against the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Genesis G70. Aimed at driving enthusiasts who want genuine rear-drive dynamics without a German price tag, this fastback four-door has carried the Stinger nameplate from 2019 through 2023, building a loyal following among buyers who prioritize engagement alongside practicality.
The Kia Stinger puts up a genuinely respectable safety record across its 2019-2023 run, and the numbers give shoppers real reason for confidence. The model's best NHTSA Safety Index reaches 94 out of 100 in 2022, landing in the Exceptional band - a meaningful benchmark for a performance-oriented sedan. Star ratings reinforce that picture: side and rollover protection both score a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in the best-tested year, while frontal protection comes in at a solid 4 out of 5 stars, which is worth noting for buyers who weight head-on crash performance heavily. The recall count of 16 across the covered years is the part of this story that demands honest attention. Three of those campaigns carry park-outside or do-not-drive advisories, which are the most serious tier of recall action. Shoppers must verify all open recalls are resolved before purchase, full stop. Owner complaints total 94 across the covered years, with 4 alleged crashes and 3 alleged fires reported. These are unverified allegations, but the fire-related complaints are worth tracking, particularly in light of the serious recall activity. No injuries or deaths are reported in this dataset, which provides some context. Bottom line: the Stinger's crash-test performance is strong, but its recall history - especially those three severe campaigns - means due diligence on recall status is non-negotiable before buying any used example.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Kia Stinger as a compelling and somewhat underrated sport sedan that delivers genuine driving excitement and a premium-feeling interior at a price below its European rivals. Most praise its performance credentials and distinctive fastback styling, while noting that the brand's broader lineup improvements have made the Stinger's value proposition even sharper over its production run.
- The 2022 model year earns the segment's strongest safety result in our covered range, posting a 94 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index in the Exceptional band - making it the standout year for crash-test confidence.
- Three of the Stinger's 16 recalls across 2019-2023 carry park-outside or do-not-drive advisories, the most severe level of recall urgency. Any used Stinger purchase must begin with a full recall check at NHTSA.gov using the vehicle's VIN.
- Frontal crash protection scores 4 out of 5 stars in the best-tested year, one star below the perfect scores earned in the side and rollover categories - buyers who prioritize head-on protection should weigh this gap.
- Owner complaints include 3 alleged fire-related incidents across the covered years. While these are unverified allegations, combined with the serious recall activity, they make it especially important to confirm all outstanding safety campaigns have been completed before taking ownership.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Kia Stinger with 6 recalls.