NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Kia Stinger Safety Ratings
The 2020 Kia Stinger scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 16 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Six recalls, including one that instructed owners to park outside due to fire risk, significantly affect the 2020 Kia Stinger's defect record. Despite this, the model achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong band. Its NHTSA crash-test performance was genuinely impressive, yet the recalls demand serious attention from any prospective buyer.
The 2020 Kia Stinger 4 DR AWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Kia Stinger ranks 76 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 8.7% |
| Recalls on file | 6 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 16 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 76 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Kia Stinger?
A recall campaign on the 2020 Kia Stinger's brake antilock and traction control module earned a park-outside designation, indicating a serious defect. This contributed to a defect record sub-score of 10.5 out of 20. The model year accumulated six recalls in total, with two distinct campaigns addressing the fuel pump. Despite these issues, the 2020 Stinger's crash protection is a clear strength, with a sub-score of 65 out of 70. This reflects its strong performance across nearly all crash test categories. However, its avoidance technology sub-score of 6 out of 10 highlights a limitation. Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional features. Buyers of used models should verify the presence of these systems. The 2020 Kia Stinger earns a Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong band.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Kia Stinger perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Kia Stinger 4 DR AWD demonstrates a robust safety profile overall, earning an impressive 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side impact and rollover protection both achieved the top 5-star rating; the latter category showed a low 9 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic test result. The sole exception to these top marks was in frontal protection, which received a still-commendable 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14400
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Kia Stinger have any recalls?
Yes, the 2020 Kia Stinger carries six recall campaigns. Components affected include the turbocharged engine cooling hoses, two separate fuel delivery fuel pump issues, a fuel gauge software error in the instrument cluster, and a brake antilock and traction control module. That brake control module campaign is designated a park-outside or do-not-drive recall, the most serious classification NHTSA issues.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING24V169000
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.
Reported 2024-03-01
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V634000
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.
Reported 2023-09-13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE21V862000
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.
Reported 2021-11-05
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V560000
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.
Reported 2020-09-16
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE20V518000
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.
Reported 2020-08-27
STEERING20V422000
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.
Reported 2020-07-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Kia Stinger?
NHTSA has logged 16 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged problem areas include the Fuel and Propulsion System and Electrical System, each with 6 reported concerns, followed by the Engine with 5 alleged issues. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
16 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Kia Stinger?
Six separate recall campaigns have been issued for the 2020 Kia Stinger. Prospective owners of a used vehicle should verify with NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that all have been addressed. This is particularly critical for the brake module recall, which advises parking the vehicle outside until repaired. This park-outside warning indicates an immediate safety risk, not a mere administrative formality.
- The 2020 Kia Stinger carries a park-outside or do-not-drive recall tied to the antilock and traction control module, the most serious recall classification NHTSA assigns, and remedy completion must be verified by VIN before purchase.
- Two separate fuel pump recall campaigns affect 2020 production, one involving a high-pressure fuel control valve plunger and one involving a plastic burr in the jet nozzle, making fuel system recall status a priority check on any used example.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were both optional, not standard, on the 2020 model year, so the avoidance technology sub-score of 6 out of 10 will vary depending on how a specific vehicle was originally equipped.
- NHTSA logged 16 unverified complaints for this model year, with the Fuel and Propulsion System and Electrical System each drawing 6 alleged reports, a pattern that aligns with the fuel-related recall activity documented for this year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Kia Stinger places
The 2020 Kia Stinger qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Kia Stinger safety questions
Was the 2020 Kia Stinger crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Kia Stinger, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Kia Stinger crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Kia Stinger earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 8.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Kia Stinger have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Kia Stinger, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Kia Stinger?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 16 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Kia Stinger. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Stinger years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14400), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Stinger 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 76 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.