NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Kia Stinger Safety Ratings
The 2021 Kia Stinger scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 17 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A five-star overall NHTSA crash rating underpins the 2021 Kia Stinger's Strong band placement in the NHTSA Safety Index, where it scores 83/100. This solid performance in federal crash testing is a significant factor in its assessment. However, buyers should note the five safety recalls issued for this model year, which include a critical "park outside" campaign. These recalls introduce a notable caveat to an otherwise robust safety profile.
The 2021 Kia Stinger received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, based on NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Kia Stinger ranks 67 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 8.7% |
| Recalls on file | 5 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 17 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 67 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Kia Stinger?
The 2021 Kia Stinger moved the NHTSA Safety Index one point forward to 83/100 from the 2020 model's 82/100, both sitting in the Strong band. That incremental gain is modest but directionally positive. The crash protection sub-score of 65 out of 70 is the backbone of this year's index, reflecting the five-star overall NHTSA result and near-perfect side and rollover scores. Where this year loses ground is in the avoidance technology sub-score of 6 out of 10, a consequence of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning remaining optional rather than standard equipment. Only electronic stability control is standard. The defect record sub-score of 11.5 out of 20 reflects the weight of five recall campaigns, one of which carries a park-outside instruction tied to the antilock and traction control module. Two separate fuel pump campaigns and a fuel gauge software error add further complexity to this year's defect profile. Shoppers evaluating this specific model year must treat recall remedy verification as a non-negotiable step, because the park-outside campaign alone represents an unresolved safety condition on any unit where the fix has not been confirmed.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Kia Stinger perform in crash tests?
A four-star frontal crash rating is the only blemish on the 2021 Kia Stinger's otherwise perfect performance in NHTSA's battery of crash tests. Its five-star overall rating is underpinned by five stars in both side-impact and rollover protection. Rollover risk for the Stinger is assessed at 9 percent, with no dynamic tip during testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15139
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Kia Stinger have any recalls?
The 2021 Kia Stinger carries five recall campaigns. Components addressed include a 3.3-liter turbo engine cooling hose, two separate high-pressure fuel pump issues, and an instrument cluster software error causing an inaccurate fuel gauge. One campaign, tied to the antilock and traction control module, carries a park-outside designation and demands immediate attention before driving.
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Kia Stinger?
NHTSA has logged 17 unverified owner allegations for the 2021 Stinger. Service brakes drew the most reported concerns at six, followed by unknown or other issues at five, engine at four, and fuel and propulsion system at three. One alleged crash has been reported. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Kia Stinger?
Five recall campaigns have been issued for the 2021 Stinger. Prospective owners of a used model should prioritize confirming that the most critical of these, the park-outside antilock braking module recall, has been remedied. All five campaigns require verification through the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup, as neither a dealership nor a previous owner's assurance replaces written documentation of the completed repair.
- The 2021 Stinger carries a park-outside recall tied to the antilock and traction control control unit, meaning NHTSA determined the defect severity warranted keeping the vehicle out of an enclosed structure until repaired.
- Two distinct fuel pump recall campaigns affect the 2021 model year: one involving a fuel control valve plunger that may stick, and one involving a plastic burr in the jet nozzle, both posing fuel delivery concerns.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional equipment for this model year, which holds the avoidance technology sub-score to 6 out of 10 and is a meaningful factor in the 83/100 Safety Index.
- Seventeen unverified owner allegations have been filed with NHTSA, with service brakes accounting for six of those reports, the highest concentration of any single component for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Kia Stinger places
The 2021 Kia Stinger qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Kia Stinger safety questions
Was the 2021 Kia Stinger crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Kia Stinger, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 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 2021 Kia Stinger crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Kia Stinger have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 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 2021 Kia Stinger?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 17 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15139), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Kia Stinger 2021.
- 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 67 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.