MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Kia Stinger

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Kia Stinger

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
5Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE KIA STINGER

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.

VERDICT

The 2023 Kia Stinger earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 94 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Its 5-star rollover rating stands out for families and child-seat buyers. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers 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.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 8.7%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17077

Index breakdown

Crash protection65/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record18.5/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

5 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsStructure 3Electrical System 1Air Bags 1Visibility 1

Other Stinger years

Rivals in Sedan (2023)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 17077), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Kia Stinger 2023. Class rank 25 of 92 in Sedan 2023. Methodology · Disclosure