ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING
2020 Kia Stinger
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
NHTSA has issued a “park outside” advisory affecting this model year.
Campaign 20V518000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.
Check your VIN on NHTSA.govOverview
Our database contains 16 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Kia Stinger, most frequently naming the fuel system, engine and electrical categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 44 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 1 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 2 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 3 |
| Jun 2022 | 2 | 5 |
| Mar 2023 | 1 | 6 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 7 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 8 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 9 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 10 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 11 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 12 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 13 |
| Mar 2026 | 2 | 15 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 16 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Fuel system725.0%
- Engine621.4%
- Electrical621.4%
- Steering27.1%
- Brakes27.1%
- Powertrain (other)27.1%
- Visibility13.6%
- Exterior lighting13.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
6 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:FUEL GAUGE
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Was wondering why this vehicle isn't included in the fuel pump recall .There is hesitation, starves for fuel. All the symptoms, per mechanic, saying that is should be included!
- NHTSA ID
- 11729891
- Incident
- Aug 1, 2025
I am reporting a Failure of the Remedy for NHTSA Recall 23V634000 (Kia Recall SC281). The original recall attempted to "fix" a High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) issue via a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). This remedy has failed. My vehicle is currently experiencing the exact safety hazard described in the recall: loss of motive power and stalling at various speeds due to HPFP failure. Despite the software "patch" performed in 2024, the physical hardware (HPFP) has now suffered a mechanical failure, rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. Description of the Incident: On or about March 15, 2026, the vehicle began lose power and stuttered while in motion, posing a significant risk of a rear-end collision. Diagnostic scans (OBD-II) confirmed code [Insert Code if known, e.g., P0087 for Low Fuel Rail Pressure]. A secondary diagnosis at Courtesy Kia (Mesa, AZ) on March 18, 2026, confirmed the HPFP has failed. Failure of Manufacturer to Act: The manufacturer (Kia America, Case #XXX) is currently refusing to replace the failed component under the recall mandate. They are categorizing the repair as "Goodwill" because the recall was "closed" by the unsuccessful software update. The manufacturer’s refusal to remediate a known mechanical defect that causes stalling in traffic is a direct violation of the spirit and legal requirement of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Current Location of Vehicle: Courtesy XXX. The vehicle is grounded as it is unsafe to operate.
- NHTSA ID
- 11728277
- Incident
- Mar 18, 2026
I was driving to work when suddenly my steering wheel gets supper heavy as I was making a turn shook the life out of me my eps went out if you could please do a good will repair or see if there’s any extended warranty please check for a TSPs
- NHTSA ID
- 11722087
- Incident
- Mar 3, 2026
Transmission light appeared and a loud knocking noise followed by white smoke bellowing out of the exhaust. I took it to a shop and they said it now needs an engine replacement.
- NHTSA ID
- 11712123
- Incident
- Dec 2, 2025
I was driving to work and the steering wheel just looked up and got really stiff and hard to control which was really dangerous. Prior to the I could just be sitting idle and the steering wheel would just start moving by itself out of nowhere.
- NHTSA ID
- 11678350
- Incident
- Jul 19, 2025
My car shut off while driving down the road, it would not restart, there were no warning lights or check engine lights on. I had it towed to a repair shop and they replaced the fuel pump. Later I found out the fuel pump was recalled for the car and submitted the work receipt for reimbursement on 12/18/2024. I was never notified of the recall to have it replaced. It has been 11 weeks today and I have not been reimbursed for the $1100 I paid to have the fuel pump replaced. I could have been severely injured when my car engine shut down while driving.
- NHTSA ID
- 11646586
- Incident
- Dec 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Stinger. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V169000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 70-75 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled several times for recall repair. The contact stated that upon taken the vehicle to the dealer, the dealer advised the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to a second dealer, Clay Cooley (1247 E Airport Fwy, Irving, TX 75062), where the contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- NHTSA ID
- 11612301
- Incident
- Jun 15, 2024
- Mileage
- 55,000 mi
The vehicle will shut off without reason from time to time. I'll be sitting at a light, stop sign, or intersection, and the car just shuts off. All electronics inside the car turn off, the engine turns off, and it's as if I've shut the car off to get out. Usually, I'm able to restart the car after a few moments and go about my day, but in doing some research on this issue, there have been others that have had the same issue. When others take their car in to have it investigated, the dealership is unable to locate the issue as it's extremely difficult to replicate. A person's safety is definitely in question considering if the car shuts off while driving, it could lock the steering wheel as a few others have seen. The only symptom that I have experienced is the music from the radio goes weird prior to the car shutting down.
- NHTSA ID
- 11593366
- Incident
- Jun 10, 2024
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin provides information on the process for downloading infotainment software updates and preparing USB for installation on applicable Kia vehicles. The software downloads and USB preparation process is similar across all supported platforms; however, in‑vehicle installation procedures vary by head unit type.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking, by calculating distance based on the difference in signal transmission and reception times between the vehicle (ultrasonic sensor) and an object. The membrane film of the ultrasonic sensor is used for object detention and can be damaged by stone chips or foreign substances while driving. Damage to the cover of the ultrasonic sensor can also lead to damage to the internal circuit. As a result of this external damage, the PDW system may not receive the proper signal from the ultrasonic sensor. In some cases, the system may cause a false alarm, no alert, or phantom warnings by a “Warning Lamp’ to be displayed on the cluster. The ultrasonic sensor membrane film should be always inspected for external damage and if any part replacement should be treated as a general repair, not as a warranty claim repair for this concern. (Please note that this Pitstop only applies to models/trims that are equipped with the ultrasonic sensors.)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P0088 (SC281Y) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published under SC281 titled “High-Pressure Fuel Pump Inspection /Replacement and ECM Software Upgrade.”
POWER TRAIN
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.
ENGINE
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the table on pages 9 and 10 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
ENGINE
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information on diagnosing and/or repairing some 2011-2024MY vehicles (refer to the tables on pages 8-9 for applicable models and engine), which may exhibit a symptom of excessive oil consumption.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.