Before you buy a used Kia Stinger.
Taken only from Testigo's sourced sheets. Use it to question the seller and on the test drive: it does not confirm that any particular car is affected.

The essentials.
- 2 documented, sourced faults across its 2 engines.
- That is not much data: if no other faults show up here, it does not mean it has none.
- They all depend on the equipment or the production date: ask what this car has.
- 3 official recalls on record: ask for the chassis number (VIN) and confirm they have been done.
- According to the data we have, all its engines have the same number of documented faults.
Typical faults by engine
The period and mileage are those mentioned by each sheet's sources. They are not a maintenance interval and do not predict that any particular car will fail.
2.0 / 3.3 T-GDi
Petrol
- Clogged petrol particulate filter on the StingerExhaust and emissions
- Period mentioned
- 2018–2023
- Mileage mentioned
- The sheet does not mention a mileage.
Applies if: Only petrol from the 09/2018 facelift (with particulate filter).
2.2 CRDi
Diesel
- Period mentioned
- 2009–2014
- Mileage mentioned
- What the sheet says: The guide recommends replacing the chain at around 100,000 km to stop it breaking. The fuel filter often clogs and the clutch wears out before 60,000 km when towing. On the automatic, changing and flushing the oil helps.
Applies if: Same R-family CRDi diesel (D4HA/D4HB) as the Sorento II, where the German guide documents the chain and fuel filter.
Which engine has the fewest documented faults?
| Engine | Documented faults | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 / 3.3 T-GDiPetrol | 11 with conditions | 3 |
| 2.2 CRDiDiesel | 11 with conditions | 3 |
According to the data we have, all its engines have the same number of documented faults.
We only count the sourced sheets we have. An engine with fewer is not guaranteed to be more reliable: it may have been studied less or sold in smaller numbers.
Official recalls: ask before you pay
A recall existing does not mean this car is affected or that it is still outstanding: it depends on the chassis number, the market and the production date.
- Ask the seller for the chassis number (VIN): it has 17 characters, appears in the car's documents and can usually also be seen at the base of the windscreen.
- Ask an official Kia dealer, or the brand's official website if it lets you check by chassis number, whether each recall has been done or is still outstanding for that VIN.
- Manufacturer recalls are normally carried out free of charge by the official service network. If one is outstanding, ask for it to be done before you close the sale.
Kia fuel-system recalls (2004–2026)Fuel system
How to check it: Check by VIN whether any of the recalls is outstanding (at the dealer or on the DVSA website) and carry out the inspection or replacement it requires.
View full entryKia engine, transmission and software recalls (2004–2025)Powertrain and engine management
How to check it: Check by VIN whether any of the recalls is outstanding (at the dealer or on the DVSA website) and carry out the inspection or replacement it requires.
View full entryKia electrical, lighting and electronics recalls (2010–2026)Electrical and electronic systems
How to check it: Check by VIN whether any of the recalls is outstanding (at the dealer or on the DVSA website) and carry out the inspection or replacement it requires.
View full entryOn the test drive: what to look and listen for
Taken from each sheet's symptoms and checks. You can tick off what you have already looked at: it is saved only in this browser.
0 of 2 checked
Exhaust and emissions
Look out for: Loss of power, especially when accelerating; later damage to the engine and turbo cannot be ruled out.
Ask them to check: Occasionally drive a long motorway trip; read the filter codes; check the recalls by VIN.
Timing system
Look out for: Chain noise at high mileage, hesitation or loss of power from a clogged fuel filter, turbo whistle and a worn clutch when towing; on automatics, harsh shifts.
Ask them to check: Listen to the chain when cold, change the fuel filter on time and test the clutch under load; on automatics, check the gearbox oil.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from these Testigo sheets and their original sources. Sources are not checked in real time.
More Kia buying guides
- Kia Rio (IV)2017–2023
- Kia Niro (I)2016–2022
- Kia Picanto (III)2017–2026
- Kia Stonic2017–2026
- Kia Ceed / XCeed (III)2018–2026
- Kia Sportage (IV)2015–2021
- Kia e-Soul (III)2019–2026
- Kia Optima (IV)2015–2020