5 Common Kia Stinger Failures: Problems, Disadvantages, and Criticisms
The Kia Stinger is a favorite among buyers looking for luxury and performance without the high price tag. Those who buy it tend to love it and can’t say enough good things about it. Stay until the end and find out all about common Kia Stinger faults .
Reported problems with the Stinger are few, so far, with most relating to non-engine electricity, and most models in the Kia range have a good reputation for reliability.
The most common failures of the Kia Stinger
While there are plenty of good things to say, every car has its problems – including the Kia Stinger. However, knowing these problems and how to fix them can keep you using your Stinger for longer.
Below are some of the most common complaints and the problems that often cause them.
1. Strong and unpleasant odors
You may notice a couple of undesirable odors: the smell of gas and the smell of burning.
Why does it smell like gas?
If you smell gas, there may be several things to blame. The first is a fairly simple fix: the gas cap. Sometimes the gas cap gasket is worn or just bad . This causes fuel vapor to escape, which can cause you to smell gasoline.
The next possible cause of the smell is overfilling the gas tank. Gasoline pumps are made to stop when the tank is full.
However, most people like to push a little more to get to an even amount. Unfortunately, this can lead to an overflow, which will cause a gas smell.
If you notice the smell or black smoke coming from the exhaust pipes, the fuel regulator is likely to blame. Also, if a fuel regulator goes bad, it can affect the fuel-air mixture because too much fuel is allowed into its fuel rails.
The smell of gas could also be caused by a fuel leak in the fuel lines, fuel tank, or fuel injector. This can, of course, lead to some problems, so you’ll want to take your car to a dealer as soon as possible to find and address the leak.
What’s that burning smell?
If you think it smells burning, don’t automatically assume it’s something terrible. At the same time, you should never ignore a burning smell in your vehicle, so take it to a dealer as soon as you can.
In most cases, the burning smell comes from one of the following:
- Refrigerant, oil or fluid leak
- Electric components
- Brakes that stick
- Wheel bearings or tires on fire
- Leak in the exhaust manifold
- Toothed belt
- Air conditioner compressor
- Catalytic converter
- Alternator
- Objects stuck in the exhaust pipe or engine compartment, such as plastic bags or rodents
- blower motor
If your car is new, any burns may be due to the protective layer that the different parts of the vehicle still have. This should go away pretty quickly and it should smell like plastic.
2. Electrical system problems
This is one of the common Kia Stinger failures, at one point many Kia Stinger owners had problems with the electrical system. These were due to the front wiring harness becoming damaged, leading to short circuits and possible fires.
However, Kia fixed this problem through a recall. You can check if the car you own or a car you are interested in falls within the recall timeline, which occurred at the end of 2018. If it does, you can get the wiring harness replaced for free thanks to the withdrawal.
3. There is a rattling sound
Many Kia Stinger drivers have complained of a rattling noise while the car is running. This appears to be coming from the sunroof, much like the sunroof frame that came with the car.
The best solution to this problem is to replace the sunroof frame. However, it has to be one with the exact specifications of your car or the problem will continue. Visiting a Kia dealer is the best way to get a properly fitted sunroof frame.
4. Problems with the brakes
There have also been a couple of complaints related to the brakes. The first is that there tends to be noise when drivers spin their wheels. In most cases, a brake service can fix this issue.
The other complaint is that the brakes tend to wear out quickly, especially on the Kia GT. However, this is the case with sports and performance vehicles, as the brake rotors are softer than on other cars.
Hopefully they will need to be replaced more often. If the pedal is noisy and you feel a vibration when you apply the brakes, this is probably the problem.
However, it is worth knowing that during a long-term independent test of the vehicle, this did not become an issue until after 24,000 miles. So it may not happen as often as you might expect, especially if you don’t take corners too fast.
5. Poor fuel efficiency
Another common complaint is fuel efficiency. Stingers typically get around 25 to 29 mpg on the highway and 17 to 22 mpg in the city. While this isn’t great, it falls in line with similar vehicle types.
The best way to get optimal gas mileage is through simple vehicle maintenance and proper driving techniques.
This includes keeping your tires inflated , using cruise control when possible, maintaining a moderate speed, not loading the vehicle, and keeping regular maintenance appointments.
Most of the complaints mentioned above—excluding fuel efficiency, of course—are covered by the warranty that comes with your car. So you should be able to go to your local dealership without any problem.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Kia Stinger
All cars have their advantages and disadvantages. Below you will find a summary of both for the Kia Stinger.
Pros
Here are some of the biggest perks that Stinger drivers love.
1. Powerful motor and speed
The Kia Stinger is adored for its power and speed. Depending on the year and model you choose, it is available from 255 CV to 368 CV. And it can go as fast as zero to one hundred in 4.6 seconds. For speed-loving adventurers, this power and speed is a major selling point.
2. Great driving benefits
Even those with an adventurous spirit want to be safe. The Kia Stinger comes standard with many safety features that make it a leader in this category.
Some of these individuals include:
- Blind Spot Detection with Safe Exit Assist
- Automatic emergency braking technology
- Parking distance warning
- Driver Attention Notice
- Lane keeping and lane following
- rear view camera
- Windshield wiper with rain sensor
- Detection of pedestrians and cyclists
These safety features helped this car earn a five-star safety rating from the government, as well as pass NHTSA safety tests in the US.
In addition to security, the Stinger comes with several other standard features, including a leather interior, touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, keyless ignition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, LED taillights and headlights, heated seats, and much more. You can also choose to add wireless phone charging, but it usually costs extra.
3. Elegant and impressive style for versatile uses
The Kia Stinger was made with style in mind . In fact, buyers often comment that the beauty and style rival those of BMWs and Audis. This saloon is made with a long hood and a sleek roof, giving it a luxurious appeal.
The interior is also stylish, yet functional, with plenty of leg and foot room. It’s a great choice for commutes, baseball games, road trips, date nights, and weekend fun.
4. Incredible value
One winning feature of the Kia Stinger is the price. It provides the beauty, features, versatility and appeal of cars at twice its price.
This luxury vehicle usually fits into any budget. And with the base models coming with so many great features, drivers don’t have to spend much more for trim packages.
Cons
Some of the biggest disadvantages are:
- unpleasant odors
- rattling noises
- brake problems
- Possible wiring problems causing short circuits
- Low fuel efficiency
Reviews and opinions of the Kia Stinger
The following are reviews and opinions about the Kia Stinger taken from some user comments:
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“I had no intention of buying a Kia when I started looking. I was looking at the BMW 5 and the Audi A6. The Stinger was so much fun to drive and the interior surprised me with how nice it was. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. ..”
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“Everything about the car, from the look, ride, handling and accessories, was exactly what I was looking for, even though I had no idea it existed until now. This is the third Kia in a row I’ve owned. Kia just keeps upping the best “.
To end
If you are looking for a car that is safe, luxurious and comfortable, the Kia Stinger is the most perfect you can get.
It is good to familiarize yourself with the common failures of the Kia Stinger and with the steps that you must take if you notice some faults. This way you can fix them quickly and keep your favorite car on the road for as long as possible.
