Recalls: Kia Stinger
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Kia Stinger
2017 and 2018 model year Kia CK Stinger: incorrect towbar label
In September 2018, recall campaign A00026 was issued for 2017 and 2018 model year Kia CK Stinger vehicles. For these vehicles, the towbar label specified incorrect load ratings and this could result in the towbar being used to tow objects above its maximum weight. If the towbar was overloaded, it could separate from the vehicle and pose a collision hazard for other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/17010.
2020 Kia CK Stinger: insufficient fuel supply due to fuel pump’s jet nozzle housing
In October 2020, recall campaign 201097 was issued for Kia CK Stinger vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 11 May 2020 to 22 July 2020. After the moulding process for the fuel pump’s jet nozzle housing, a plastic burr may remain and this could potentially block the nozzle. A blocked nozzle could result in insufficient fuel being supplied to the engine which, in turn, could cause the vehicle to lose power or stall. This condition could result in serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18573.
2016-19 Kia CK Stinger: potential engine compartment fire
In May 2021, recall campaign 211038 was issued for Kia CK Stinger vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 14 December 2016 to 27 March 2019. In these vehicles, the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) – which was responsible for the Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control System and Traction Control System – could remain live even when the vehicle was switched off. Furthermore, an electrical short circuit could occur if moisture entered the HECU. If an electrical short circuit occurred, it could cause a fire in the engine compartment when the vehicle was switched off – this posed a risk to vehicle occupants, bystanders and property. Until repaired, Kia recommended that the vehicle should not be parked near any flammable structures or in an enclosed area, i.e. not in a garage. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2021/18925.
2017-23 Kia CK Stinger 2.0L T-GDI: high-pressure fuel pump defect could cause loss of power
In May 2024, recall campaign 241077 was issued for 2017-23 Kia CK Stinger 2.0L T-GDI vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect, the high-pressure fuel pump may cause over-pressurisation in the fuel system. This could impair the fuel supply to the engine, causing a loss of motive power. The engine warning light may also illuminate to warn the driver. A loss of motive power whilst driving could increase the risk of a collision and injury to both vehicle occupants and other road users. For this recall, Kia dealers were to update the vehicle’s software and, if required, replace the high-pressure fuel pump. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005972.
2016-21 Kia CK Stinger 3.3L T-GDI V6: oil leak and potential engine compartment fire
In August 2024, recall campaign 241039 was issued for 2016-21 Kia CK Stinger 3.3L T-GDI V6 vehicles. In these vehicles, the left-hand turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate due to heat from the exhaust manifold. If this occurred, oil could leak into the engine bay and contact hot engine components, resulting in a vehicle fire. A vehicle fire posed a risk of injury to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders, and a risk of damage to property. For this recall, a Kia dealer was to replace the oil feed pipe. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-006044.
Problems and faults: Kia Stinger
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2017-23 Kia CK Stinger with 2.0-litre Theta II GDI Turbo engine: oil consumption and piston slap
For 2017-23 Kia CK Stinger vehicles with 2.0-litre “Theta II” GDI Turbo petrol engines, there have been reports of:
- excessive oil consumption, i.e. more than 1 litre per 1000 km; and
- loud “knocking” or “tapping” noises from the engine, especially when cold (i.e. piston slap).
These symptoms were typically caused by cylinder bore scoring, where manufacturing defects enabled the piston skirts to rub against the cylinder walls, causing damage, increased clearances and oil to bypass the piston rings and enter the combustion chamber. If the engine lost oil pressure, it could seize.
To fix, the engine needed to either be rebuilt or have the cylinder block replaced. To verify this condition, Hyundai dealers require an oil consumption test where the dealer would seal the dipstick and monitor the oil level over 1,000 kilometres. Owners of these vehicles are encouraged to regularly check their oil levels.
Johnson Winter Slattery has initiated a class action against Kia in respect of these engines. See https://www.kiaiengineclassaction.com.au/ for details.
