Models · Kia
Kia Stinger buying guide
Kia's rear-wheel-drive fastback, on sale in the UK from January 2018 with a 2.0 turbo petrol, a 2.2 diesel and, in the GT S, a 3.3 twin-turbo V6. All engines use timing chains and all UK cars have an eight-speed automatic.
The versions
- 3.3 twin-turbo V6 petrol (GT S), 365bhp
- 2.0 T-GDi turbo petrol (GT-Line), 244bhp
- 2.2 CRDi diesel (GT-Line), 197bhp
- Eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive on every UK car
What to check on a Kia Stinger
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Front wiring harness recall
What to look for: On a 2018 car, ask a Kia dealer to confirm against the VIN that the wiring harness recall has been completed. Check all the electrical functions work, including the touchscreen and its map updates.
Why it matters: Early cars could suffer damage to the front wiring harness, causing short circuits and, in isolated cases, a risk of fire. It was rare, and Kia addressed it with a recall in late 2018.
Brake wear and noises on the GT S
What to look for: Look through the wheels at the brake discs for a deep lip at the outer edge. On the drive, listen for noises from the wheels when turning and feel for a rattle through the brake pedal.
Why it matters: Pads and discs wear quickly, particularly on the V6 GT S. Noises when turning and a rattle from the brake pedal point to braking issues that a specialist should check.
Judder when cornering
What to look for: On the drive, take some tight, slow corners, such as a roundabout or a car park turn, and feel for a judder or shudder through the car.
Why it matters: The Stinger can judder through corners. Changing to a higher-quality differential oil resolves it, so ask whether it has been done.
Also in the full guide
- Sunroof rattles
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Kia Stinger
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Kia.