Kia›Stinger›2021›Overview/kia/stinger/2021/base/

2021 Kia Stinger

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Stinger.

The 2021 Kia Stinger sits roughly in the middle of the model's 2018–2023 complaint history, a useful reference year for researchers tracking the line's reliability arc. It calls for 6.0 quarts of engine oil in 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 viscosity grades, and its owner-reported record is comparatively moderate: 17 total complaints, engine issues as the top concern, and five recalls. Against the range's high of 64 complaints in 2018 and low of 5 in 2023, the 2021's lower-volume reporting positions it after the launch-period spike but before the later model years' quieter records.

Model year2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type0W-30 / 5W-30 / 5W-40OEM · verified

Lug nut torque79.0-94.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Only use AGM VRLA Battery. 94R · 800 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI Only use AGM VRLA Battery. 94R · 800 CCAOEM · verified

Tail / brake / turnSWOEM · verified

Tire size225/40ZR19/XL (93Y), Rear: 255/35ZR19/XL (96Y)OEM · verified

Wheel / rim8, Rear: 8.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	190.2 in
Overall width	73.6 in
Overall height	55.1 in
Wheelbase	114.6 in
Curb weight	4129 lb
Track (front / rear)	63 / 64.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	52/48

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Stinger of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

4.4–6.6 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 4.40 sec — 2019 GT Sedan

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2020	GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6	5.10 sec	13.60 sec	365 hp	AWD
2022	GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6	4.60 sec	13.10 sec	368 hp	AWD
2022	GT-Line Sedan 2.5L Turbo I-4	5.70 sec	14.10 sec	300 hp	RWD
2019	GT Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6	4.40 sec	12.90 sec	365 hp	RWD
2018	GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6	4.40 sec	12.90 sec	365 hp	RWD
2018	GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6	4.50 sec	13.10 sec	365 hp	AWD
2018	GT Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6	4.60 sec	13.10 sec	365 hp	RWD
2018	GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V6	4.60 sec	13.20 sec	365 hp	AWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 0W-30 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 engine oil, GL-5 · 75W-85 in the differential, DOT 3 · DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 79.0-94.0 ft-lbs.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	Kia SP-IV-RR
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	9.7 qt
Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	7.39 qt
Brake Fluid	DOT 3
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 · DOT 4
Differential Gear Oil	GL-5 · 75W-85 · Synthetic
Differential Gear Oil	GL-5 · 75W-85

Engine torques

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings	Use new bolts only.
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	311.0-318.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	53.0-56.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	87.0-94.0 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	13.7-17.4 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	36.0-40.0 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	43.0-47.0 ft-lbs
Main Bearings	Use new bolts only.

Chassis torques

Differential Fill Plug	Final Drive: 32.0-40.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug	Final Drive: 36.0-51.0 ft-lbs
Differential Fill Plug	Final Drive: 29.0-43.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain Plug	Final Drive: 36.0-51.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts	79.0-94.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug	Use a new gasket: 29.0-43.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug	Use a new gasket: 29.0-43.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	Checking Speed: 640 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	Checking Speed: 100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)	Speed-Up Speed: 660 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)	Speed-Up Speed: 100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)	Checking Speed: 650 in Neutral rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)	Checking Speed: 100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)	Speed-Up Speed: 650 in Neutral rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)	Speed-Up Speed: 100 rpm

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity	1.38-1.49 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46YF
Oil Capacity	3.17-3.87 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	Only use AGM VRLA Battery. 94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	800 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	Only use AGM VRLA Battery. 49

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	70.0-75.0 psi
RPM	42.0 @ Idle. Pressure must be > 42 rpm
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	Pressure must be > 42.0 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque	17
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque	17
ABS Sensor Torque	6.6
Minimum Pad Thickness	17": 0.08"; 18": 0.11" in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement	Front: 1.023; Rear: .433; Front: 1.102; Rear: .788
Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation	.0002"
Maximum Rotor Runout	Front: .001; Rear: .002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

48.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 84.0-108.0 inch lbs.

48 ft. lbs

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

34.0-38.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 78-82°

34–38 ft. lbs

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages

Bolts 1-8

27.5–30.4 ft. lbs

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

Bolts A-H

2.9–4.3 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 42,000 mi.

Every 6,000 mi	Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Air Intake System (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect)
Every 12,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Tank (inspect)
Every 15,000 mi	Cabin Air Filter (replace)
At 24,000 mi	Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 24,000 mi	Fuel Line (inspect)
Every 36,000 mi	Differential (inspect fluid level) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 42,000 mi	Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 48,000 mi	Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

From 2018 to 2023 the federal record shows a general decline in both complaints and recalls for the Kia Stinger, with complaints falling from 64 in 2018 to a low of 5 in 2023 and recalls dropping from 4 in 2018 to 1 in 2022‑2023. The 2021 model year sits after the 2020 trough, recording 17 complaints (up one from 2020) and 5 recalls (down one from the 2020 peak but still above the 2019 level). Technical service bulletins remained steady at 45 in 2021, matching the 2019 figure and slightly higher than the 44 in 2020. The top complaint areas for 2021 were Engine (2), Unknown Or Other (2), Fuel/Propulsion System (1), and a combined Engine/Fuel/Propulsion System entry (1), with a single crash complaint and no fire complaints reported. Given the overall downward trend and the relatively low absolute numbers for 2021, this model year represents a reasonable choice for a used purchase, offering better reliability than the earlier generations while still reflecting the modest uptick seen after the 2020 low.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

1 involved a crash · 0 a fire

NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars

Overall★★★★★

Frontal★★★★★

Side★★★★★

Rollover★★★★★

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’18 ’19 ’20’21’22 ’23

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 17 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine2

Unknown Or Other2

Fuel/Propulsion System1

Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System1

Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes1

Service Brakes1

Fuel System, Gasoline1

Suspension,Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V862000Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Fuel GaugeReported 05/11/2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Stinger vehicles. A software error in the instrument cluster may cause an inaccurate fuel gauge reading. Remedy: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 10, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number…

20V560000Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel PumpReported 16/09/2020

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Stinger vehicles. The fuel pump's jet nozzle may have a plastic burr remaining from the manufacturing process, possibly causing a blocked nozzle and an… Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel pump and replace the jet nozzle housing assembly, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2020. Owners…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 45 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
TSB_ELE422	2026-05-27	Electrical System	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM SOFTWARE UPDATE USING UPDATE.KIA.COM…
TSB_ELE417	2026-04-14	Electrical System	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin…
PS797	2025-12-09	Back Over Prevention	PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop…
SC281Y_TSB	2025-10-01	Fuel/Propulsion System	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT…
TSB_TRA046_R5	2025-04-17	Power Train	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Stinger. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group O battery Vehicles taking 6.0 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Stinger take?

6.0 qt of 0W-30 is preferred. 5W-30 & 5W-40 can be used. Above 0°F: 10W-30; Above 10°F: 15W-40; Above 20°F: 20W-50, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Stinger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.