KiaStinger2020Overview/kia/stinger/2020/base/

2020 Kia Stinger

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2020 Stinger.

The 2020 Kia Stinger, positioned within the model’s 20182023 production span, carries the lineage of Kia’s performance‑oriented sedan platform and is powered by the brand’s turbocharged drivetrain architecture. In its second model year, the Stinger recorded 16 owner complaints, with the fuel and propulsion system emerging as the most frequent issue, and it was subject to six recalls. Compared with the broader complaint history—peaking at 65 complaints in 2018 and reaching a low of five in 2023—2020 sits near the middle of the reliability curve, indicating a modest but improving track record for researchers evaluating its durability.

Model year202320222021202020192018

Quick specs

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

Lug nut torque79-94 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 NS · 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 NS · 800 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnEXTOEM · verified
Tire size225/40ZR19/XL 93Y; Rear: 255/35ZR19/XL 96YOEM · verified
Wheel / rim8; Rear: 8.5 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length190.2 in
Overall width73.6 in
Overall height55.1 in
Wheelbase114.6 in
Curb weight4129 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.

5.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 5.10 sec — 2020 GT2 Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2020GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V65.10 sec13.60 sec365 hpAWD
2019GT Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V64.40 sec12.90 sec365 hpRWD
2018GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V64.40 sec12.90 sec365 hpRWD
2018GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V64.50 sec13.10 sec365 hpAWD
2018GT Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V64.60 sec13.10 sec365 hpRWD
2018GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V64.60 sec13.20 sec365 hpAWD
2018GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V64.60 sec13.00 sec365 hpRWD
2018GT1 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V64.70 sec13.20 sec365 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

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

Torque lug nuts to 79-94 ft-lbs.

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts311.0-318.0 ft-lbs
Cylinder Head InstructionsUse new bolts only.
Engine Flywheel Bolts53-56 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts87.0-94.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts53.0-56.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs15-17 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs15.0-17.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts79-94 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.38-1.49 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46YF
Oil Capacity3.17-3.87 oz
Standard BCI Cranking Performance800 cca
Standard BCI Cranking Performance850 cca

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)70.0-75.0 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque17": 16.0-23.0 ft-lbs, 18" Brembo: NS
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque17
ABS Sensor TorqueFront: 6.0; Rear: 6.0
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.023; Rear: .433; Front: 1.102; Rear: .788
Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation.0002
Maximum Rotor RunoutFront: .001; Rear: .002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
148 inch lbs., Step 2: 84-10848 in
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
1M6 Bolts96–113 in
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
148.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 84.0-108.0 inch lbs.48 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
120-23 ft. lbs., Step 2: 7020–23 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
134.0-38.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 78-82°34–38 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
124-27 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90-95°, Step 3: 90-95°24–27 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-827.5–30.4 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
120.0-23.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 120-125°20–23 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 miAir Conditioning System (inspect) · Air Intake System (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect)
At 12,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (inspect)
Every 12,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Tank (inspect)
At 24,000 miEngine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 24,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
Every 36,000 miDifferential (inspect fluid level) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 42,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 miEngine Valves (inspect valve lash)

Reliability & federal safety record

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

The 2020 Kia Stinger marks a notable low point in owner complaints for the generation, with just 16 reported issues—a sharp decline from 65 in 2018 and 42 in 2019, and consistent with the low levels seen in subsequent years. However, this model year also carries the highest recall count at 6, surpassing the 4 and 3 recalls of the two prior years, suggesting that while fewer problems were reported by owners, the manufacturer proactively addressed several safety or compliance defects. The top complaint areas for 2020 are concentrated in the fuel/propulsion system and powertrain, though the specific root causes are not detailed in the data. This recall spike, followed by a drop to just 1 recall in 2022 and 2023, indicates that the 2020 Stinger sits at a turning point where early issues were being resolved through campaigns. Overall, the 2020 model year is a solid choice given its low complaint volume, but a buyer should confirm all six recalls have been completed to ensure the vehicle’s reliability.

6
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
44
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
16
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

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 16 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Fuel/Propulsion System3
Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System2
Steering,Electrical System1
Steering,Suspension1
Engine & Engine Cooling1
Electrical System,Exterior Lighting,Engine1
Electrical System,Service Brakes,Engine1
Electrical System,Visibility1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 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…

20V422000SteeringReported 22/07/2020

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020 Stinger vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Turbo-GDI engine. A component within the Rack Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Assembly may have been manufactured… Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the MDPS Assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 44 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB_ELE4172026-04-14Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin…
PS7972025-12-09Back Over PreventionPITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop…
SC281Y_TSB2025-10-01Fuel/Propulsion SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT…
TSB_TRA046_R52025-04-17Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been…
TSB_ENG222_R82025-04-03EngineTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This…

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.

Reference guides

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

Frequently asked

Does the 2020 Stinger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.