The Kia Stinger is a automobile I actually wished to succeed. The modern four-door fastback mannequin confirmed that the Korean model could make a correctly sorted automobile that blends efficiency, type, practicality, and general nice worth. Nonetheless, the truth for a lot of homeowners isn’t as sunny. Whereas searching via the Kia Stinger House owners Group on Fb, I stumbled upon a put up that caught my consideration.
One proprietor skilled a extreme engine malfunction of their 2022 Kia Stinger, necessitating an engine substitute. Thus far, nothing too out of the odd. Nonetheless, it was the value he was charged that blew my thoughts. Right here’s what he says:
“Stinger in for whole engine substitute $17,898”. It’s OK”.
The put up is brief and comparatively obscure, however one factor I can clearly make out is that it’s undoubtedly not “OK”.
Many house owners have come to search out out that sustaining a Kia Stinger isn’t as simple on the pockets as shopping for one (at the very least in comparison with its rivals). I lately talked about one other case, by which one other Kia Stinger needed to pay over $1,000 for a thermostat substitute, which appears a bit steep, contemplating the quantity of labor required.
The proprietor reveals a bit extra element about his 2022 Stinger as extra questions come up within the remark part of the put up. He purchased the automobile with 30,000 miles on the odometer, with no service historical past, and from what the remark says, two homeowners: “30k no service historical past with 2nd proprietor”.
This appears like a dangerous buy from the start, and one I’d warn towards doing. That stated, my private expertise with my very own Korean efficiency automobile means that even with a full service historical past, issues should still happen. On the finish of the day, it’s a used automobile, and a efficiency one at that. In line with totally different sources, replacing an engine can price between $2,000 to over $10,000, relying on whether or not the engine is new, used, refurbished, or upgraded.
That stated, $17,898 looks as if an terrible lot of cash to cost for an OEM engine substitute. At this level it’s higher to purchase a distinct automobile. A fast look on platforms like Automobiles.com reveals that there are loads of Stingers that price across the identical worth as what this proprietor is being charged for a mere engine substitute.
One other proprietor shares her personal unhealthy expertise with a Kia supplier, relating to the same incident: “They quoted me $14,000. I requested for the dealership to exchange it as a result of I’ve solely had it for 3 years, and so they stated no, it is not coated, so I contacted Kia instantly, and so they wished the paperwork, saying I wanted a brand new engine, and one way or the other the dealership “misplaced” the paperwork. Evidently, my automobile is ok and has been operating properly. Attempt to contact Kia instantly and get them to exchange it.”
The extra fascinating truth is that each Kia Stinger got here with a 10-year / 100,000-mile restricted powertrain guarantee, which covers engine failure. Whereas this doesn’t essentially embrace a whole engine substitute, it does embrace altering worn-out inner components resembling crankshaft, bearings, oil pump, and so on. Here’s a helpful article describing how one can diagnose a foul oil pump.
The V-8 elephant within the room
Many house owners take pleasure in their Stigners, and the consensus is that main failures are attributable to an absence of upkeep. However relating to changing a complete engine, there’s a frequent dilemma: why not go for a V-8 swap? There are many viable alternate options within the type of crate engines and even well-maintained used ones. The GM LS-series V-8s are a well-liked selection attributable to relative simplicity, reliability, huge aftermarket assist, and the truth that you get extra energy and much more torque with zero upgrades.
What are your ideas on this? Would you half out, demand substitute or repairs below guarantee, or go all in on a V-8 swap? Share your ideas within the feedback under.
In regards to the creator
Dimitar Angelov has been an automotive journalist since 2014. His ardour for vehicles and bikes led him to take up traditional automobile restoration on the Basic Automobile Museum in Malta. Whereas residing there, he additionally graduated with a Grasp’s in Media and Communications. Apart from Torquenews, his work may also be seen on Topspeed.com, HotCars.com, Motorheads.com, Jalopnik.com, and his personal web site, Ridereverie.com, the place he additionally consists of motorbike content material.
Different related experiences within the automotive scene embrace working at a Toyota dealership, skilled driving, and automotive insurance coverage. Dim is completely satisfied to get behind the wheel of any automobile and share his impressions. You’ll be able to comply with Dimitar on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Fb.
Expertise
- 2012-2017 and 2025-Current: Insurance coverage Advisor – ANG Univers and Generali Insurance coverage Group
- 2016-2016: Automobile salesman at Toyota dealership
- 2014-Current: Automotive journalist, blogger, vlogger, check driver
Schooling
- Bachelor’s diploma in Worldwide Financial Relations
- Grasp’s diploma in Advertising
- Grasp’s diploma in Media and Communications
Dimitar Angelov has been quoted within the following publications:
Picture supply: Kia Stinger press
Observe us at present…
