The Kia Stinger is a really fascinating automotive, particularly in GT type. Sadly, as of April 2023, the mannequin is discontinued, on account of poor gross sales. Nonetheless, the mannequin confirmed there’s a correct various to the likes of Audi A5 and BMW 4 Collection Gran Coupe. The Kia Stinger is not any German premium mannequin (though it competes with them), however some sellers cost simply as a lot for repairs and upkeep.
Lately, I stumbled upon one thing that raised an eyebrow, within the Kia Stinger Homeowners Group, on Fb. One proprietor shared his expertise after having its thermostat changed, for a staggering quantity – $1,066. What he says isn’t a lot a grievance, however extra of a warning in the direction of different house owners that will have to have the identical restore completed.
“2022 GT1. Simply received the thermostat changed. Price: 1,066$ only a heads up. 64000 miles.”
What makes an impression on me is the mileage, which isn’t significantly excessive, however there are house owners reporting thermostat malfunction at even decrease mileage.
One other proprietor says, “The vendor simply changed mine two days in the past. 34,000 miles with guarantee. Additionally a 2022 GT1.”
Clearly, a thermostat can fail early on within the automotive’s life. However not all is unhealthy, as Kia did some intelligent engineering. The Stinger options an electronically-operated thermostat, which is designed to fail in an open place. It is a fail-safe within the case of a malfunction. By remaining in an open place, this prompts the bigger cooling circle, permitting coolant to consistently flow into via the radiator. The obvious symptom is that the automotive takes perpetually to get to working temperature.
It is a significantly better situation. When a thermostat fails in a closed place, it stops the coolant from circulating via the radiator, doubtlessly inflicting fast engine overheating. It pays to test your temperature gauge in case your automotive has one. Many trendy automobiles not embrace it within the driver’s instrument cluster. As a substitute, they’ve a warning mild, however by the point it comes on, it might already be too late. The Kia Stinger, being a extra performance-oriented automotive, has a basic engine-temperature gauge into the analog gauge cluster.
The proprietor confirmed that the automotive took perpetually to rise up to working temperature, which was accompanied by “everybody’s favourite” check-engine mild, confirming the thermostat was caught in an open place.
How a lot do you have to really pay for a thermostat change?
The Kia Stinger GT’s thermostat is situated in the back of the three.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, proper subsequent to the firewall. Wrenching Ryan has an excellent video on learn how to change the thermostat on a Kia Stinger GT. Changing it’s normally a one-to-two-hour job. On the video, we see the substitute being nearer to the one-hour mark.
The common worth for changing a thermostat is mostly between $200 and $500. It actually is determined by the place the thermostat is situated and whether or not you need to change the entire unit, together with the housing. Cost charges for automotive mechanics usually vary from $75 to $175 on common.
A fast surf on the web reveals {that a} thermostat for the Stinger’s 3.3-liter V-6 prices wherever between $27.43 to $390.69, relying on whether or not you’re chasing the entire unit with the housing. Hastily, that $1,066 invoice appears a bit steep.
Some members in the dialogue are outraged by the restore invoice and declare it’s a straight rip-off. Many house owners have changed the thermostat themselves and declare it’s a simple job.
One proprietor says, “Bro, I changed mine. Simple too, it’s beneath the place the catch can go, straightforward swap. This man received screwed.”
I might suggest at all times getting a quote first and/or attempting a number of outlets, if you happen to can afford to spend the time. What are your ideas on the matter? Do you assume the restore invoice was justified, or is it a rip-off? Share your ideas within the remark part beneath.
Extra Kia Stinger tales:
Picture supply: Kia Stinger
Concerning the creator
Dimitar Angelov has been an automotive journalist since 2014. His ardour for vehicles and bikes led him to take up basic automotive restoration on the Basic Automobile Museum in Malta. Whereas dwelling there, he additionally graduated with a Grasp’s in Media and Communications. Except for 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 contains motorbike content material.
Different related expertise to the automotive scene embrace working at a Toyota dealership, skilled driving, and automotive insurance coverage. Dim is pleased to get behind the wheel of any automotive and share his impressions. You may observe 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 and marketing
- Grasp’s diploma in Media and Communications
Dimitar Angelov has been quoted within the following publications:
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