Contemplating getting a 2023 Stinger

[Sporty]

I have a 2019 Audi A3 a lease which I bought last year. I've looked at so many cars in the past weeks and I'm having such a hard time liking any except when I sat in the Stinger. I've read some of the reviews in US News and became very concerned when there is a gasoline smell inside the car. Also, the sunroof shattered while driving at 70 mph. Other minor mention of a rattling noise in the trunk

Anyone own a 2023 Stinger GT Line RWD that can give me some insights on the above please?

 

[bfglitch]

Hmm, never heard of the gasoline smell being an issue. There is a "trunk thunk" that many (including myself) have and it's a relatively easy fix. There's even a TSB for it. The sunroof shattering has happened on many different manufacturers lately including MB's, BMW's, etc. Something to do with the manufacturing process of the tempered glass being used for the sunroof.

I know at least with the 2022+ models using the 3.3L (don't think it happens with the GT Line which uses the 2.5L) there's an issue with the car going into limp mode due to overboost in cold weather.

Stock brake pads (at least the brembo's, don't think the GT Line comes with those) can leave uneven deposits on the rotors which causes a pulsing sensation when braking. Easily fixed with different pads.

Some folks have noticed transmission fluid leaks.

Out of all of those I think the biggest issue though is incompetent Kia service techs. Tough to find a dealership with good techs that actually bother troubleshooting. Also they seem to love to try to pin any issue on aftermarket parts to try to deny a warranty replacement.

 

[Sporty]

Hmm, never heard of the gasoline smell being an issue. There is a "trunk thunk" that many (including myself) have and it's a relatively easy fix. There's even a TSB for it. The sunroof shattering has happened on many different manufacturers lately including MB's, BMW's, etc. Something to do with the manufacturing process of the tempered glass being used for the sunroof.

I know at least with the 2022+ models using the 3.3L (don't think it happens with the GT Line which uses the 2.5L) there's an issue with the car going into limp mode due to overboost in cold weather.

Stock brake pads (at least the brembo's, don't think the GT Line comes with those) can leave uneven deposits on the rotors which causes a pulsing sensation when braking. Easily fixed with different pads.

Some folks have noticed transmission fluid leaks.

Out of all of those I think the biggest issue though is incompetent Kia service techs. Tough to find a dealership with good techs that actually bother troubleshooting. Also they seem to love to try to pin any issue on aftermarket parts to try to deny a warranty replacement.

I appreciate the detailed feedback and prompt response. I'm disappointed as I really love the car inside and out. I'm afraid of purchasing the car and having all these issues early on.

 

[Silverghost]

Don't be afraid. You don't hear anything from the thousands of owners who do not suffer anything!
You only hear from the very small minority whose complaining NTS may be valid. But that is the tiny Minority. I drive a 2018 and have only had the blemished chrome window trim, the trunk think thing. That's it. Go for it.

 

[Thomby]

I appreciate the detailed feedback and prompt response. I'm disappointed as I really love the car inside and out. I'm afraid of purchasing the car and having all these issues early on.

I don't think you're going to face "all these issues"; I doubt anyone has faced more than one or two and plenty have faced none. @bfglitch basically summarized every issue from 5ish years and thousands of posts.

It's a performance vehicle so it's bound to be a bit higher strung than an econobox, but bear in mind Kia/Hyundai/Genesis have all been in the top 5 in initial quality rankings for the past few years. Might not match a Camry but should have fewer gremlins than your typical Audi.

 

[Devin]

Analysis paralysis is a terrible thing. I did that when we got our Ecoboost F-150. It made owning it a miserable experience. If you are already at that point it may be best to get something else that you haven't researched so heavily.

 

[Maljey]

I am on my 2nd 2022 Stinger. My first one was the GT1 trim and got totaled when someone lost control of their car and collided with me in my lane. That first car had the trunk rattle. It didn't come up during the test drive because I had driven on some smooth roads. Doh. However there are some easy fixes to minimize or remove it completely.

My 2nd Stinger is a 2022 GT2 trim with no trunk rattle at all. I sometimes wonder if the motorized hatch does not suffer from the trunk rattle? I haven't researched other people's trim levels when they report it.

Between the two cars that was the only issue I've had. Granted I haven't put that many miles on either car. I'm at 14K miles on my GT2.

If you do a deep research dive into any car you're going to find annoyances and issues. I don't think the Stinger is any worse than other cars out there. Did you do the same research before getting your Audi A3? I tend to see a lot of complaints on Audi/VW electronics and maintenance costs on Audi, BMW, and MB.

 

[bfglitch]

Yes just to reiterate what others have said. With all the things I pointed out, I wouldn't let it scare you off. Every car/manufacturer have random issues and most of the issues I brought up were the more common heard ones and even then it's not extremely common.

Pretty much all of the found common issues all have known fixes or at least are a known "non-issue".

But if those things are going to be stuck in your head then perhaps it might be a good idea to look elsewhere. Just keep in mind whatever you do look to get into next, I guarantee you there will be people who have had some form of issue. Whether it be electronic, or mechanical, or both.

Honestly I love the car even with knowing the issues and for the price I feel like you get more than what you pay for when compared to anything equivalent performance wise.

 

[Sporty]

I am on my 2nd 2022 Stinger. My first one was the GT1 trim and got totaled when someone lost control of their car and collided with me in my lane. That first car had the trunk rattle. It didn't come up during the test drive because I had driven on some smooth roads. Doh. However there are some easy fixes to minimize or remove it completely.

My 2nd Stinger is a 2022 GT2 trim with no trunk rattle at all. I sometimes wonder if the motorized hatch does not suffer from the trunk rattle? I haven't researched other people's trim levels when they report it.

Between the two cars that was the only issue I've had. Granted I haven't put that many miles on either car. I'm at 14K miles on my GT2.

If you do a deep research dive into any car you're going to find annoyances and issues. I don't think the Stinger is any worse than other cars out there. Did you do the same research before getting your Audi A3? I tend to see a lot of complaints on Audi/VW electronics and maintenance costs on Audi, BMW, and MB.

Thank you for your input. This is the second Audi 3 I've leased and to answer your question no I didn't do any research prior. I do agree, there are issues with all cars no matter what. Some are minor and some are not.

I'm feeling a lot more optimistic now after your feedback.

 

[Thomby]

Thank you for your input. This is the second Audi 3 I've leased and to answer your question no I didn't do any research prior. I do agree, there are issues with all cars no matter what. Some are minor and some are not.

I'm feeling a lot more optimistic now after your feedback.

The choice is clear: upgrade to either Stinger or RS3.

 

[top schtick]

Although I enjoy my 2019 Golf R, I'm considering a 2023 Stinger as well. Does anyone know what has become of the 2023 'Tribute Edition?'
Did it come and go?

 

[Snicklefritz]

the 480 tribute edition come to the usa going to various dealerships. I don't know how that works, but 'my' dealership answered my question, 'are you getting any tribute edition stingers?' by saying, 'we should get one or two.' they couldn't say when.

Although I enjoy my 2019 Golf R, I'm considering a 2023 Stinger as well. Does anyone know what has become of the 2023 'Tribute Edition?'
Did it come and go?

 

[top schtick]

the 480 tribute edition come to the usa going to various dealerships. I don't know how that works, but 'my' dealership answered my question, 'are you getting any tribute edition stingers?' by saying, 'we should get one or two.' they couldn't say when.

Thanks for that info. I'll keep my fingers crossed for one in Ascot Green.