Thinking of buying a Stinger, but I have quality issue concerns

[Bobby]

All -

I am seriously considering buying a new Stinger GT2 AWD. I started to research more via this forum (thank you to all of the experienced owners out there), and got concerned about quality issues.

I called the dealer I'm thinking about buying from and they had me talk to their Stinger specialist and here is what he said about the issues I am concerned about:

• Paint issues - the issue was with not allowing the clear coat to cure properly and this issue was limited to Blue and Yellow Stingers (this doesn't line up with the survey results in other threads).
• Sunroof issues with noise - they have not had any issues from the 40+ Stingers they've sold (I would expect a sales person to say this so not sure how seriously I should take it)
• Stereo re-centering sound to the back of the vehicle - they have not had any issues - if there were issues, they would just replace entire stereo unit.
• Leather wear - not had issues on the Stinger, but have had them on other models. When there is an issue, it's usually when someone doesn't fit the seats and initially sits on the bolster when sitting down as opposed to the seat back itself (not trying to offend anyone with this comment, just telling everyone what I was told).

Are there any other quality issues folks think I should be aware of? I intend to own this car for 10 years, so I want to be highly confident it's going to hold up well with minimal issues. Kia's reputation for quality is well earned, and I don't want to over analyze this situation for what I think is a great car. The 10 year power-train warranty helps, but there are a lot electronics involved as well.

What does everyone think? Would you consider there are major or minor quality issues with the Stingers, or do you think they've got them figured out?

By the way, he had no new information on the MY2019 Stingers and was not sure if there would be any new features. He thought maybe the 360 camera, but that was the only feature he mentioned.

 

[CoconutRob]

I feel 100% the same way. Now considering G70 And MKZ ( but don't know if I can get over the fact that everyone I see the driver is over 70 no offense to anyone just not sure I'm there yet). Sorry, yes the other quality issue is the brake rotors. I am hoping to purchase after Nov. And probably a 19' model. I have been saying for over a year that the stinger was made for me but just can not get past the quality issues of late. I also heard of a very few side bolster issues with the G70. Anyway, good luck

 

[Johnnyfive]

For what its worth, Ive had mine for almost 7 months now and the only issue I have had is the re-centering of the audio, and the hatch rattle that was only on some of the earliest builds. I read every article and watched every video before they made it to the states and until they were available here. I haven't regretted it for a single second. This car is so much fun.

 

[Mike04SVT]

5000k on a GT1 AWD and have no issues so far. Very impressed considering some of German cars i have owned in the past.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

9200kms on my GT, had it since Nov.17 no problems, it’s the best car I have owned.

 

[junesrig]

Purchased in February 2018, not concerned with the build quality at all. I have the MicroBlue and have not noticed any paint chip issues (yet) and no issue with the leather seats. I have had issues with the hatch rattle and plan on taking it back for the latest TSB to resolve the issue. I can not address the sunroof issue, as I purchased the baseline GT. The stereo issue is not be a deal breaker for me, as it only takes a few touches on the touchscreen to recenter the sound and apparently it should be addressed in a future UVO software upgrade, which was mentioned in another thread. I would purchase another Stinger without any hesitation, it truly enjoy driving this vehicle. I still love telling people, "Yes, it's a KIA!"

 

[Rango]

Purchased Jan. 17th. No problems whatsoever! If you are worried ... wait a year ... everything (which is nothing to me) will be ironed out.

 

[StingMe]

All -

I am seriously considering buying a new Stinger GT2 AWD. I started to research more via this forum (thank you to all of the experienced owners out there), and got concerned about quality issues.

I called the dealer I'm thinking about buying from and they had me talk to their Stinger specialist and here is what he said about the issues I am concerned about:

• Paint issues - the issue was with not allowing the clear coat to cure properly and this issue was limited to Blue and Yellow Stingers (this doesn't line up with the survey results in other threads).
• Sunroof issues with noise - they have not had any issues from the 40+ Stingers they've sold (I would expect a sales person to say this so not sure how seriously I should take it)
• Stereo re-centering sound to the back of the vehicle - they have not had any issues - if there were issues, they would just replace entire stereo unit.
• Leather wear - not had issues on the Stinger, but have had them on other models. When there is an issue, it's usually when someone doesn't fit the seats and initially sits on the bolster when sitting down as opposed to the seat back itself (not trying to offend anyone with this comment, just telling everyone what I was told).

Are there any other quality issues folks think I should be aware of? I intend to own this car for 10 years, so I want to be highly confident it's going to hold up well with minimal issues. Kia's reputation for quality is well earned, and I don't want to over analyze this situation for what I think is a great car. The 10 year power-train warranty helps, but there are a lot electronics involved as well.

What does everyone think? Would you consider there are major or minor quality issues with the Stingers, or do you think they've got them figured out?

By the way, he had no new information on the MY2019 Stingers and was not sure if there would be any new features. He thought maybe the 360 camera, but that was the only feature he mentioned.

Paint issues - The Yellow got hit hard - stop sale in effect - resolution pending
Micro Blue had issues on some units - stop sale lifted - Kia resolving units with issues.

Sunroof issues with noise - only a couple of posts here. Known issue on Optimas.
Motorweek long-term Optima had the noise - dealer couldn't repair - then it went away by itself.
Temperature is a factor as the roof panel expands and contracts.

Leather wear - Kia uses real leather on the outside upper bolster surface. Most cars use vinyl everywhere except seating surfaces.
Leather is susceptible to scratching with hard objects.
Be reasonably careful about banging the bolsters with anything.

Do not buy the Yellow. Other than that - Stinger rules!

 

[Soca Boy]

I have just over 3000KM on my Stinger, the only issue I have is with the cupholders. It needs a lid, other then that, love it. I looked at the G70 but you can lose it in a parking lot, where the Stinger stands out.

 

[Weareblondi]

Yellow stinger owner in South Florida. Heavy rains, hot sun, dusty conditions. Not one paint problem. No sunroof. No brake rotor problems, and the Mrs and I drive fast and hard. No hatch rattle. No bolster problem. Stereo re-centering? That would be a deal breaker for you? I had a brand new cts-v wagon that shut down completely. On the expressway. Like, just shutdown. Dead. 2 ecu's burnt out. That's a deal breaker for me. It's your choice. It's also a first year edition, there will be teething problems
I haven't heard of any stop sales of yellow stingers, please cite your sources. i have spoken with kia n.a. several times about this and they said there are no stop sales.

 

[Never thought]

Ive got a red Stinger with minor peeling under the headlight and self imposed problem of bending a wheel causing an alignment issue.

 

[Fred Pahlke]

Yellow GT2 and no problems since purchase at the end March. Paint issue? Not with my car so far. Have hand washed it twice and have sent it through a machine wash three times and again, no problems...Have put a nice wax on the car.

 

[Never thought]

Oh and the stereo randomly moving the audio fade is real. For me it probably happens once a month so not super annoying. But it’s the software not the stereo. So replacing it doesn’t fix it.

Knowing what we know now, if I could do it again I’d wait to but a 2019 Stinger. But don’t get me wrong, I love my car and just really minor issues.

 

[Bobby]

Really appreciate the replies. Sounds like a mixed set of perspectives, but I agree with others that have said they have not heard / seen on the 3.3L "the car left me stranded" type of issues, they are mostly annoyances (except for the paint; having to get your entire car repainted would be a big deal to me). Knowing the stereo issue only happens once a month for some folks helps; I agree that's not a big deal at all. I am in the Midwest, so I do worry somewhat about the sunroof creaking due to sub-zero temps we get, but I'm not super picky on minor noises so I have idea how bad it is when folks here experience it (can you hear it over the sound of the stereo?).

I'd be coming from a Honda, so reliability has never been an issue in past which is why I hesitate. This car would be the nicest vehicle I've ever owned by about 1 million times. The Kia is essentially my unicorn car (I have two kids so it's the perfect sporty family car): 4 doors, AWD, hatchback, looks great, comfortable, drives great and is reliable.

 

[StingerGT68]

Really appreciate the replies. Sounds like a mixed set of perspectives, but I agree with others that have said they have not heard / seen on the 3.3L "the car left me stranded" type of issues, they are mostly annoyances (except for the paint; having to get your entire car repainted would be a big deal to me). Knowing the stereo issue only happens once a month for some folks helps; I agree that's not a big deal at all. I am in the Midwest, so I do worry somewhat about the sunroof creaking due to sub-zero temps we get, but I'm not super picky on minor noises so I have idea how bad it is when folks here experience it (can you hear it over the sound of the stereo?).

I'd be coming from a Honda, so reliability has never been an issue in past which is why I hesitate. This car would be the nicest vehicle I've ever owned by about 1 million times. The Kia is essentially my unicorn car (I have two kids so it's the perfect sporty family car): 4 doors, AWD, hatchback, looks great, comfortable, drives great and is reliable.

Get a 2019 and you'll be very happy. Especially for the sporty family car reason since we can't afford an M5...yet

 

[Weareblondi]

Really appreciate the replies. Sounds like a mixed set of perspectives, but I agree with others that have said they have not heard / seen on the 3.3L "the car left me stranded" type of issues, they are mostly annoyances (except for the paint; having to get your entire car repainted would be a big deal to me). Knowing the stereo issue only happens once a month for some folks helps; I agree that's not a big deal at all. I am in the Midwest, so I do worry somewhat about the sunroof creaking due to sub-zero temps we get, but I'm not super picky on minor noises so I have idea how bad it is when folks here experience it (can you hear it over the sound of the stereo?).

I'd be coming from a Honda, so reliability has never been an issue in past which is why I hesitate. This car would be the nicest vehicle I've ever owned by about 1 million times. The Kia is essentially my unicorn car (I have two kids so it's the perfect sporty family car): 4 doors, AWD, hatchback, looks great, comfortable, drives great and is reliable.

the sunroof issue is across the board, as in, multiple manufacturers. there have been reports of creaking and in some rare instances, the sunroof shattering. i've owned a couple of cars with panoramic sunroofs, a cts-v sedan to replace the wagon and an e63 amg, in both instances, on the recommendation of my tinter, i had the sunroofs tinted and that stopped the creaking. don't know why, and this was in new york where our weather, which must be similar to yours, would go from brutal winters to incredibly high heat summers.

 

[Weareblondi]

i agree with gt68, if you are wary of going for the 2018's, wait for the 2019's.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Here's what Eddie Rayyan, Stinger product manager for Kia Motors America, says about the interior of the Stinger:

"Yes, over time, car interiors do wear out. We just want the Stinger's interior to hold up much longer than our competitors'. That's why our testing is so exhaustive. The target here is to always exceed our customers' expectations."

In testing the seats, Kia used a 165 lb. dummy (dubbed "Min-jun"). "He" was inserted and extracted a "staggering 20,000 times, replicating a human driver or front passenger sliding in and out. Typically an owner climbs in and out of their car maybe four times a day, 365 days a year, so the 20,000 test-cycle represents wear and tear over 13-plus years."

I've had my Stinger since late march. Not one thing has gone wrong so far. It was reading the promo book (which is where the quotes come from) that impressed me with how much development has gone into this car, for years before it went on sale.

 

[Bobby]

GT68, yes an M5 would be sweet! I have a sunroof in my Honda Accord and never had an issue with noise / functionality. It's bone stock and never given me any issues beyond having to replace standard wear / tear stuff like rotors / brakes / tires / oil / etc.

Nice to hear about the exhaustive testing, and it just so happens I'm about 5'10" 165 lbs so perhaps I fit the profile perfectly! I think I am leaning towards waiting for the FY19s, but don't want to miss out on the lease rebates either....decisions, decisions.....

 

[MerlintheMad]

@Bobby: Those rebates are variable alright. Reading back over the earlier posts on the buying a Stinger thread, I saw $7,200 as the rebate. Mine at the end of March was $5,900. And others have been in between.