2019 Kia Stinger GT (3.3TT) – Misfires, Limp Mode, and Possible Engine Replacement (Warranty Case)

[mhermann]

Hello all. Been a while since I have been back here. Still loving my Stinger but have a recent issue at 74k miles. Had a nice "chat" with ChatGPT after talking to my service rep. They are still diagnosing the issue but figured I would document the issue here in case it helps anyone else in the future. I was able to upload the Kia Warranty and my Extended Warranty for additional context. I asked ChatGPT to summarize our conversation just so I had all the information organized.

Car:
2019 Kia Stinger GT (3.3TT)
~74,000 miles

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Initial Symptoms:

• Check engine light with misfires on cylinders 1, 3, and 5 (same bank)
• Car would go into limp mode
• Issue would temporarily reset after restarting the engine

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Escalation:

• Problem became more frequent
• Eventually the check engine light stayed on
• Car stalled at a stoplight (restarted after putting it in park)
• Dropped the car off at the dealer immediately

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Dealer Actions So Far:

• Replaced spark plugs and ignition coils → did NOT fix issue
• Now diagnosing further with Kia tech support
• Mentioned finding oil pooling
• Indicated that engine replacement is a possibility (still under investigation)

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What This Likely Points To (based on research + feedback):

• Not ignition-related (already ruled out)
• Likely a bank-specific issue (since 1,3,5 all affected)
• Most probable causes:
  
  • Fuel system issue (injectors / fuel delivery)
  • Turbo oil seal / oil ingestion
  • PCV system issue
  • VVT / cam timing issue
  • Internal engine issue (rings/valves)

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Warranty Situation:

• Basic warranty expired (5yr / 60k)
• Powertrain warranty (10yr / 100k) still active
• Issue clearly falls under:
  
  • Engine internals
  • Fuel system
  • Turbo system

Dealer has not officially confirmed coverage yet, but this appears to be a legitimate powertrain claim

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Important Notes for Others:

• If you get multiple misfires on one bank, don’t assume it’s just plugs/coils
• Limp mode + stalling = serious underlying issue
• Bring the car in ASAP and avoid driving it
• Let the dealer diagnose BEFORE paying for repairs yourself
• Even without perfect maintenance records, warranty claims can still be valid unless neglect directly caused the issue

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Current Status:
Waiting on final diagnosis from dealer + Kia corporate
Will update once I know whether it’s a repair or full engine replacement

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Hope this helps someone else—happy to answer questions or update once resolved. Some of this info is probably obvious to alot of you on here but I am not super educated on cars but love my Stinger!

 

[Snicklefritz]

Wow! That's some useful rundown. A replaced engine would be kind of cool in a way, since yours obviously is crapping the bed. May everything work out, and swiftly.

 

[mhermann]

Haha, funny that is the same thing ChatGPT said. That it would not be the worse thing to get a new engine.

So small update: I received an automated email response directly from Kia:

Your Auto-Created Case Number: XXXXXXXX
VIN: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Dear MICHAEL,

Your dealer has made us aware of the current repair situation for your Kia vehicle. Your satisfaction is important to us and we would like to provide assistance should you have any outstanding concerns or issues that were not resolved by your dealership. If you would like further assistance, please respond to this email with your preferred method of contact (phone or email) and we will be happy to follow up with you regarding the matter.

If no further assistance is required, there is no action necessary on your part. We value you as a customer so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us should you require assistance in the future.

Sincerely,
Kia Customer Care

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My response with the help of ChatGPT
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Hello,

Thank you for reaching out and for opening this case.

My vehicle is currently at the dealership being diagnosed for misfires, limp mode, and stalling issues. I understand the dealer has identified oil pooling and is working with Kia technical support, with the possibility of a major repair.

At this time, I would appreciate continued visibility into the diagnosis and confirmation that any necessary repairs will be handled under the applicable powertrain warranty.

Please feel free to contact me by phone or email if any additional information is needed.

Thank you for your assistance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hope to hear back from the dealer today.

 

[mhermann]

Ok, back with another update summarized by ChatGPT:

Previous Symptoms Recap:

• Misfires on cylinders 1, 3, 5 (same bank)
• Car going into limp mode
• Eventually stalled at a stoplight
• Check engine light no longer resetting

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Diagnostics Update:

The dealership performed:

• Compression test → One cylinder showed low compression
• Leakdown test → That cylinder showed ~70% leakdown

From what I’ve learned, that level of leakdown indicates a major internal engine issue (rings, valves, or cylinder damage)

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Current Status:

• Dealership escalated to Kia Tech Line
• Kia requested additional diagnostics:
  
  • Remove valve cover
  • Provide video of valvetrain condition
• This request was made a couple days ago, but dealership has not yet completed it

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Kia Corporate Involvement:

• I contacted Kia Customer Care
• They confirmed:
  
  • Kia Tech is waiting on the dealership to provide more information
  • A case has been opened and is being tracked

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Important Note (Warranty Angle):

The dealership mentioned they may be looking for “neglect”

From what I understand:

• This is standard procedure for major engine claims
• They are checking for things like:
  
  • Oil sludge
  • Poor maintenance
  • Oil starvation

However:

• This is a localized failure (one cylinder)
• Not a full-engine wear situation
• So far nothing has been confirmed regarding neglect

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My Takeaway So Far:

• The issue is now clearly a serious internal engine failure
• Kia is in the process of determining:
  
  • Engine replacement vs repair
• The delay right now is due to the dealership not yet providing requested diagnostic evidence

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Next Steps:

• Waiting on dealership to:
  
  • Remove valve cover
  • Send video to Kia Tech
• Once that’s reviewed:
  
  • Kia will make a final decision on repair/replacement

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I’ll update again once Kia makes a determination.

This is a little frustrating that I have to chase my dealer to get the updates back to Kia. I talked to my service rep and he told me they were waiting on Kia. I then called Kia and they pointed the finger at the dealer. The dealer then confirmed. So I guess they were just busy and got mixed up. Who knows. I just want to make sure everyone is on the same page and I get this resolved as quickly as possible. I have done all my scheduled service and things they have recommended. It is a little annoying that they may just be fishing to try and block the warranty claim, but I guess that is standard operating procedure. We will see.

 

[95oRANGEcRUSH]

LegitStreetCars just did a 2 part video on his GTS that had a broken exhaust valve. Seems like yours may be going down a similar path. Sorry to hear. Hope your dealer and Kia do right by you.