Used Kia Stonic 2017-present reliability review
The Stonic is a fine and capable small SUV with a long warranty and plenty of equipment, but the firm ride is an acquired taste
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What's the used Kia Stonic like?
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Reliability
Oliver Young
Updated: 18 May 2024
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What should I look for in a used Kia Stonic?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
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Aside from the usual checks for parking dents and dings and kerbed alloy wheels, there isn’t much to look out for. The interior is pretty tough, too, but uses lots of hard and scratchy plastics that might show scratches if it's been abused.
If you are looking at a Stonic that's less than 18 months old from an approved used Kia dealership, then make sure they top the warranty back up to the full seven years as part of the brand's approved used scheme.
The suite of driver assistance technology fitted to 3 models and above was improved in the latter half of 2018 to include lane keep assistance, so if you're after all the latest safety tech, you'll need to keep this in mind.
What are the most common problems with a used Kia Stonic?
There is a potential fault that could result in decreased braking ability. Number of recalled vehicles: 20,781. Years applicable: 2019, 2020.
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Click here for more information. Contact your local Kia dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
Is a used Kia Stonic reliable?
Kia Stonic reliability is mixed. Although it was absent from our 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, it appeared in our 2023 survey and ranked 19th out of 22 cars in the small SUV class. Its reliability rating of 88.8% is subpar.
Just one in four Stonic owners reported a fault with their car, but it scored only fractionally better than the rival Skoda Kamiq overall. Why? Well, it’s partly down to cost. Some respondents reported paying as much as £750 to fix a single fault, although a majority (71%) were still put right free of charge. Stonics also tended to spend longer getting fixed, too; 71% took more than a week to repair.
In our 2024 survey, Kia ranked 12th out of 34 manufacturers featured. Its reliability rating of 93.4% is a bit more confidence inspiring. Kia ranked above Ford, Mazda and Skoda but below Hyundai and Toyota.
Used Kia Stonic: owners' reliability data
As part of our 2023 Reliability Survey, What Car? readers described the Kia Stonic as generally reliable, but issues have been reported. Several owners of both petrol and diesel models mentioned the car running smoothly without faults for extended periods. However, there were some concerns around engine warning lights appearing unexpectedly, which led to trips to the dealership.
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In terms of dealer service, experiences varied. Some drivers reported efficient and timely service from Kia dealerships, praising the quick resolution of any issues. Others, however, mentioned delays in getting repairs completed and noted the cost of certain repairs as being higher than expected. One reader pointed out that while minor faults were addressed promptly, more significant issues like engine-related problems took longer to fix.
Tips & Advice
Don’t miss a recall
If your car is to be recalled, you should arrange the work to be carried out quickly. Sign up to our recall alerts to ensure you’ll not miss a thing
Check for outstanding recalls
Many cars are recalled so that faults can be put right. Recall work shouldn’t cost you a penny, and they’ll make your car safer or more mechanically robust. Checking if your car has been recalled is easy
Choose the right breakdown cover
You may already have a breakdown policy through your home insurance or new-car warranty so check to avoid paying twice
Ensure you have breakdown cover
Thousands of What Car? readers deliver their verdict on the best breakdown companies helping you to choose the best cover
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Kia Stonic
1.6 CRDi First Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£5,485
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1.6 CRDi 2 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£5,490
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£5,500
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£5,500
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£5,599
Kia Stonic
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£5,695
Kia Stonic
1.6 CRDi 2 Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£5,695
Kia Stonic
1.6 CRDi First Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£5,695
Kia STONIC
1.0 T-GDi First Edition Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
£5,790
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About the writer
Name: Oliver Young
Title: Senior Reviewer
Follow Oliver Young on
Oliver Young spent three years as What Car?'s used car reporter, before becoming a reviewer in 2024 and senior reviewer in 2026. Oliver produces new car reviews for What Car? magazine and whatcar.com as part of the road test team.
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