What reliability score does the Kia Stonic get?

6.9 out of 10, scored from the 8 faults we document for this model and how severe each one is.

Is the 2017–2025 Kia Stonic reliable?

Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

6.9/ 10

Solid

On our documented-fault scoring the Kia Stonic rates 6.9 out of 10 · solid. We hold 8 known faults for it and none of them are rated critical, so the risk is mostly wear rather than disaster. The weak points cluster around transmission, electrical and engine. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.

Verdict · Buy, but check the known weak points

What the score is built from

Critical: 0
High: 0
Medium: 4
Low: 4

Weak points cluster around transmission, electrical, engine, suspension.

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The faults that decide it

TransmissionMedium

DCT dual-clutch automatic hesitation at low speed on higher trims

Typically appears: 40,000+ miles
What to inspect: Drive from cold in traffic and feel for hesitation or jerky changes
Typical repair: DCT clutch pack / mechatronic work · £900–£3,200

EngineMedium

1.0 T-GDi turbo petrol carbon build-up over time

Typically appears: 60,000+ miles
What to inspect: Check for rough idle or hesitation under load
Typical repair: Turbocharger replacement · £750–£2,200

SteeringMedium

Clicking or knocking noise when turning the steering wheel side-to-side at a standstill due to EPS motor flexible coupling wear.

Typically appears: 40,000-60,000 miles
What to inspect: With the engine running and vehicle stationary, rapidly rock the steering wheel left and right by a few degrees. Listen for a distinct metallic clunk or click from the steering column area.
Typical repair: EGR valve / cooler replacement · £300–£900

BrakesMedium

Premature rear brake disc scoring and binding caused by seized rear caliper slider pins.

Typically appears: 30,000-50,000 miles
What to inspect: Visually inspect the rear brake discs through the alloy wheel spokes for deep scoring, uneven wear, or severe rust lips. Push the vehicle slightly on a flat surface in neutral to feel for binding resistance.
Typical repair: Brakes (discs, pads, caliper) · £200–£800

ElectricalLow

Infotainment screen freezes and Bluetooth connectivity dropouts

Typically appears: Age-related
What to inspect: Test infotainment functions and pair a phone to check for dropouts
Typical repair: Infotainment repair or software fix · £120–£1,200

Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.

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What the score is built from

The faults that decide it

Inspecting a Kia Stonic?

Reliability of other Kia models