KnownCarProblems2018 Kia Stinger Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 69 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Kia Stinger, most often about the engine (38% of complaints, typically around 63,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Stinger model year since 2000 and has 4 recalls.
⚠ Safety advisory1 recall for this car came with a park-outside warning. See below and check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Most common 2018 Kia Stinger problems
Engine
26 complaints · 38%Half of these problems showed up before 63,000 miles.
Went to car wash to degrease engine in the evening. Car was parked in car wash bay not running. Sprayed gunk engine degreaser on motor and car caught on fire in a few seconds unexpectedly. Car was not running. Quickly put fire out with water and fuel leaks after careful inspection and electrical wires found bare and…
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v169000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated…
Fuel system
15 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 63,500 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence where it was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be…
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v634000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently.…
Electrical
11 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 8,500 miles. Parts named most often: wiring.
The vehicle was in car accident. Vehicle was in motion and had adaptive cruise control on and vehicle in front of me so it shifted down so car was in front of me and lane assist jerked the wheel as I was approaching the car in front of me and caused me to go into the other lane and and then it resumed speed because it…
I parked my 2018 Kia Stinger at home after driving 40 min, mostly highway. Nothing was wrong with the car during this time. After roughly 5 minutes in my house, I began to smell a burning odor. I looked around the house for anything burning. I searched the 1st/2nd floor, but nothing. I opened my back door and the…
Brakes
9 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 12,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components.
Car has no brakes when initially starting it and backing out of my driveway. The brake pedal is so hard that I am unable to depress it. After a few seconds, the brake pedal behaves normally. This problem has resulted in me rolling out into the road more than once. I have had the car into the dealership to be analyzed…
When braking the vehicle shudders when the brakes are applied. This is when the vehicle is in motion almost every time the brakes are applied. It feels unsafe and could be an issue in a panic braking situation as the brakes don't feel as effective as they should be. My vehicle is relatively new and not modified in any…
Lights
7 complaints · 10%The Kia dealership performed a manufacturer recommended update/replacement of the ecu. Before the replacement my car had ambiant lighting for the cabin that changed lights. After the ecu update/replacement the ambiant lighting doesn't not work and it's no longer an option in my cars settings.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that the low beam headlights did not project enough illumination. The contact stated that the failure began ever since the vehicle was purchased on september 3, 2019. The vehicle was taken to ferguson Kia (1601 n elm pl, broken arrow, ok 74012) where it was…
Transmission
6 complaints · 9%Vehicle began experiencing loss of power and engine knocking. This gradually became worse and would substantially lose all power upon takeoff at intersections causing for dangerous and life-threatening situations. Kia replaced the engine but the issue persists and has gotten worse. They refuse to correct this problem…
Other or unspecified
5 complaints · 7%Body and structure
3 complaints · 4%Parts named most often: body.
I parked my 2018 Kia Stinger at home after driving 40 min, mostly highway. Nothing was wrong with the car during this time. After roughly 5 minutes in my house, I began to smell a burning odor. I looked around the house for anything burning. I searched the 1st/2nd floor, but nothing. I opened my back door and the…
When car going over bumps/imperfections on road, a tickling noise can be heard near b pillar or a pillar. This is a widespread issue with many users complained in online forums and dealerships. I took the car for inspection multiple times and Kia USA denied it is an issue and refuse to provide further repair…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2018 Kia Stinger recalls
Engine: hoses/plumbing
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed april 26, 2024. Owners may contact kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is sc300.
Full defect summary
Kia america, inc. (kia) is recalling certain 2019-2020 k900, and 2018-2023 stinger vehicles equipped with a 3.3-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine. The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil.
Fuel system: fuel pump
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, inspect, and replace the fuel pump as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed december 18, 2023. Owners may contact kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is sc281.
Full defect summary
Kia america, inc. (kia) is recalling certain 2018-2021 stinger vehicles. The fuel control valve plunger may stick inside the high pressure fuel pump, causing over-pressurization and loss of drive power.
Brakes: control unit/module
Risk: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fuse kit in the electrical junction box, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began november 30, 2020. Owners may contact kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is sc196.
Full defect summary
Kia motors america (kia) recalled certain 2019 stinger vehicles equipped with 3.3l t-gdi engines on august 27, 2020. On december 30, 2020, kia expanded the recall population and added certain 2018-2021 stinger vehicles. While driving, an engine compartment fire may occur in the area where the anti-lock brake hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu) is located.
Electrical: front underhood
Risk: The damaged wiring harness may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness for damage. If no damage is found, a cover will be installed. If damage is found, the wiring harness will be replaced and a cover will be installed, free of charge. The recall began december 20, 2018. Owners may contact kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall sc170.
Full defect summary
Kia motors america (kia) is recalling certain 2018 kia stinger vehicles. The front wiring harness located in the engine and passenger compartment may get damaged from contacting a burr on the left fender body panel.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2018 Kia Stinger
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Stinger?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (26 complaints, typically around 63,000 miles); fuel system (15 complaints, typically around 63,500 miles); electrical (11 complaints, typically around 8,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Stinger have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 1, 2024 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2018 a bad year for the Kia Stinger?
- It is the most complained-about Stinger model year since 2000, with 69 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.
Other Kia Stinger years
- 2018
- 2019