VehicleVerdict

2018 Kia Stinger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 86 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median Stinger year — the 2018 model ranks #1 of 6 Stinger years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 6 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 24 reports (28% of the total).

86

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

12

Fires reported

6

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Stinger years?

Stinger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted86 complaints2018: 86 complaints2019: 53 complaints2020: 29 complaints2021: 25 complaints2022: 18 complaints2023: 6 complaints
Stinger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Stinger years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Kia Stinger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2428%
Fuel System1416%
Electrical System1012%
Brakes910%
Lighting78%
Transmission67%
Other56%
Speed Control33%
Body & Structure33%
Steering22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Seats11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2018 Kia Stinger have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V169000EngineMarch 1, 2024 · 36,248 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.

Remedy

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.

23V634000Fuel SystemSeptember 13, 2023 · 18,224 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

20V518000BrakesAugust 27, 2020 · 28,200 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.

Remedy

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.

18V754000Electrical SystemOctober 25, 2018 · 16,011 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

The damaged wiring harness may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE NOT RUNNING. CAME OUT OF BIG DEAL CONVENIENT STORE LOCATED ON RTE 9 CHESTERFIELD, NH TO FIND SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CALLED 911 AND USED A STORE FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO TRY TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES. WAITED FOR THE FIRE DEPT TO ARRIVE, THEY PUT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 1, 2018 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 20, 2020 · fire

“VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE NOT RUNNING. CAME OUT OF BIG DEAL CONVENIENT STORE LOCATED ON RTE 9 CHESTERFIELD, NH TO FIND SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CALLED 911 AND USED A STORE FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO TRY TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES. WAITED FOR THE FIRE DEPT TO ARRIVE, THEY PUT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 1, 2018 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA STINGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED. HE ALSO STATED THAT A BURNING ODOR WOULD EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE CONTACT THEN RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 23, 2021 · fire

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · February 22, 2019

2018 Kia Stinger — common questions

Is the 2018 Kia Stinger reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 86 complaints put the 2018 model at #1 of 6 Stinger years. It is one of the Stinger years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Stinger problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (24 complaints), fuel system (14 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints).

Does the 2018 Kia Stinger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Kia Stinger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Kia Stinger years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Stinger years to avoid are 2018, 2019. The cleanest record among Stinger years belongs to 2023.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.