Most common 2018 Kia Stinger problems
Share of the 69 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Stinger complaints by model year
Best Stinger years: 2020, 2023, 2021. Compare all years →
2018 Kia Stinger recalls (4)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/supercharger › Hoses/plumbing
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.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
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.
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…
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
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.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness for damage. If no damage is found, a cover will be installed.
What 2018 Kia Stinger owners say
Engine & cooling all 26 →
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 that there was a burning odor coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle near the engine compartment. There was a warning light illuminated, however the contact was unsure what warning light was illuminated. The contact described the warning light as a circle with a line symbol in the center but was not sure of the symbol. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was made. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was confirmed that parts were not available and might take an additional 3 days for the repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. …
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering and lost motor power. The contact previously replaced the spark plugs, and the engine out of pocket. In addition, excessive white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Hersons Kia (15531 Frederick Rd, Rockville, MD 20855) where the Oxygen sensor was replaced. The contact stated excessive white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the engine, spark plugs, and turbocharger were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Fuel & propulsion system
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. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle was stuck in second gear. The contact was able to drive to the dealer at slow speed. The dealer diagnosed that the fuel pump assembly part number: 35320-2CTB1 and bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. …
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 45-50 MPH downhill and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving uphill, the vehicle decelerated and failed to exceed 35 MPH while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that he could repair the vehicle at his own expense, and he could then be reimbursed for the repair later. The failure mileage was approximately 77,600. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical system
While driving the steering wheel jerks back and forth as if it's trying to help assist in keeping in lanes even with the lane assistant off and it doesn't matter what speed it jerks the whole time. The steering wheel will also move on its own back and forth while in a parked position too. It's very dangerous because it's trying to jerk you all around the road at no matter what speed you're doing.
*Notice* There has been NO ACCIDENT but it could potentially be a fatal one. When performing the auto start up process the car's RPM increases rapidly, the engine makes a sputtering sound as if the car will crank or that there is a misfire and shuts down. This results in the check engine light coming on the instrument panel and error code P0172: Replace High Pressure Fuel Pump.
2018 Kia Stinger engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.3L 6-cyl turbo | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Kia Stinger a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the Stinger to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Kia Stinger?
The engine & cooling — 26 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (15) and electrical system (11).
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Stinger have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2018 Kia Stinger, the most recent from March 1, 2024 (hoses/plumbing). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Stinger?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2023 and 2021. See the full Kia Stinger years comparison.
At what mileage do 2018 Kia Stinger problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 25,000 miles; 63% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.