2018 Kia Stinger
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 64 |
| 2019 | 42 |
| 2020 | 16 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2023 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
33% of complaints: engine — 21 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181228
14% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
All of a sudden while driving on the road my vehicle lost total power in the middle of an intersection. I would pres the gas pedal and got no response the vehicle would not go.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231001
14% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
related malfunction on my 2018 Kia Stinger. My hazard lights are activating on their own, changing flash speeds, and failing to turn off at times. This creates a safety concern while driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 20251115
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181228
11% of complaints: service brakes — 7 distinct reports on file.
FIRE11% of complaints: exterior lighting — 7 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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. If damage is found, the wiring harness will be replaced and a cover will be installed, free of charge.
Campaign 18V754000 — check if this car was fixed
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 complete.
Campaign 20V518000 — check if this car was fixed
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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Campaign 23V634000 — check if this car was fixed
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. Kia's number for this recall is SC300.
Campaign 24V169000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Kia Stinger — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V754000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V518000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V634000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V169000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2018 Kia Stinger reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Stinger?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Stinger have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.