2018 Kia Stinger recalls and problems

The 2018 Kia Stinger has 4 safety recalls and 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Urgent: recall 20V-518 carries a "park outside" warning. Contact a dealer before driving.
Recalls
4
Complaints
72
Crashes / fires
2 / 5
Injuries / deaths
2 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Kia Stinger vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Kia Stinger recalls

Recall 24V-169: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Mar 1, 2024 · 36,248 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 23V-634: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Sep 13, 2023 · 18,224 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 20V-518: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Park outsideReported Aug 27, 2020 · 28,200 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 18V-754: Electrical System

Reported Oct 25, 2018 · 16,011 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

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.

2018 Kia Stinger problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine24
Fuel/Propulsion System12
Electrical System11
Exterior Lighting7
Service Brakes7
Power Train7
Unknown or Other5
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Structure3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Steering3

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 1
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 1
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 25,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Kia Stinger complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Nov 2, 2026
Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2018 Kia Stinger 3.3L Twin-Turbo I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2018 Kia Stinger 3.3L twin-turbo due to a suspected failure involving the high-pressure fuel pump and high-pressure fuel pipe. While driving, my vehicle began hesitating and sputtering while stopped at a traffic light. The vehicle subsequently became unable to start. The engine cranks but will not remain running. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair facility for diagnosis. The mechanic tested the vehicle by manually supplying fuel, and the engine started but only ran for a few…
Power Train · reported Oct 22, 2026
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint Statement Vehicle: 2018 Kia Stinger Premium 2.0L Turbo VIN: [XXX] Component: Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: High Pressure Pump [1, 5] Recall Campaign Reference: 2023 Kia High-Pressure Fuel Pump Safety Recall [5] 1. Failure of Initial Recall Remedy & Active Safety Hazard This vehicle was subject to the 2023 Kia High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Safety Recall due to a known manufacturer defect that causes fuel pressure drops, stalling, and loss of motive power on the highway. I originally presented the vehicle to an authorized dealership (Kia Cherry Hill) for…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 105,000 miles · reported Oct 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact became aware of white smoke coming from underneath the hood before the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under a recall. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V169000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was…
Engine · reported Sep 29, 2026
(2018 kia stinger gt2 awd) vin:[XXX] The above-referenced vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure directly resulting from a ruptured turbocharger oil feed line—the exact defect covered by federal Safety Recall SC300. The vehicle was rendered inoperable and was transported to Kia Store Elizabethtown. Service personnel at Kia Store Elizabethtown inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the failure was caused directly by the SC300 safety recall defect. Despite the dealership’s clear technical confirmation of the failure mechanism, Kia America is explicitly refusing to perform the…
Seat Belts · reported Sep 23, 2026
Seat belt clicks in, registers as being put on by dash sensor but comes unbuckled when force pushes it forward. Latch is not fully catching on drivers seat.

Other Kia Stinger years

Compare all Kia Stinger years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Kia Stinger have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Kia Stinger: 24V-169 (engine and engine cooling), 23V-634 (fuel system, gasoline), 20V-518 (service brakes, hydraulic), 18V-754 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Kia Stinger?

Owners report engine problems most often (24 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (12). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 25,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.