2018 Kia Stinger Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 6 Stinger years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Kia Stinger ranks worst of 6 model years, with a complaint index of 100, 68 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 5 reported fires. Engine problems dominate at 41% of complaints, making 2018 the year to avoid within this model line.
- Complaints
- 68
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 5
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 27 hwy
Top 2018 Kia Stinger problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine28 (41%)
- Electrical System18 (26%)
- Fuel System15 (22%)
- Brakes9 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (9%)
- Other5 (7%)
- Structure & Body4 (6%)
- Steering3 (4%)
- Lane Departure1 (1%)
- Seat Belts1 (1%)
What owners report
- Owners report engine compartment fires occurring both while driving and while parked, sometimes triggered by using engine degreaser at a car wash.
- Electrical wiring issues include a front wiring harness rubbing against a body panel burr, and hazard lights activating on their own or changing flash speeds unpredictably.
- Brakes reportedly shake or vibrate violently when stopping at moderate to highway speeds, starting as early as 6,000 miles, with some owners suspecting soft brake pads.
- A tire pressure warning light and burning odor at highway speeds were linked to a brake-related recall (20V518000) that some owners said had no parts available for repair.
- A structural rattling or ticking noise near the A-pillar or B-pillar over bumps was reported by multiple owners and reportedly denied as an issue by Kia USA.
- One owner reported the rear glass shattering while the car was parked in a garage with no apparent cause.
2018 Kia Stinger recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V169000Mar 1, 2024Engine36,248 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 23V634000Sep 13, 2023Fuel System18,224 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 20V518000Aug 27, 2020Brakes28,200 vehiclesPark Outside
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. 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.
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.
2018 Kia Stinger fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Stinger years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Kia Stinger reliable?
- Compared to other Stinger model years, 2018 has the highest complaint index (100) and ranks worst of 6 years tracked, with 68 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and 5 fires reported.
- What problems does the 2018 Kia Stinger have?
- NHTSA complaints point mainly to the engine (41% of complaints, median failure mileage 44,350), followed by electrical system issues (26% of complaints, median failure mileage 7,700) including wiring harness damage and fires.
- Does the 2018 Kia Stinger have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2018 Stinger covering the engine (turbocharger oil feed pipe), fuel system (fuel pump over-pressurization), brakes (fuse kit, requires parking outside), and electrical system (wiring harness).
- Which Kia Stinger year should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2018 is the year to avoid, with a complaint index of 100 versus 80 for 2019, 60 for 2022, and 0 for the best year, 2023.
- How many fires have been reported for the 2018 Kia Stinger?
- NHTSA lists 5 fire-related complaints for the 2018 Stinger, along with 2 crashes, 2 injuries, and 1 death reported.