YearToAvoid

2018 Kia Stinger Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 18 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Kia Stinger, 26% of all complaints for the year, including 4 fires and 2 crashes. A related recall (18V754000) covers a front wiring harness that can rub against a fender panel burr and cause a short circuit.

Electrical System complaints
18
26% of 68
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
7,700 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe engine compartment fires occurring while the vehicle was parked and not running, sometimes after using engine degreaser or at a car wash.
  • Some report a burning smell developing minutes after parking, traced back to electrical wiring rather than an obvious source.
  • Several complaints describe hazard lights activating on their own, changing flash speed, or failing to turn off.
  • Headlight problems are common, including inability to adjust aim side-to-side, condensation building inside the headlight lens, and low beam illumination described as insufficient.
  • Multiple owners reference recall 18V754000 for the front wiring harness, including delays getting the wiring harness inspected or repaired at dealers.
  • One owner reported that an ECU update performed for the recall disabled the ambient cabin lighting feature.

When 2018 Kia Stinger electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 16, 2018, latest Aug 1, 2026.

2018 Kia Stinger electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month4Oct 2018Feb 2019Oct 2019Mar 2021Mar 2024Nov 2025Aug 2026
18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2018 to Aug 2026; peak Feb 2019 (4).

Electrical System recalls for the 2018 Kia Stinger

  1. NHTSA 18V754000Oct 25, 2018Electrical System16,011 vehicles

    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.

    Risk: 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.

Electrical System complaints by Stinger model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201818 (26%)
  2. 201910 (23%)
  3. 20206 (38%)
  4. 20212 (12%)
  5. 20226 (33%)
  6. 20231 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Kia Stinger have an electrical system recall?
Yes. Recall 18V754000 covers the front wiring harness, which can be damaged by a burr on the left fender panel and cause an electrical short circuit.
How common are electrical complaints for the 2018 Stinger?
NHTSA lists 18 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 model year, making up 26% of all 68 complaints filed for that year.
Have there been fires linked to electrical problems in the 2018 Stinger?
Yes, NHTSA data shows 4 fire incidents and 2 crashes among the reported electrical complaints for the 2018 model year.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2018 Stinger?
The median mileage at failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2018 Stinger is 7,700 miles.
Do headlight issues count as electrical complaints for the Stinger?
Yes, several sample complaints in the Electrical System category describe headlight aiming problems, condensation inside the lens, and insufficient low beam illumination.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.