Owners filed 71 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 4 times.
Park away from buildings
NHTSA attached an advisory to a recall on this vehicle. Advisories apply to specific production runs — check your VIN with the manufacturer or at nhtsa.gov/recalls before driving it.
When it fails
02500025,000 milesMedian miles at failure
31 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.
Most common 2018 Kia Stinger problems
20 of the 71 complaints (28%) are about the engine.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Engine
16
0
0
0
Electrical System
8
2
3
2
Service Brakes · brakes
7
0
1
0
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system
Defect. 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.
Filed Sep 13, 202318,224 vehiclesKia America, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module20V518000Park outside
Filed Aug 27, 202028,200 vehiclesKia Motors America
Defect. 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.
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood18V754000
Filed Oct 25, 201816,011 vehiclesKia Motors America
Defect. 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.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Power Train
Filed Oct 22, 2026NJ
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 execution of this critical safety recall. Instead of physically replacing the defective mechanical pump as required by federal safety guidelines, the dealership only performed a corporate software update and released the vehicle back into commerce with the defective hardware still active. This failure to execute the physical remedy allowed a known, high-risk safety hazard to remain completely unmitigated in the vehicle. 2. Recurrence of Failure and Catastrophic Incidents The unreplaced defective safety component inevitably failed, causing the vehicle to suffer severe pressure drops and repeatedly drop into an emergency "constant limp mode" while driving. The vehicle was brought to Turnersville Kia (Sicklerville, NJ) to finally address the failed component. Turnersville Kia replaced the high-pressure fuel pump and its related high-pressure pipe (Invoice #[XXX]). However, exactly 76 miles after
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 21, 2026105,000 milesMO
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 informed that the recall did not exist. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not eligible for the recall repair because the owner was the second owner of the vehicle. The contact was informed that the required full dealer service records were not provided. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Engine
Filed Sep 29, 2026KY
(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 safety recall remedy and cover the resulting engine destruction, using the presence of aftermarket air intakes as a pretext to deny federal safety compliance and warranty coverage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Seat Belts
Filed Sep 23, 2026FL
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.
Engine
Filed Aug 7, 2026UT
On XXX my son picked up his 2018 Kia Stinger (VIN [XXX]) from Ken Garff Honda Riverdale, UT after a routine oil change, filter change, and tire rotation (RO# 5026743). About 3 hours later, while driving on [XXX] near [XXX], he noticed a burning smell, then saw smoke coming from the front of the vehicle, followed by flames from the engine compartment. He pulled over and exited safely before the vehicle was fully engulfed. No other people or vehicles were struck, but the fire occurred on a public highway shoulder next to dry grass, creating a wildfire risk in addition to the risk to him and other traffic. On XXX, this same vehicle received recall SC300 (NHTSA Campaign 24V169000) at Jerry Seiner Kia in [XXX], which replaced the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly. This addressed the exact component Kia's recall identifies as a fire risk from oil leaking near the exhaust manifold. This system, and/or the oil change performed hours before the fire, may be connected to the failure, but this has not yet been confirmed by a professional inspection. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent shop. No inspection by police/insurance/manufacturer has occurred yet. No dashboard warning lights or messages appeared before the fire; the only symptom noticed was a burning smell shortly before smoke and flames appeared. The vehicle is located at [XXX] with an address [XXX] Lot [XXX] and remains available for inspection upon request. I have a pendi
Electrical System
Filed Aug 1, 2026UT
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 18, 2026NJ
My vehicle is exhibiting a loss of drive power, particularly uphill, with a diagnostic code of P0088 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too High). This is the same defect addressed by recall campaign 23V634000 (Kia SC281), covering the high-pressure fuel pump / fuel control valve plunger on 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles. I had the SC281 recall repair completed on this vehicle on Novermber 16th 2024. I am now experiencing the same symptom and code the recall was meant to fix, indicating the repair did not resolve the defect. The original repair only updated the software but did not replace the fuel pump. The dealer, Jack Daniels Kia in NJ, has quoted me a $250 diagnostic fee before proceeding further. Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S.C. § 30120), once a safety recall has been issued, the manufacturer is required to remedy the defect, including diagnosis tied to that defect, free of charge to the owner. This applies whether the issue is addressed as a continuation of SC281, a revised action (I was told a repair labeled "SC281Y" applies, though it does not currently appear in the dealer's system under my VIN), or simply as a recurrence of the same defect after an incomplete repair. The SC281Y memo from Kia is PROOF that Kia knows the original SC281 fix did NOT resolve the defect for my car. This is a dangerous situation that KIA MUST resolve. I am requesting that Kia: 1. Confirm my VIN against campaign 23V634000 and clarify the status of any SC281Y follow-up
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 12, 2026NY
The oil pressure light is coming on . Even after doing oil change at dealership it’s not going away. Confirmed that the issue was with the oil pressure switch at dealership, which is a common problem for 3.3L V6 engines . Similar issue was observed in other older models with similar engine and the warranty was extended to cover this issue (WTY026).
Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 10, 2026NY
Oil light comes on and out i do have warranty for the car.
Engine
Filed Feb 3, 2026TX
My vehicle is experiencing active symptoms consistent with the defects described in recalls SC279 and SC281. These include: - Sputtering and hesitation under acceleration - Severe drop in fuel mileage - Check Engine Light - Fuel‑rail pressure fault code - Black soot at the tailpipe - Loss of power The vehicle is unsafe to drive and may stall. My dealership confirmed that the recall parts are on national backorder and cannot repair the vehicle. Kia Corporate has refused to authorize towing or a loaner vehicle upfront, leaving me without safe transportation. This is a serious safety issue, and Kia is unable to provide a timely remedy.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 12, 2026AZ
Around a two years ago the headlight brights failed and have yet to come back. Kia refuses to fix the issue stating normal wear. This is an incredible hazard to safety in night operation of the vehicle. We are told it is due to a motor in the headlight assembly failing. There are many forum post about this issue and the only known fix is to replace both headlight assemblies at a cost of upward of $1800 a piece. This is a failure that should not be taken lightly and all lighting a safety devices should be of the upmost importance.
Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Nov 15, 2025TN
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.
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 21, 2025MI
My oil light came on around 91,000 miles. Kia is known for this issue being an oil pressure sensor issue. Happens around 80,000-100,000 miles. Its a pretty common issue and the labor for a $80 part costs up to $2,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 18, 2025TX
I was driving my car as normal, but noticed a clicking noise but with NO dashboard lights on. Went to my dad who was formerly a mechanic to check it out. He put a few fluids in it, told me to drive it for a few miles. Went no more than 5 miles before the car just shut off and into neutral on me whilst driving. No dashboard lights came on until this moment, so not sure if all of the sensors were broken or not prior, but this opened my eyes to that possibility. Have not been able to get the car repaired/fully diagnosed quite yet.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 8, 2025115,000 milesGA
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked abnormally while accelerating. The check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V634000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 27, 202583,270 milesFL
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V169000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle received the turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,270.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 24, 2025HI
Fuel pump recall came back but Kia wouldn’t take it back without the recall being open
Engine
Filed Jul 17, 2025CA
I have a check engine light related to the high pressure fuel pump. Because i brought the car in for the recall before the code appeared for the high pressure fuel pump, Kia claims the recall is complete and will not perform the related recall repairs. I also have since developed a engine code related to the catalytic converter which i am told by a separate mechanic that this can be caused by the high pressure fuel pump error. All in the repair estimate is $8,006.26, not including the $235 for Kia to give me this information without fixing anything.
Engine
Filed May 30, 202593,300 milesMI
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the engine started knocking for approximately six minutes. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who declined the repair, due to gaps in between oil changes. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 93,300.
Engine
Filed May 16, 202599,000 milesGA
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that occasionally while starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start immediately. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle during each failure. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a light, at 5 MPH the vehicle lost automotive power, with the check engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump and vacuum pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 11, 202570,000 milesCA
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 failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 20, 2025FL
Oil pressure switch is malfunctioning. At idle, low oil light comes after. When accelerating the light goes off.
Power Train
Filed Feb 4, 2025IN
Oil pressure sender unit is failing on these vehicles. There are several reports on the forums about this issue. First, the oil pressure warning light appeared on the dash. I brought my vehicle to an independent service center and they performed a diagnostic. They confirmed that the oil pressure sender was bad and filling with oil. This is a fire risk as oil is leaking in a hot engine compartment. Also, as oil is lost, it could result in complete engine failure while traveling at high speeds.
Engine
Filed Jan 29, 2025MO
Confirmed that the Oil Pressure Switch had to be replace. Kia had a recall begin July 3, 2019 that the part was faulty and did extend to eligible vehicles to 15 years or 150,000 miles. This part is known problem in the make and model of the Kia Stinger. My 2018 Stinger GT2 was not included in the recall. The dealer did replace and confirmed that the part number is 24V169000 which was included in the recall "SC300" by Kia but my VIN was not included. Apparently they did not recall all the vehicles that have this safety hazard.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 5, 2025NC
The bright lights on both headlights stopped working instantly.. the design is flawed as it operates on a shutter using one bulb.. the malfunction is cause by premature failure of the gears in the shutter. The dealerships are aware of this problem as the shutter is also used in their Telluride vehicles as well… it causes safety issues when driving at night. Kia also knows the problem also the gear in the headlight can’t be replaced and Kia forces to replace whole headlight assembly which is $1200 per light.. on many Stinger forums a lot of people are saying the same problems with their headlights. This is a major safety hazard!
Engine
Filed Dec 14, 2024MO
Oil Pressure Switch is bad. Kia had a recall begin July 3, 2029 that the part was faulty and did extend to eligible vehicles to 15 years or 150,000 miles. This part is known problem in the make and model of the Kia Stinger and I now have this issue with my 2018 Stinger GT2 with 115,000 miles. Many complaint on forums related to this but it seems that Kia has selected specific vehicles only. Oil light comes on when care is stopped at an idle. Then goes off and does happen when car is cold.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 26, 2024VA
Casey Kia located in Newport News Virginia continues to delay the replacement of my fuel pump. I was told it was replaced but 2 weeks later I was having the same issue to the point where my car was decelerating on the interstate. After I took it back in for them to repair it I was told they would look into it. I received a call saying the fuel pump was never replaced and the only thing that had been done originally was a software update, so basically I was lied to and put in a very dangerous situation because a fire could've been caused while driving. They also said they were waiting for approval for the recall before they repaired it. Had I known it wasn't repair I wouldn't have driven the car. I was supposed to pick my car up on 07/26 but I was told they ordered the wrong part and it would be available to them on 07/29.
Engine
Filed Jul 26, 2024122,000 milesDC
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.
Seats
Filed Jul 9, 2024CA
1.What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? •The malfunctioning components are the car seats. Specifically, both the driver and passenger seats do not go back up after reclining. Yes, these seats are available for inspection upon request. 2.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? •The safety of the driver and passengers was compromised because the driver seat could not be adjusted back to a safe and upright position, which is crucial for maintaining proper control of the vehicle. This poses a significant risk of accidents. 3.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? •The problem has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or an independent service center. 4.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? •The vehicle or the malfunctioning seats have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others at this time. 5.Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? •There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. The issue is the car seats they don’t go up after reclining . It started with passenger seat. One day I reclined while on 20 min ride . It didn’t go back up . Stayed reclined. Then a couple weeks later while cleaning the car I reclined the d
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 21, 2024GA
*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.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 15, 2024139,000 milesTX
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a very strong oil burning odor. The contact pulled over, raised the hood, and observed smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the oil was recently changed by the dealer. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed the turbo oil feed line had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V169000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.
Engine
Filed Mar 4, 2024WI
Turbo oil supply line cracked and leaking oil increasing risk of a fire.
Engine
Filed Feb 13, 2024CA
On 11/13/2020 my car had 26,942 miles. I experienced my first issue with my vehicle where it lost power while driving on the freeway. My vehicle was in the shop for 17 days where they replaced the fuel pump directly affected my turbo. On 10/19/2023 my vehicle had 68,366 miles on it while driving to work when I went to accelerate from a stop sign there was no power and I literally had to drift to the side of the road. My vehicle was in the shop for seven days and it was the same issue. A few weeks after my vehicle was repaired, I received the recall notice, however at this time there was no resolution it was nearly a recall campaign. On 12/29/2023 my vehicle had 70,290 miles (not even 2000 miles since my vehicle had returned from the shop) as I was leaving work, my car begin sputtering like it was going to lose power. I made it home safely however, upon trying to start my vehicle the next morning there was a warning and a message saying not to drive my vehicle. My vehicle has been in the service center since December 30, 2023 with no resolution.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 7, 202365,000 milesSC
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 failure mileage was approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 4, 202377,600 milesCA
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 21, 202349,000 milesPA
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly shuddered and displayed a "Service Vehicle Now" message. The contact smelled a gasoline odor in the interior of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the contact might have fueled the vehicle with insufficient fuel and provided a fuel additive for additional testing. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V634000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 26, 2023NM
My vehicle has a delay in taking off from a complete stop. The car also looses a little power while driving intermittently. There was times that the car wouldn't even go at all I had to turn off the car and restarted to be able to go. That has been happening more and more the check engine light has been on the whole time. Also the rear shock or strut went out but the part that is apart of the suspension has broke and now the vehicle scrapes the tire because it is too low
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 1, 2023NM
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. I had to turn car off and try starting it again then the vehicle got power. This keeps happening not everyday but it's happening about once a week while driving. There has been times where the car wouldn't restart for about an hour I got the car off the road and stayed stranded at night till it finally got power to move it would start but it would just putter like it wasn't getting enough fuel and my engine light came on. It is telling me something is wrong with the fuel rail , high pressure fuel pump, and it is running too rich. I have a little over 62,000 miles on it . Now there is a delay in take off it has lost a lot of power and is using a lot of fuel getting poor gas milage.
Engine
Filed Jun 27, 2023PA
The car will lose power while accelerating and the turbo does not properly work well. Was told it was a fuel pump issue.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed Apr 30, 2023TX
I bought front and rear drilled and slotted brake rotors. I installed these on my car using the same name brand of brake pads front and rear. The fronts were perfect. The rear rotors had defective black zinc coating that caked on my brake pads. This layer of coating prevented contact between the friction surface of the rotor and friction material of the pad. I only drove the car 1/2 mile. My rear brakes would not work properly. I sent Brake Performance 14 pictures and a series of emails describing this. They shrugged it off as cosmetic. I had the remaining defective coating machined off the friction surface of the rotors. I sanded and cleaned the layer of defective coating off my brake pads. After this cleaning, the brakes worked as expected. I have installed their products on 3 vehicles using 10 rotors and 2 drums. Only these last 2 rotors had defective coating. It's concerning that they never considered the safety implications of the defective coating. The front and rear rotors were stored together in the same environment prior to install.
Steering
Filed Mar 20, 2023TX
Steering wheel began making noises that sounded like grinding of gears that sounded like it was coming from outside of the interior of the vehicle. The noise was heard loudly when turning the steering wheel after the car sat idle and occasionally after driving the car after several minutes of the car warming up. The noise occurred increasingly more frequent over 4 weeks. The steering also became more difficult with tension felt during turning the wheel. Eventually, the steering wheel locked completely during turning and became unable to turn the steering wheel while driving and turning the wheel. The risk of crash which put me and others at risk was narrowly avoided by stopping in the middle of an intersection multiple times while driving the car. The car was taken to the Kia dealership 3/16/23 and the problem was reproduced and confirmed by the dealer on 3/20/23 where it was inspected. When the steering wheel locked, a message related to the Lane Assist feature on the car appeared.
Engine
Filed Feb 18, 2023WI
Bought a CERTIFIED PREOWNED 2018 Kia Stinger from Russ Darrow Kia in Madison, WI Feb. 2021. Approx. Aug 2021 cylinder 3 on our 2018 Kia Stinger started misfiring. After replacing the spark plugs (x4 times) and coil packs, there was no improvement. We had it towed to Metro Kia of Madison because it was under Kia warranty still, and after 5-months and an engine replacement (including the long-block), we got our car back in Feb 2022. Flash forward to the end of Jan 2023, the Stinger starts driving rough. Idling harder, but no error codes are showing. After about 24hrs of very light driving because we knew something was wrong, an error code for cylinder 1 came up on my way home from work just a half mile away. When I got home, thick white smoke was billowing out of the exhaust which filled up the entire parking garage causing an environmental hazard to myself and my neighbors. So, I immediately open the garage doors and opened the windows to air everything out, and moved my car outside. I did some research online and figured I would try to replace the spark plugs and coil packs again, just to see if I could drive it to an independent shop because it is out of manufacturer warrenty by 3k miles. That didn't really help, and we ended up having it towed, again. After a week, find out they can't see anything on the top of the engine which has cause cylinder 1 to completely FAIL, and going to inspect for bottom side repair, plus labor, and whatever else is going to be close to $15k! Me
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jan 9, 202362,000 milesUT
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence where it was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was no recall on the vehicle for the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.
Engine
Filed Jan 25, 202222,000 milesIA
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated while the vehicle was stationary in her garage, she started to smell antifreeze and saw an oil leak underneath the vehicle and on the engine. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the timing chain pan to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the serpentine belt was loose. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer and made the mechanic aware of the diagnostic result from the independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The contact also stated the dealer completed NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V754000 (Electrical System) on 11/26/2019. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 11, 2022OK
Adaptive front lighting system error. For the last several months, and more frequently in the last 2 weeks when the weather has been colder, the dashboard warning light for the adaptive headlights has come on -- initially intermittently, but now solid nearly every time I turn on the vehicle. Bluedriver OBDII tool tells me this is error code B2325: "Swivel module fault left short circuit or over temperature." I noticed the problem seemed to creep up and became more frequent when the temperature dropped. Others on Kia Stinger forums have reported the exact same issue: https://stingerforum.org/threads/dynamic-bending-light-failure.3820/ To me, this represents a safety problem, as the feature function is to provide Dynamic Bending (Swivelling) and Automatic Leveling (Leveling) to control headlight beam pattern with curves in the road. I have reported this problem to my local Kia dealer and to the national Kia customer service line, but neither of them seemed to have yet heard of the problem. Consumer was told by RAM truck would be brought to a RAM DEALERSHIP to have the diagnostic run!
Service Brakes
Filed Jan 4, 2022MD
I took my 2018Kia Stinger into my local authorized Service Center (Nationwide Kia, Timonium MD.) on August 17,2021 to check recall # SC204 (Brake Vacuum Pump) and they determined that the recall DOES need to be performed, but they did not have the part(s) in stock to perform the recall. They had me bring the car back on September 21, 2021 after they confirmed my reason for the return visit and accepted my appointment. I dropped my car off on that morning only to get a call later that day that they did not do anything because they did not have the parts. They told me thy would follow up to complete the recall, which they never did even after my attempts to get them to do so. On November 5, 2021 I submitted a complaint with Kia Cutomer Service and they assigned case # 14469559. Since then, I have contacted Kia Customer Service approximately every 2 weeks and have only been able to get the "automated response" and no actual response. I am at the point that I must assume no one (the dealership or Kia America) will be of no help and I am certainly concerned that I have been driving my car for the last 5 months with a Brake Vacuum Pump that has been confirmed that it needs replacement. Thank you.
Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 4, 2021FL
While driving 35 mph, about 2 miles into a drive all these lights came on at once in amber or yellowish color. ABS, Traction Control, and Auto Hold. So freaking out, I stopped at a stop sign and turned the car off. Restarted the car, lights were still on then went off after clearing the stop sign by 1/2 mile. The lights stayed off till destination 25 mi away. Parked car and turned off engine. Turned car back on no lights, 2 miles into road trip, 35 mph, all the lights came on again, stayed on solid till destination about 25 mi away. Parked car, turned off engine called local dealership.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 25, 2021CA
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A USED 2018 KIA STINGER PREMIUM. I WAS NOTIFIED ONLINE THAT MY VEHICLE HAD AN OUTSTANDING RECALL, SC196A WITH A FIRE HAZARD FROM THE FUSE BOX. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH GARDEN GROVE KIA AND ASK NUMEROUS TIMES IF THE PART COULD BE ORDERED AHEAD OF TIME BEFORE I TOOK IT IN SO I DON'T HAVE TO BE INCONVENIENCED TWICE. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE FOR 3 HOURS FOR AN INSPECTION AND THEN THE PART WOULD BE ORDERED FOR ME TO COME BACK FOR THE INSTALL. I THEN CALLED THE HUNTINGTON BEACH DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THE SAME THING. I HAVE CONTACTED KIA CORPORATE AND AM AWAITING AN ANSWER. THERE HAS TO BE A MORE EFFICIENT WAY OF DEALING WITH THIS RECALL. THIS SHOULD BE DONE IN A SINGLE APPOINTMENT AND IS A LIABILITY FOR ME TO HAVE TO RETURN LATER.
Service BrakesFire
Filed Mar 22, 202125,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA STINGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED. HE ALSO STATED THAT A BURNING ODOR WOULD EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE CONTACT THEN RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V518000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. DULLES KIA(107 CATOCTIN CIR SE, LEESBURG, VA 201750), WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMED PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 16, 202027,000 milesNC
I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE GOING 70MPH WITH THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE ON AND MY SPEED SUDDENLY DROPS TO 50 ( LIKE SNAPPING YOUR FINGERS ). SCARED THE HECK OUT OF ME. WHEN I STOPPED I CHECKED THE FRONT SENSORS TO MAKE SURE THERE WAS NOTHING BLOCKING IT. A COUPLE WEEKS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED GOING ABOUT 70 ON INTERSTATE AND THE SPEED SUDDENLY DROPS TO ABOUT 50, BUT THIS TIME THE TRUCK BEHIND ME ALMOST REAR ENDED ME. BOTH TIMES WHEN THE SPEED DROPPED LIKE THAT I WAS FREAKING OUT AND TRYING TO GET MY FOOT BACK ON THE GAS AND GET MY SPEED BACK UP. A COUPLE WEEKS LATER I WAS GOING ABOUT 35 AND DID NOT HAVE THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE ON AND IT SUDDENLY STOPS AGAIN. THIS TIME THE CRASH WARNING LIGHT SHOWED UP ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE ERROR WARNING CAME UP AND SAID THE AUTONOMOUS BREAKING SYSTEM IS DISABLED. WE TOOK A PICTURE OF THE DASHBOARD. ON THE BOTTOM LEFT CORNER OF THE PICTURE IT SAYS CRUISE AND SHOWS THE ERROR LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD. CRUISE WAS NOT ON SO I ASSUME IT WAS PART OF THE ERROR THAT CAME ON WITH THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS. I AM SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE MY CAR NOW. I HAVE 2 GRANDKIDS THAT ARE IN MY CAR 3-4 TIMES A WEEK. GOD FORBID I GET HIT AND SOMETHING HAPPENS TO MY BABIES!!! I TOOK THE CAR TO HENDRICK KIA IN CONCORD, NC SO THEY COULD SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. WHEN THEY HOOKED THE CAR UP TO THE COMPUTER NO ERROR CODES SHOWED UP. ONE OF THE GUYS HAS BEEN DRIVING MY CAR HOME AND TO WORK FOR 2 DAYS AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT HAPPENED AGAIN. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW.
Complaints 1-50 of 71, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Mar 1, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.