2018 Kia Stinger: owner complaints and recalls
Analysis of 65 owner complaints filed with NHTSA and 4 recall campaigns. Updated 2026-07-25.
65
Complaints
4
Recalls
2
Crash reports
5
Fire reports
2
Injuries
144.6
Severity index
Severity index 144.6 - High. This weights crashes, fires, injuries and fatalities per 100 complaints; see methodology.
Among the 121 2018 vehicles we track with at least 40 complaints on file, the 2018 Kia Stinger ranks 12 of 121 by severity, where 1 is the worst. Its severity is higher than 90% of its model-year peers. See the full 2018 ranking.
What actually fails
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 21 | 32.3% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 10 | 15.4% |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 10 | 15.4% |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 9 | 13.8% |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 7 | 10.8% |
| POWER TRAIN | 6 | 9.2% |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 5 | 7.7% |
| FUEL SYSTEM | 5 | 7.7% |
The single most-reported system is ENGINE, cited in 21 of 65 complaints (32.3%). One complaint can name several systems, so these shares overlap and do not total 100%.
Complaints filed per year
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 (year to date) | 5 |
Complaint volume is rising - the last three years carry 2.7x the filings of the three before them, which usually signals a wear-related defect surfacing with age.
Recall campaigns
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V754000 | 25/10/2018 | 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. |
| 20V518000 | 27/08/2020 | 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 |
| 23V634000 | 13/09/2023 | 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. |
| 24V169000 | 01/03/2024 | 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. |
Source. US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public complaint and recall APIs (api.nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-07-25. Complaints are unverified consumer reports; volume is influenced by how many units were sold and how long the vehicle has been on the road. Not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer.