Summary
The KIA Stinger has 14 recalls covering 2018-2023 model years, with the most serious being a fire risk on 2018-2023 vehicles equipped with the 3.3-liter turbo engine, where the left turbocharger oil feed pipe can deteriorate and leak oil onto hot engine components while driving. Several other fire-related recalls cluster around the 2018-2021 model years. The anti-lock brake control unit can develop a fire in the engine compartment on 2018-2021 models not equipped with Smart Cruise Control, a risk that applies to both the 2.0-liter and 3.3-liter engines depending on year. On 2018 models, the front wiring harness can contact a sharp edge on the left inner fender, short-circuit, and catch fire.
On the drivetrain side, 2018-2021 vehicles have a high-pressure fuel pump where the fuel control valve plunger can stick, causing over-pressurization and sudden loss of drive power. On 2020-2021 models, a separate fuel pump issue involving a blocked jet nozzle can also cut fuel supply and cause the engine to lose power unexpectedly. The 2019 model year with the 2.0-liter engine has its own high-pressure fuel pump defect where the pump can fail outright, stalling the engine while driving.
Steering is a concern on 2020 models with the 2.0-liter turbo engine, where a component inside the electric power steering rack can fail and cause the steering to lock or become very heavy while driving.
On 2020-2021 vehicles, a software error in the instrument cluster can cause the fuel gauge to read higher than the actual fuel level, potentially leaving the driver unaware the tank is nearly empty until the engine stalls. A 2020-only recall addresses a tire inflation label that lists the wrong front tire pressure, which does not affect safety but can result in tires running at slightly incorrect pressure if the label is followed.
