This page covers 7 recalls, 64 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Kia Stinger.
20–25 mpg combined
9.4–11.8 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
The 2018 Kia Stinger draws the most complaints around the engine and lighting systems. On the engine side, owners most commonly report the oil pressure warning light coming on, sometimes repeatedly even after an oil change, with several pointing to the oil pressure switch as the identified cause, particularly on the 3.3L V6. A smaller group describes symptoms consistent with fuel delivery problems: hesitation under acceleration, reduced fuel economy, a lit check engine light, loss of power, and black soot at the tailpipe. Brake complaints round out the top three, though without a single dominant symptom standing out across those reports. For exterior lighting, multiple owners report high-beam headlight failure they attribute to a motor inside the headlight assembly, and a separate cluster describes hazard lights activating on their own, cycling through flash speeds, or failing to shut off while driving.
64
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
5
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Kia Stinger has 7 recalls, with multiple fire risks being the most serious concern, including an engine compartment fire that can start near the anti-lock brake control unit on vehicles with the 3.3-liter turbo engine.
Three of the recalls involve fire risk. On 3.3-liter turbo models, the brake system's hydraulic electronic control unit can ignite an engine compartment fire while driving, and this recall does not apply to vehicles equipped with Smart Cruise Control. Also on the 3.3-liter turbo, the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose can deteriorate and leak oil onto hot engine components, creating a second fire risk. Separately, the front wiring harness can contact a sharp edge on the left inner fender, wear through, and short-circuit, which can also lead to a fire. On the fuel system side, a fuel control valve plunger in the high-pressure fuel pump can stick and cause over-pressurization, cutting drive power and raising the risk of a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly can be damaged by exhaust heat, causing oil to leak onto hot engine components.
What the fix does
The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly will be replaced at a Kia dealership.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel control valve plunger in the high pressure fuel pump can stick, causing fuel pressure to build up too high and resulting in loss of engine power.
What the fix does
Dealers will update engine software, inspect the fuel pump, and replace it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain vehicles with a 3.3L T-GDI engine, a fire could start in or near the brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit while driving.
What the fix does
A dealer will install a new fuse kit with two 25A fuses instead of 40A fuses to prevent an over-current condition.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An engine compartment fire may occur in the area where the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit is located while the vehicle is being driven.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new fuse kit in the electrical junction box at no cost to address the fire risk.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front wiring harness may rub against a sharp metal opening on the left inner fender, causing damage. A damaged harness can short-circuit and create a fire risk.
What the fix does
The dealer will inspect the harness for damage. If damaged, it will be replaced. A protective plug or cover will be installed over the metal opening.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front wiring harness in the engine and passenger compartment may be damaged when it contacts a sharp burr on the left fender body panel.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the wiring harness. If damaged, they'll replace it. A protective cover will be installed either way, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
