How many problems does the 2018 KIA Stinger have?

The 2018 KIA Stinger currently has 60 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2018 KIA Stinger?

The most common problems reported for the 2018 KIA Stinger are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2018 KIA Stinger problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2018 KIA Stinger comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2018 KIA Stinger Problems

ENGINE

9 complaints

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.

Jul 17, 2025

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.

May 30, 2025

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.

Jan 29, 2025

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.

Dec 14, 2024

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.

Jul 26, 2024

+ 4 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES

7 complaints

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.

Jan 04, 2022

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.

Mar 22, 2021

Fire: 1

CAR HAS NO BRAKES WHEN INITIALLY STARTING IT AND BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. THE BRAKE PEDAL IS SO HARD THAT I AM UNABLE TO DEPRESS IT. AFTER A FEW SECONDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL BEHAVES NORMALLY. THIS PROBLEM HAS RESULTED IN ME ROLLING OUT INTO THE ROAD MORE THAN ONCE. I HAVE HAD THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO BE ANALYZED AND FIXED THREE TIMES. ONE TIME THEY REPLACED A VACUUM LINE AND THE OTHER TWO TIMES THEY HAVE REPLACED THE VACUUM PUMP. I AM CONCERNED THAT SOMETHING ELSE IS WRONG THAT IS CAUSING A BRAKE OVERPRESSURE CONDITION THAT IS CAUSING THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP AND THE VACUUM LINE FAILURES. THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THAT I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO PICK UP MY CAR NOW THAT THE VACUUM PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED AGAIN. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR WITHOUT FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF WHY BRAKES AND THE VACUUM PUMP KEEPS FAILING.

Sep 29, 2020

WHEN BRAKING THE VEHICLE SHUDDERS WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THIS IS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ALMOST EVERY TIME THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. IT FEELS UNSAFE AND COULD BE AN ISSUE IN A PANIC BRAKING SITUATION AS THE BRAKES DON'T FEEL AS EFFECTIVE AS THEY SHOULD BE. MY VEHICLE IS RELATIVELY NEW AND NOT MODIFIED IN ANY WAY. MANY OTHERS WITH THIS VEHICLE ARE REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE REPORTED IT TO KIA AND THEY DENY THERE IS A PROBLEM. THERE REALLY SHOULD BE A RECALL TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE THAT JUST ABOUT EVERYONE WITH THIS CAR SEEMS TO BE HAVING. I BELIEVE THIS COMMON PROBLEM HAS PROBABLY LED TO ACCIDENTS AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO.

Jun 07, 2020

VEHICLE SHAKES WHEN APPLYING THE BREAKS AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40MPH. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE THE CAR HAD ABOUT 10K MILES.

Oct 29, 2019

+ 2 more complaints for this component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

6 complaints

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!

Jan 05, 2025

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!

Jan 11, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 KIA STINGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS DID NOT PROJECT ENOUGH ILLUMINATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE BEGAN EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON SEPTEMBER 3, 2019. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FERGUSON KIA (1601 N ELM PL, BROKEN ARROW, OK 74012) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE PERFORMING ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

Oct 01, 2019

THE KIA DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED UPDATE/REPLACEMENT OF THE ECU. BEFORE THE REPLACEMENT MY CAR HAD AMBIANT LIGHTING FOR THE CABIN THAT CHANGED LIGHTS. AFTER THE ECU UPDATE/REPLACEMENT THE AMBIANT LIGHTING DOESN'T NOT WORK AND IT'S NO LONGER AN OPTION IN MY CARS SETTINGS.

Feb 23, 2019

CONDENSATION" INSIDE" THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY CONTINUALLY APPEARS AND HINDERS THE VEIW. ONCE AFTER WASHING THE VEHICLE AND SEVERAL TIMES AFTER A SHORT DRIVE THEN RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE IT AGAIN. WHERE AND WHEN IT OCCURS IS RANDOM AND OFTEN. AFTER THIS CYCLE CONTINUES THE INSIDE LENS LEAVES A RESIDUAL FILM ULTIMATELY REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. CAR HAD 4000 MILES ON IT THE FIRST TIME IT WAS NOTICED. BRAND NEW CAR. $52000.00.

Dec 16, 2018

+ 1 more complaint for this component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

5 complaints

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.

Sep 08, 2025

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.

Dec 07, 2023

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.

Dec 04, 2023

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.

Nov 21, 2023

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.

Jan 09, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 complaints

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.

Nov 15, 2025

Crash: 1

2018 KIA STINGER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SAFETY RECALL. 18V-754. *LD *TR

Feb 25, 2019

RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 18V-754 POSSIBLE WIRE HARNESS DAMAGE AND BROUGHT TO DEALER ON 1/2/19. THE INSPECTION FAILED AND DEALER PROVIDED A LOANER CAR. TOMORROW 2/2/18 WILL BE 2 MONTHS AND DEALER HAS NOT RECEIVED A PART NUMBER FOR THIS RECALL AND CANNOT PERFORM WORK. WISCONSIN LEMON LAW CAN TAKE AFFECT ON 2/2/18 (30 DAYS WITHOUT USE). COMPLAINT IS ABOUT WHY DEALER CANNOT GET A PART NUMBER TO ORDER FROM KIA ENGINEERING. I ALSO OPENED A CASE WITH KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS CASE # 13009803 BUT THEY HAVE BEEN LITTLE HELP TO DATE. CAR IS A 2018 KIA STINGER GT2

Feb 01, 2019

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

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.

Sep 18, 2025

Oil pressure switch is malfunctioning. At idle, low oil light comes after. When accelerating the light goes off.

Feb 20, 2025

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.

Dec 04, 2021

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 complaints

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.

Aug 27, 2025

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.

Mar 11, 2025

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.

Mar 15, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

3 complaints

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.

Mar 25, 2021

AN INJURY HAS NOT OCCURRED. THE DEALER DID NOT SEEK TO RESOLVE THE RECALL ISSUE. KIA MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXIST IN CERTAIN 2018 STINGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 20, 2017 THROUGH JUNE 8, 2018. THE DEFECT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT WIRING HARNESS WHICH CAN RESULT IN AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE. THE FRONT WIRING HARNESS IS LOCATED IN THE ENGINE AND PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS ADVISED TO FILE AN ONLINE COMPLAINT BECAUSE THE SAFETY RECALL WAS NOT ADDRESSED.

Oct 14, 2019

VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE NOT RUNNING. CAME OUT OF BIG DEAL CONVENIENT STORE LOCATED ON RTE 9 CHESTERFIELD, NH TO FIND SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. CALLED 911 AND USED A STORE FIRE EXTINGUISHER TO TRY TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES. WAITED FOR THE FIRE DEPT TO ARRIVE, THEY PUT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE OUT.

Dec 28, 2018

Fire: 1

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

Fuel pump recall came back but Kia wouldn’t take it back without the recall being open

Jul 24, 2025

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.

Jul 26, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

*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.

Mar 21, 2024

WENT TO CAR WASH TO DEGREASE ENGINE IN THE EVENING. CAR WAS PARKED IN CAR WASH BAY NOT RUNNING. SPRAYED GUNK ENGINE DEGREASER ON MOTOR AND CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE IN A FEW SECONDS UNEXPECTEDLY. CAR WAS NOT RUNNING. QUICKLY PUT FIRE OUT WITH WATER AND FUEL LEAKS AFTER CAREFUL INSPECTION AND ELECTRICAL WIRES FOUND BARE AND BURNT. NOT SURE IF THERE WAS A SHORT OR A FUEL LEAK PRESENT BEFORE USING GUNK DEGREASER BUT DID NOT EXPECT FIRE FOR DOING THIS. PREMIUM MODEL STINGER WITH 2.L T GDI ENGINE. LOVE THE CAR BUT DID NOT EXPECT THIS. :( REPAIR EXPENSIVE TO NOT REPLACE MOTOR. AROUND $13,000 AT DEALERSHIP. *TR

Jun 26, 2020

Fire: 1

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

2 complaints

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! Metro Kia basically said there was nothing they could do even though it was them who did the last repair. Russ Darrow Kia who originally sold us the vehicle also said we were screwed. We stopped work on the vehicle for now because we can't afford it and $2k in rentals. Opened a case with Kia on 2/14/23 due to the 2.0 THETA II engine recalled which Stingers are NOT included on, but haven't heard back yet. Never buying another KIA ever again because it's been nothing but PROBLEMS!

Feb 18, 2023

VEHICLE BEGAN EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER AND ENGINE KNOCKING. THIS GRADUALLY BECAME WORSE AND WOULD SUBSTANTIALLY LOSE ALL POWER UPON TAKEOFF AT INTERSECTIONS CAUSING FOR DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING SITUATIONS. KIA REPLACED THE ENGINE BUT THE ISSUE PERSISTS AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE. THEY REFUSE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM OR BUYBACK THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLE.

Dec 02, 2019

STRUCTURE

2 complaints

SAME AS REPORTED NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11202935. BODY INTEGRITY ISSUE WHEN CAR IS UNDER TORSION, AS IN A TURN UPHILL OR DOWNHILL. CAUSES MOVEMENT AROUND A-PILLAR, B-PILLAR, AND/OR DOOR WINDOW FRAME, WITH NOTICEABLE NOISE. TAKEN TO DEALER TWICE, THEY ONLY SAY THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE THE ISSUE, PLUS THEY DON'T HAVE A BODY SHOP TO DO FURTHER INVESTIGATION.

Jan 03, 2020

WHEN CAR GOING OVER BUMPS/IMPERFECTIONS ON ROAD, A TICKLING NOISE CAN BE HEARD NEAR B PILLAR OR A PILLAR. THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE WITH MANY USERS COMPLAINED IN ONLINE FORUMS AND DEALERSHIPS. I TOOK THE CAR FOR INSPECTION MULTIPLE TIMES AND KIA USA DENIED IT IS AN ISSUE AND REFUSE TO PROVIDE FURTHER REPAIR, INSPECTION OR ASSISTANCE. THE NOISE IS VERY OBVIOUS WHEN TURNING INTO A SLOPED DRIVEWAY AND THE BODY IS EXPERIENCING TORSIONAL FORCES. A CONSUMER IN CANADA EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE AND GOT IT DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED AT GUS REVENBERG KIA WINDSOR ONTARIO CANADA. USER DARREN1556 IN THIS POST BELOW DESCRIBED THE DETAILS: "IT WAS THE JOINT BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD FRAME AND WHERE IT MEETS THE TOP OF THE A-PILLAR. HAVING MY ROOF COMPLETELY EXPOSED THE TECH STUCK SOMETHING IN THE BAD JOINT AND THE NOISE WAS GONE. I'M NOT SURE IF THEY PUT A SPOT WELD IN THE END OR TWEAKED THE METAL PERMANENTLY." HTTPS://STINGERFORUM.ORG/THREADS/CREAKING-NOISE-DRIVER-SIDE-DASH-AREA.3355/PAGE-2 I BELIEVE ANYTHING RELATED TO BAD JOINTS OF WELDING AND RIGIDITY OF THE CAR FRAME COULD BE A SAFETY CONCERN. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AS KIA USA REFUSED TO TAKE ANY ACTIONS, WHILE KIA CANADA HAS DIAGNOSED AND FIXED THE ISSUE. THANKS,

Apr 22, 2019

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Oct 21, 2025

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

May 16, 2025

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

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.

Feb 04, 2025

SEATS

1 complaint

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 driver seat to clean the dust from the top of the seat and the seat did not go back up after recline. After my own research I found out that many people online who own the same vehicle encountered the same issue I have attacked screenshots of the other people encountering same issue. It can be found on the Stingerforum online and on Reddit

Jul 09, 2024

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Feb 13, 2024

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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

Oct 26, 2023

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Oct 01, 2023

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

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.

Apr 30, 2023

STEERING

1 complaint

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.

Mar 20, 2023

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

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.

Oct 16, 2020

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

MY REAR GLASS SHATTERED WHILE MY CAR WAS PARKED INSIDE MY GARAGE. THE ENTIRE GLASS WAS SHATTERED WITH NO APARENT DAMAGE TO THE GLASS.

Sep 27, 2019

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

THE VEHICLE WAS IN CAR ACCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND HAD ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ON AND VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME SO IT SHIFTED DOWN SO CAR WAS IN FRONT OF ME AND LANE ASSIST JERKED THE WHEEL AS I WAS APPROACHING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND CAUSED ME TO GO INTO THE OTHER LANE AND AND THEN IT RESUMED SPEED BECAUSE IT DID NOT REALIZE A VEHICLE WAS COMING THE OTHER WAY. AT THIS TIME I HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR. BY THE TIME I COULD GET BACK OVER AND GOT CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IT WAS TO LATE AND I HIT SOMEONE AND THEY DIED. THIS CAR HAS A DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION AND THESE SAFETY FEATURES ARE PUT IN VEHICLES TO HELP BUT I AM NOT SO SURE THEY HELP AND ARE

Aug 08, 2019

Crash: 1

Fire: 1

Injuries: 2

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE

1 complaint

I PARKED MY 2018 KIA STINGER AT HOME AFTER DRIVING 40 MIN, MOSTLY HIGHWAY. NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR DURING THIS TIME. AFTER ROUGHLY 5 MINUTES IN MY HOUSE, I BEGAN TO SMELL A BURNING ODOR. I LOOKED AROUND THE HOUSE FOR ANYTHING BURNING. I SEARCHED THE 1ST/2ND FLOOR, BUT NOTHING. I OPENED MY BACK DOOR AND THE SMELL WAS STRONGER, BUT NOTHING WAS UNUSUAL. THE FURNACE WAS OKAY. THEN I HEARD FIRE TRUCKS AND POLICE OUT FRONT. I WENT OUT AND SAW MY CAR IN FLAMES.

Feb 13, 2019

Fire: 1

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