repaired · 2026 Q1
Turbo/supercharger: hoses/plumbing
Risk. An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.
2018 Kia StingerProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 72 owner complaints about the 2018 Kia Stinger, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-634 the manufacturer reports only 69% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 2, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Kia Stinger has problems
72 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
24Engine3 crash/fire/injury
12Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
11Electrical system5 crash/fire/injury
7Exterior lighting
7Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
7Power train
5Fuel system, gasoline
4Engine and engine cooling
3Steering
138 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 24 | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 12 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 11 | 5 |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 1 |
| Power train | 7 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 5 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 1 |
| 8 other systems | 13 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2018 Kia Stinger recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q3
Delivery: fuel pump
Risk. A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
Park outsideRisk. An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Wiring: front underhood
Risk. The damaged wiring harness may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Stinger year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Stinger median. How we score
'18'19'20'21'22'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Kia Stinger safety ratings
2018 Kia Stinger 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Stinger owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
(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…
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…
Own a 2018 Stinger?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.