2018 Kia Stinger Problems

High Complaint Volume

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Stinger.

< older2019
Complaints
86
Crashes
4
Fires
12
Injuries
6
Fatalities
3
Recalls
4

Worst 2018 Kia Stinger Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#121 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:45,823 mi
Fires:3
#29 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:15,617 mi
Crash-related:2
Fires:4
#39 complaints

Fuel System

Avg mileage:55,700 mi
Fires:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Kia Stinger.

Engine Problems
21
complaints
Crashes
Fires
3
Avg Miles
45,823
Electrical Faults
9
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
4
Avg Miles
15,617
Fuel System
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
55,700
Headlight/Taillight Failures
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
5,033
Brakes
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
13,500
Transmission / Drivetrain
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
8,828
Gasoline Fuel System
4
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Engine & Cooling
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Unintended Acceleration
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Steering Defects
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
Electrical System:Wiring
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel Pump
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Seat-Related Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Hydraulic Brakes
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc:Rotor
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Suspension Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Wipers & Visibility
1
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Stinger. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2018 Kia Stinger

4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~98,683 vehicles.

24V169000Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger:hoses/plumbing
~36,248 affected

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.

23V634000Fuel Pump
~18,224 affected

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.

20V518000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
~28,200 affected

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 area where the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) is located.

18V754000Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood
~16,011 affected

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.

Other Kia Stinger Years

2018 Kia Stinger — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2018 Kia Stinger reliable?
Verdict: High Complaint Volume. The 2018 Kia Stinger has 86 NHTSA complaints, 4 crash-related, and 4 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Engine Problems with 21 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2018 Kia Stinger?
Top reported problems: Engine Problems (21 complaints, avg 45,823 mi); Electrical Faults (9 complaints, avg 15,617 mi); Fuel System (9 complaints, avg 55,700 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Kia Stinger?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 30,285 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2018 Kia Stinger?
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Kia Stinger include 4 crash-related reports, 12 fire reports, 6 injuries, and 3 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2018 Kia Stinger have any recalls?
Yes — 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 98,683 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2018 Kia Stinger?
This year has a higher-than-normal complaint volume. It's not an automatic no, but focus inspection on the top reported issue (engine problems) and verify open recalls have been addressed.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Kia Stinger reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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