2018 Kia Stinger

69 complaints on file, page 1 of 4.

1. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Aug 16, 2026Radcliff, KYEngine

   (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 Elizabethtown. Service personnel at Kia Store Elizabethtown inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the failure was caused directly by the SC300 safety recall defect. Despite the dealership’s clear technical confirmation of the failure mechanism, Kia America is explicitly refusing to perform the safety recall remedy and cover the resulting engine destruction, using the presence of aftermarket air intakes as a pretext to deny federal safety compliance and warranty coverage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11767913
2. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Sep 1, 2026Brooksville, FLSeat belts

   Seat belt clicks in, registers as being put on by dash sensor but comes unbuckled when force pushes it forward. Latch is not fully catching on drivers seat.

   NHTSA complaint 11766492
3. Filed Aug 7, 2026Failure Aug 6, 2026Pleasant View, UTEngine

   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 vehicle, followed by flames from the engine compartment. He pulled over and exited safely before the vehicle was fully engulfed. No other people or vehicles were struck, but the fire occurred on a public highway shoulder next to dry grass, creating a wildfire risk in addition to the risk to him and other traffic. On XXX, this same vehicle received recall SC300 (NHTSA Campaign 24V169000) at Jerry Seiner Kia in [XXX], which replaced the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly. This addressed the exact component Kia's recall identifies as a fire risk from oil leaking near the exhaust manifold. This system, and/or the oil change performed hours before the fire, may be connected to the failure, but this has not yet been confirmed by a professional inspection. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent shop. No inspection by police/insurance/manufacturer has occurred yet. No dashboard warning lights or messages appeared before the fire; the only symptom noticed was a burning smell shortly before smoke and flames appeared. The vehicle is located at [XXX] with an address [XXX] Lot [XXX] and remains available for inspection upon request. I have a pending insurance claim with Bear River Mutual. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11755487
4. Filed Aug 1, 2026Failure Aug 1, 2026Price, UTElectrical system, Assist, Steering

   While driving the steering wheel jerks back and forth as if it's trying to help assist in keeping in lanes even with the lane assistant off and it doesn't matter what speed it jerks the whole time. The steering wheel will also move on its own back and forth while in a parked position too. It's very dangerous because it's trying to jerk you all around the road at no matter what speed you're doing.

   NHTSA complaint 11754211
5. Filed Jul 18, 2026Failure Jul 9, 2026Hoboken, NJFuel/propulsion system

   My vehicle is exhibiting a loss of drive power, particularly uphill, with a diagnostic code of P0088 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too High). This is the same defect addressed by recall campaign 23V634000 (Kia SC281), covering the high-pressure fuel pump / fuel control valve plunger on 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles. I had the SC281 recall repair completed on this vehicle on Novermber 16th 2024. I am now experiencing the same symptom and code the recall was meant to fix, indicating the repair did not resolve the defect. The original repair only updated the software but did not replace the fuel pump. The dealer, Jack Daniels Kia in NJ, has quoted me a $250 diagnostic fee before proceeding further. Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S.C. § 30120), once a safety recall has been issued, the manufacturer is required to remedy the defect, including diagnosis tied to that defect, free of charge to the owner. This applies whether the issue is addressed as a continuation of SC281, a revised action (I was told a repair labeled "SC281Y" applies, though it does not currently appear in the dealer's system under my VIN), or simply as a recurrence of the same defect after an incomplete repair. The SC281Y memo from Kia is PROOF that Kia knows the original SC281 fix did NOT resolve the defect for my car. This is a dangerous situation that KIA MUST resolve. I am requesting that Kia: 1. Confirm my VIN against campaign 23V634000 and clarify the status of any SC281Y follow-up action. 2. Investigate why the original SC281 repair did not resolve the defect. 3. Waive the $250 diagnostic fee, as it is tied to a defect already covered under an open federal safety recall. 4. Perform any necessary repair at no cost to me.

   NHTSA complaint 11751286
6. Filed Mar 12, 2026Failure Feb 27, 2026Buffalo, NYFuel/propulsion system

   The oil pressure light is coming on . Even after doing oil change at dealership it’s not going away. Confirmed that the issue was with the oil pressure switch at dealership, which is a common problem for 3.3L V6 engines . Similar issue was observed in other older models with similar engine and the warranty was extended to cover this issue (WTY026).

   NHTSA complaint 11723740
7. Filed Feb 10, 2026Failure Feb 10, 2026Rochester, NYUnknown or other

   Oil light comes on and out i do have warranty for the car.

   NHTSA complaint 11717030
8. Filed Feb 3, 2026Failure Jan 26, 2026Greenville, TXEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

   My vehicle is experiencing active symptoms consistent with the defects described in recalls SC279 and SC281. These include: - Sputtering and hesitation under acceleration - Severe drop in fuel mileage - Check Engine Light - Fuel‑rail pressure fault code - Black soot at the tailpipe - Loss of power The vehicle is unsafe to drive and may stall. My dealership confirmed that the recall parts are on national backorder and cannot repair the vehicle. Kia Corporate has refused to authorize towing or a loaner vehicle upfront, leaving me without safe transportation. This is a serious safety issue, and Kia is unable to provide a timely remedy.

   NHTSA complaint 11715301
9. Filed Jan 12, 2026Failure Sep 1, 2024Duncan, AZExterior lighting

   Around a two years ago the headlight brights failed and have yet to come back. Kia refuses to fix the issue stating normal wear. This is an incredible hazard to safety in night operation of the vehicle. We are told it is due to a motor in the headlight assembly failing. There are many forum post about this issue and the only known fix is to replace both headlight assemblies at a cost of upward of $1800 a piece. This is a failure that should not be taken lightly and all lighting a safety devices should be of the upmost importance.

   NHTSA complaint 11710322
10. Filed Nov 15, 2025Failure Nov 14, 2025Hohenwald, TNElectrical systemCrash

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11699515
11. Filed Oct 21, 2025Failure Oct 13, 2025Caledonia, MIEngine, Unknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11694772
12. Filed Sep 18, 2025Failure Sep 16, 2025Houston, TXUnknown or other

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11688030
13. Filed Sep 8, 2025Failure Aug 10, 2025115,000 milesHinesville, GAFuel system, Gasoline

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11685758
14. Filed Aug 27, 2025Failure Aug 27, 202583,270 milesPanama City, FLEngine and engine cooling

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11683444
15. Filed Jul 24, 2025Failure Jun 10, 2025Kailua Kona, HIFuel/propulsion system

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

    NHTSA complaint 11675791
16. Filed Jul 17, 2025Failure Jul 7, 2025Kingsburg, CAEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11674408
17. Filed May 30, 2025Failure May 29, 202593,300 milesFarmington Hills, MIEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11663871
18. Filed May 16, 2025Failure Jan 5, 202599,000 milesMarietta, GAEngine, Service brakes, Hydraulic

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11661509
19. Filed Mar 11, 2025Failure Mar 24, 202470,000 milesLos Angeles, CAEngine and engine cooling

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11647646
20. Filed Feb 20, 2025Failure Nov 12, 2024Pensacola, FLUnknown or other

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

    NHTSA complaint 11644029