MotorDeets

2018 Kia Stinger: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2018 Kia Stinger: 4 recalls, 69 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.

4vehicle recalls
69owner complaints
2mention a crash
25best combined mpg
2018 Kia Stinger
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Electrical Vehicle recall #18V754000 · 2018 · 16,011 vehicles

What's wrong: The front wiring harness located in the engine and passenger compartment May get damaged from contacting a burr on the left fender body panel.

Why it matters: The damaged wiring harness May short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness for damage. If no damage is found, a cover will be installed. If damage is found, the wiring harness will be replaced and a cover will be installed, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2018.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #20V518000 · 2020 · 28,200 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.

The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fuse kit in the electrical junction box, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 30, 2020.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #23V634000 · 2023 · 18,224 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will update the engine control unit software, inspect, and replace the fuel pump as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #24V169000 · 2024 · 36,248 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.

The fix: Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 26, 2024.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Engine23
Electrical11
Fuel & propulsion10
Exterior lights7
Brakes7
Transmission & drivetrain6
Other / unknown5
Fuel system5

What owners describe

The 2018 Kia Stinger has 69 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 6 Stinger model years for complaints (2.4× the average Stinger year). Complaints peaked in 2025 (14 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 23,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (44 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive222925Premium
2.0 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive212924Premium
3.3 L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive172520Premium
3.3 L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive172520Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Kia Stinger.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2018 Kia Stinger manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2018 Kia Stinger manual

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FAQ

Does the 2018 Kia Stinger have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Kia Stinger. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2018 Kia Stinger problems?

Owners have filed 69 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (23), electrical (11), fuel & propulsion (10).

What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia Stinger get?

EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2018 Kia Stinger repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Stinger years

201820192020202120222023