2018 Kia Stinger recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
4 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Electrical system
What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. The front wiring harness located in the engine and passenger compartment may get damaged from contacting a burr on the left fender body panel.
What could happen: 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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-8…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 STINGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Kia dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V754000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-333-4542.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
Summary: 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.
Consequence: The damaged wiring harness may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC170.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
2. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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.
What could happen: 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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-45…
What to do
- Park outside, away from houses, garages and other cars — there is a fire risk even when the vehicle is off.
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 STINGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Kia dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 20V518000 (manufacturer code SC196).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-333-4542.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC196.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
3. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. The fuel control valve plunger may stick inside the high pressure fuel pump, causing over-pressurization and loss of drive power.
What could happen: 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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC281.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 STINGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Kia dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 23V634000 (manufacturer code SC281).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-333-4542.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC281.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
4. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. 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.
What could happen: 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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC300.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2018 STINGER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Kia dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 24V169000 (manufacturer code SC300).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-333-4542.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An oil leak in the presence of hot engine components can increase the risk of an engine compartment fire while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 26, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC300.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- Portable jump starter
- 2018 Kia Stinger owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (26), Fuel system (15), Electrical system (11), Brakes (9), Lights (7).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/29/2026 · Engine
(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 inspe…
09/23/2026 · Seat 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.
08/07/2026 · Engine
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 pul…
08/01/2026 · 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 r…
07/18/2026 · Fuel 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…
03/12/2026 · Fuel 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).
02/10/2026 · Unknown Or Other
Oil light comes on and out i do have warranty for the car.
02/03/2026 · Engine
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…