2018 Kia Stinger engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

22 owners have reported engine problems with the 2018 Kia Stinger, 42% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 83,270 mi.

Engine complaints
22
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
83,270 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine19
Engine and engine cooling3

Engine complaints across Kia Stinger years

222018112019620204202142022
Engine complaints by model year. The 2018 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k110k–30k230k–60k460k–100k2100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 24V169000Mar 1, 202436,248 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING

    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.

    Risk: 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.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 29, 2026KYEngine
    (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…
    NHTSA complaint #11767913 · source
  2. Filed Aug 7, 2026UTEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11755487 · source
  3. Filed Feb 3, 2026TXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11715301 · source
  4. Filed Oct 21, 2025MIEngineOther / Unknown
    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 · source
  5. Filed Aug 27, 202583,270 miFLEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11683444 · source
  6. Filed Jul 17, 2025CAEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11674408 · source
  7. Filed May 30, 202593,300 miMIEngine
    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 · source
  8. Filed May 16, 202599,000 miGABrakesEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11661509 · source
  9. Filed Mar 11, 202570,000 miCAEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11647646 · source
  10. Filed Jan 29, 2025MOEngine
    Confirmed that the Oil Pressure Switch had to be replace. Kia had a recall begin July 3, 2019 that the part was faulty and did extend to eligible vehicles to 15 years or 150,000 miles. This part is known problem in the make and model of the Kia Stinger. My 2018 Stinger GT2 was not included in the recall. The dealer did replace and confirmed that the part number is 24V169000 which was included in the recall "SC300" by Kia but my VIN was not included. Apparently they did not…
    NHTSA complaint #11639447 · source
  11. Filed Dec 14, 2024MOEngine
    Oil Pressure Switch is bad. Kia had a recall begin July 3, 2029 that the part was faulty and did extend to eligible vehicles to 15 years or 150,000 miles. This part is known problem in the make and model of the Kia Stinger and I now have this issue with my 2018 Stinger GT2 with 115,000 miles. Many complaint on forums related to this but it seems that Kia has selected specific vehicles only. Oil light comes on when care is stopped at an idle. Then goes off and does happen…
    NHTSA complaint #11630695 · source
  12. Filed Jul 26, 2024122,000 miDCTowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shuddering and lost motor power. The contact previously replaced the spark plugs, and the engine out of pocket. In addition, excessive white smoke was coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another…
    NHTSA complaint #11604725 · source

Other 2018 Kia Stinger problem areas

  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (15)
  • Brakes (6)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (5)
  • Electrical System (5)
  • Other / Unknown (5)
  • Lighting (3)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (2)
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control (2)
  • Steering (2)
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (1)
  • Suspension (1)
  • Body & Structure (1)

Back to all 2018 Kia Stinger problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology