The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 28 of 72 complaints (39%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Electrical include more fire reports (4) than those mentioning any other identified area.
At a glance
- NHTSA complaints
- 72
- Recall campaigns
- 4
- EPA fuel cost per year
- $3,100–$3,850
- Combined MPG
- 20–25
Complaints by model year
Where owners report problems
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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | vs. 2018 Midsize Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,100–3,850 | 3,100–3,850 | 3,100–3,850 | |
| Combined MPG | 20–25 | 20–25 | 20–25 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 17–22 / 25–29 | 17–22 / 25–29 | 17–22 / 25–29 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 365–446 | 365–446 | 365–449 | |
| Complaints filed | 72 | 44 | 16 | |
| Recalls issued | 4 | 3 | 6 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 1 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 5 | 3 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 2 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Stinger have?
4 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2018 Kia Stinger?
Engine: 28 of 72 NHTSA complaints (39%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia Stinger get?
EPA rates it 20–25 MPG combined across 4 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Kia Stinger?
EPA estimates $3,100–$3,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (4)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.3L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,850 (high) | 445 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | $3,850 (high) | 446 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 21 mpg | 29 mpg (high) | 24 mpg | $3,200 | 368 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 22 mpg (high) | 29 mpg (high) | 25 mpg (high) | $3,100 (low) | 365 g/mi (low) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 28 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 17 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 11 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Brakes | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (4)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING
- Defect
- 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Defect
- 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
- Defect
- 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
- Defect
- 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.