2018 Kia Stinger: common problems and reliability

One of the worst Stinger years.

One of the Kia Stinger years to avoid. All Stinger years

68 owner complaints, most about engine. 4 recalls.

Should I buy a 2018 Stinger?

The 2018 Kia Stinger has 68 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system.

Safety record for the 2018 model year

68
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
2
Crash reports
5
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Kia Stinger vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Stinger years only. How we score it

Is 2018 a good year for the Stinger?

Across the 6 Stinger model years we track, complaint volume runs from 5 (2023) to 68 (2018). With 68 complaints, the 2018 Stinger sits above the model's median of 18.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
22
electrical system
11
fuel/propulsion system
10
service brakes
9
exterior lighting
7

Recalls affecting the 2018 Stinger

electrical system:wiring:front underhood

Campaign 18V754000

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.

service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

Campaign 20V518000

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.

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 23V634000

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.

engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/supercharger:hoses/plumbing

Campaign 24V169000

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 owners say across generations

Mixed to positive sentiment, with a clear distinction between engine variants. The 3.3L twin-turbo V6 (TT) models are widely praised for their strong acceleration, smooth power delivery, and compelling value proposition as a sporty, practical liftback.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Stinger. See the full Stinger owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Stinger listings typically run $23,295–$29,995 across 2018 to 2023 model years.

Other Stinger model years

Compare every Stinger year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Stinger against its rivals

Looking at a specific car?

We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.

One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy