2018 Kia Stinger Safety Report
2018 Kia Stinger faces multiple critical recalls for fire and power loss, with unrated crash safety.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Kia Stinger
Reliability Score
The 2018 Kia Stinger receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2018 Kia Stinger
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Kia Stinger:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turbocharger Oil Feed Pipe Leak Oil leak from the left turbocharger oil feed pipe, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire. Addressed by recall 24V169000. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| High Pressure Fuel Pump Malfunction Fuel control valve plunger may stick, causing over-pressurization and loss of drive power. Addressed by recall 23V634000. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Engine Compartment Fire Risk (Abs/Hesc Module) Potential for an engine compartment fire due to issues with the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). Addressed by recall 20V750000. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Front Wiring Harness Damage Front wiring harness may get damaged from contacting a burr on the left fender apron, leading to a short circuit and fire risk. Addressed by recall 18V363000. |
High | Occasional | variable miles |
| Oil Pressure Switch Failure Oil pressure warning light illuminates due to a faulty oil pressure switch, a known issue for the 3.3L V6 engine. |
Medium | Common | 80000-115000 miles |
| Headlight Brights Failure Headlight brights fail due to a motor or shutter mechanism issue in the headlight assembly, posing a night driving hazard. |
Medium | Occasional | variable miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Kia Stinger:
Frequent complaints related to engine issues, including oil pressure warnings, knocking sounds, and loss of power, often linked to oil leaks or fuel system problems.
Issues with headlights, specifically the failure of bright lights, reported as a safety hazard during night driving.
Concerns related to the braking system, including potential fire risks associated with the HECU module, as addressed by a recall.
Problems with the fuel system, particularly the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel control valve, leading to loss of drive power and check engine lights.
Reports of electrical malfunctions, including hazard lights activating on their own and wiring harness damage leading to short circuits.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Kia Stinger
Is the 2018 Kia Stinger safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Kia Stinger has a concerning safety profile due to 4 recalls addressing critical issues like engine fires and loss of drive power. While total complaints are 64, including 5 fires and 1 death, the lack of specific crash test ratings makes a full safety assessment challenging. Potential buyers should be aware of these recall-related risks.
What are common problems with the 2018 Kia Stinger?
The most reported issues for the 2018 Kia Stinger are related to the ENGINE (9 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (7 complaints), and SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints). Specific problems include oil pressure switch failures, headlight brights not working, and fuel pump malfunctions leading to loss of power. Several of these issues are directly addressed by recalls.
Has the 2018 Kia Stinger been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 Kia Stinger has been subject to 4 recalls. These include recalls for potential engine compartment fires (24V169000, 20V750000), loss of drive power due to fuel pump issues (23V634000), and fire risk from a damaged front wiring harness (18V363000).
Are there fire risks with the 2018 Kia Stinger?
Yes, there are significant fire risks associated with the 2018 Kia Stinger. NHTSA data shows 5 reported fires, and three of the four recalls directly address fire hazards: a turbocharger oil feed pipe leak (24V169000), an issue with the HECU module (20V750000), and a damaged front wiring harness (18V363000).
What should I do if my 2018 Kia Stinger has a recall?
If your 2018 Kia Stinger is affected by a recall, you should contact a Kia dealership immediately to schedule the necessary repair. It is critical to address these recalls as they pertain to serious safety concerns such as fire risk and loss of motive power. Some complaints indicate difficulties in getting recall repairs completed, so persistence may be required.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the multiple critical safety recalls and recurring complaints about engine, fuel, and electrical systems, potential buyers should ensure all recalls have been completed and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these known problem areas.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Kia Stinger
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Kia Stinger. The data includes 64 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 5 fire incidents, 2 reported injuries, and 1 fatalities associated with this vehicle.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.