2018 Kia Stinger Complaints

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/09/2026

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 vehicle on Novermber 16th 2024. I am now experiencing the same symptom and code the recall was meant to fix, indicating the repair did not resolve the defect. The original repair only updated the software but did not replace the fuel pump. The dealer, Jack Daniels Kia in NJ, has quoted me a $250 diagnostic fee before proceeding further. Under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (49 U.S.C. § 30120), once a safety recall has been issued, the manufacturer is required to remedy the defect, including diagnosis tied to that defect, free of charge to the owner. This applies whether the issue is addressed as a continuation of SC281, a revised action (I was told a repair labeled "SC281Y" applies, though it does not currently appear in the dealer's system under my VIN), or simply as a recurrence of the same defect after an incomplete repair. The SC281Y memo from Kia is PROOF that Kia knows the original SC281 fix did NOT resolve the defect for my car. This is a dangerous situation that KIA MUST resolve. I am requesting that Kia: 1. Confirm my VIN against campaign 23V634000 and clarify the status of any SC281Y follow-up action. 2. Investigate why the original SC281 repair did not resolve the defect. 3. Waive the $250 diagnostic fee, as it is tied to a defect already covered under an open federal safety recall. 4. Perform any necessary repair at no cost to me.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 02/27/2026

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).

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/10/2026

Oil light comes on and out i do have warranty for the car.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 01/26/2026

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 authorize towing or a loaner vehicle upfront, leaving me without safe transportation. This is a serious safety issue, and Kia is unable to provide a timely remedy.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 09/01/2024

Around a two years ago the headlight brights failed and have yet to come back. Kia refuses to fix the issue stating normal wear. This is an incredible hazard to safety in night operation of the vehicle. We are told it is due to a motor in the headlight assembly failing. There are many forum post about this issue and the only known fix is to replace both headlight assemblies at a cost of upward of $1800 a piece. This is a failure that should not be taken lightly and all lighting a safety devices should be of the upmost importance.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/14/2025

related malfunction on my 2018 Kia Stinger. My hazard lights are activating on their own, changing flash speeds, and failing to turn off at times. This creates a safety concern while driving.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 10/13/2025

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/16/2025

I was driving my car as normal, but noticed a clicking noise but with NO dashboard lights on. Went to my dad who was formerly a mechanic to check it out. He put a few fluids in it, told me to drive it for a few miles. Went no more than 5 miles before the car just shut off and into neutral on me whilst driving. No dashboard lights came on until this moment, so not sure if all of the sensors were broken or not prior, but this opened my eyes to that possibility. Have not been able to get the car repaired/fully diagnosed quite yet.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE — Filed 08/10/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked abnormally while accelerating. The check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V634000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 115,000.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 08/27/2025

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 was also informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle received the turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,270.