2018 Kia Stinger: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Engine · 105,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact became aware of white smoke coming from underneath the hood before the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under a recall. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V169000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact was informed that the recall did not exist. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not eligible for the recall repair because the owner was the second owner of the vehicle. The contact was informed that the required full dealer service records were not provided. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Engine · UT

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 occurred on a public highway shoulder next to dry grass, creating a wildfire risk in addition to the risk to him and other traffic. On XXX, this same vehicle received recall SC300 (the federal safety agency Campaign 24V169000) at Jerry Seiner Kia in [XXX], which replaced the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly. This addressed the exact component Kia's recall identifies as a fire risk from oil leaking near the exhaust manifold. This system, and/or the oil change performed hours before the fire, may be connected to the failure, but this has not yet been confirmed by a professional inspection. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent shop. No inspection by police/insurance/manufacturer has occurred yet. No dashboard warning lights or messages appeared before the fire; the only symptom noticed was a burning smell shortly before smoke and flames appeared. The vehicle is located at [XXX] with an address [XXX] Lot [XXX] and remains available for inspection upon request. I have a pending insurance claim with Bear River Mutual. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 15, 2024 · Engine · 139,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed a very strong oil burning odor. The contact pulled over, raised the hood, and observed smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that the oil was recently changed by the dealer. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed the turbo oil feed line had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V169000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) as a possible solution however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

Filed Jun 26, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 55,700 miles · CA · fire

Went to car wash to degrease engine in the evening. Car was parked in car wash bay not running. Sprayed gunk engine degreaser on motor and car caught on fire in a few seconds unexpectedly. Car was not running. Quickly put fire out with water and fuel leaks after careful inspection and electrical wires found bare and burnt. Not sure if there was a short or a fuel leak present before using gunk degreaser but did not expect fire for doing this. Premium model stinger with 2.l t gdi engine. Love the car but did not expect this. :( repair expensive to not replace motor. Around $13,000 at dealership.

Filed Feb 13, 2019 · Body, Electrical · 6,900 miles · MI · fire

I parked my 2018 kia stinger at home after driving 40 min, mostly highway. Nothing was wrong with the car during this time. After roughly 5 minutes in my house, I began to smell a burning odor. I looked around the house for anything burning. I searched the 1st/2nd floor, but nothing. I opened my back door and the smell was stronger, but nothing was unusual. The furnace was okay. Then I heard fire trucks and police out front. I went out and saw my car in flames.

Filed Dec 28, 2018 · Electrical, Engine · 17,500 miles · NH · fire

Vehicle was in park with the engine not running. Came out of big deal convenient store located on rte 9 chesterfield, nh to find smoke coming out of the engine compartment. Called 911 and used a store fire extinguisher to try to put out the flames. Waited for the fire dept to arrive, they put the engine compartment fire out.