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2018 Kia Stinger: engine failure

6 of the 72 complaints about the 2018 Kia Stinger describe engine failure.

owner complaints
6
of this car's complaints
8%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 25 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Engine failure by model year

  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    6

What owners say

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 Sep 29, 2026 · Engine · KY

(2018 kia stinger gt2 awd) vin:[XXX] The above-referenced vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure directly resulting from a ruptured turbocharger oil feed line—the exact defect covered by federal Safety Recall SC300. The vehicle was rendered inoperable and was transported to Kia Store Elizabethtown. Service personnel at Kia Store Elizabethtown inspected the vehicle and confirmed that the failure was caused directly by the SC300 safety recall defect. Despite the dealership’s clear technical confirmation of the failure mechanism, Kia America is explicitly refusing to perform the safety recall remedy and cover the resulting engine destruction, using the presence of aftermarket air intakes as a pretext to deny federal safety compliance and warranty coverage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 4, 2025 · Transmission · IN

Oil pressure sender unit is failing on these vehicles. There are several reports on the forums about this issue. First, the oil pressure warning light appeared on the dash. I brought my vehicle to an independent service center and they performed a diagnostic. They confirmed that the oil pressure sender was bad and filling with oil. This is a fire risk as oil is leaking in a hot engine compartment. Also, as oil is lost, it could result in complete engine failure while traveling at high speeds.

Filed Feb 18, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · WI

Bought a CERTIFIED PREOWNED 2018 Kia Stinger from Russ Darrow Kia in Madison, WI Feb. 2021. Approx. Aug 2021 cylinder 3 on our 2018 Kia Stinger started misfiring. After replacing the spark plugs (x4 times) and coil packs, there was no improvement. We had it towed to Metro Kia of Madison because it was under Kia warranty still, and after 5-months and an engine replacement (including the long-block), we got our car back in Feb 2022. Flash forward to the end of Jan 2023, the Stinger starts driving rough. Idling harder, but no error codes are showing. After about 24hrs of very light driving because we knew something was wrong, an error code for cylinder 1 came up on my way home from work just a half mile away. When I got home, thick white smoke was billowing out of the exhaust which filled up the entire parking garage causing an environmental hazard to myself and my neighbors. So, I immediately open the garage doors and opened the windows to air everything out, and moved my car outside. I did some research online and figured I would try to replace the spark plugs and coil packs again, just to see if I could drive it to an independent shop because it is out of manufacturer warrenty by 3k miles. That didn't really help, and we ended up having it towed, again. After a week, find out they can't see anything on the top of the engine which has cause cylinder 1 to completely FAIL, and going to inspect for bottom side repair, plus labor, and whatever else is going to be close to $15k! Metro Kia basically said there was nothing they could do even though it was them who did the last repair. Russ Darrow Kia who originally sold us the vehicle also said we were screwed. We stopped work on the vehicle for now because we can't afford it and $2k in rentals. Opened a case with Kia on 2/14/23 due to the 2.0 THETA II engine recalled which Stingers are NOT included on, but haven't heard back yet. Never buying another KIA ever again because it's been nothing but PROBLEMS!

Filed Mar 18, 2020 · Engine · 33,000 miles · IL

Car check engine went on. Took to an auto store and was told cylinder 3 was misfiring. Proceeded to change plus myself, plugs were burnt, 1 broken, very little if any oil in the car. Took to dealer and they informed be the engine will not hold pressure. Engine needs to be replaced. Not 1 warning came on. Kia will not warranty as I have an aftermarket air filter.

Filed Dec 2, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 8,828 miles · AR

Vehicle began experiencing loss of power and engine knocking. This gradually became worse and would substantially lose all power upon takeoff at intersections causing for dangerous and life-threatening situations. Kia replaced the engine but the issue persists and has gotten worse. They refuse to correct this problem or buyback the defective vehicle.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger: hoses/plumbingReported March 1, 2024 · 36,248 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 24V169000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2018 Kia Stinger engine failure

Is engine failure a common problem on the 2018 Kia Stinger?

6 of 72 owner complaints about the 2018 Kia Stinger (8%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2018.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2018 Kia Stinger?

There is 1 recall and 25 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2018 Kia Stinger

Fuel pump 14Check engine light 9Fire or smoke 6Headlights 6Loss of power 5

All model years of the Kia Stinger

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