Kia Stinger fuel pump problems

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Fuel system · MO

Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2018 Kia Stinger 3.3L Twin-Turbo I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2018 Kia Stinger 3.3L twin-turbo due to a suspected failure involving the high-pressure fuel pump and high-pressure fuel pipe. While driving, my vehicle began hesitating and sputtering while stopped at a traffic light. The vehicle subsequently became unable to start. The engine cranks but will not remain running. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair facility for diagnosis. The mechanic tested the vehicle by manually supplying fuel, and the engine started but only ran for a few seconds before shutting off. The mechanic suspects a failure involving the high-pressure fuel pump and high-pressure fuel pipe. I am concerned about the safety implications of this failure because the vehicle experienced hesitation and sputtering while operating in traffic. A fuel-system failure that causes an engine to lose power or shut off unexpectedly could create a dangerous situation for the driver and other motorists. I contacted Kia Customer Care and provided my VIN. Kia informed me that there were no open recalls applicable to my vehicle and declined goodwill assistance. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document this complaint and review whether the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel pipe failures in 2018 Kia Stinger 3.3L models warrant further investigation or a safety recall. Vehicle: 2018 Kia Stinger 3.3L Twin-Turbo VIN: [XXX] Reported symptoms: Hesitation, sputtering, crank-no-start condition, and engine shutting off shortly after starting. Suspected components: High-pressure fuel pump and high-pressure fuel pipe. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ

the federal safety agency Vehicle Safety Complaint Statement Vehicle: 2018 Kia Stinger Premium 2.0L Turbo VIN: [XXX] Component: Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: High Pressure Pump [1, 5] Recall Campaign Reference: 2023 Kia High-Pressure Fuel Pump Safety Recall [5] 1. Failure of Initial Recall Remedy & Active Safety Hazard This vehicle was subject to the 2023 Kia High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Safety Recall due to a known manufacturer defect that causes fuel pressure drops, stalling, and loss of motive power on the highway. I originally presented the vehicle to an authorized dealership (Kia Cherry Hill) for execution of this critical safety recall. Instead of physically replacing the defective mechanical pump as required by federal safety guidelines, the dealership only performed a corporate software update and released the vehicle back into commerce with the defective hardware still active. This failure to execute the physical remedy allowed a known, high-risk safety hazard to remain completely unmitigated in the vehicle. 2. Recurrence of Failure and Catastrophic Incidents The unreplaced defective safety component inevitably failed, causing the vehicle to suffer severe pressure drops and repeatedly drop into an emergency "constant limp mode" while driving. The vehicle was brought to Turnersville Kia (Sicklerville, NJ) to finally address the failed component. Turnersville Kia replaced the high-pressure fuel pump and its related high-pressure pipe (Invoice #[XXX]). However, exactly 76 miles after picking the vehicle up, while traveling on a public roadway, the vehicle suffered an immediate, catastrophic structural engine blowout (severe rod bearing failure and turbocharger meltdown) [5, 5]. The vehicle immediately lost all motive power, creating a severe, sudden highway safety hazard. 3. Technical Negligence & Post-Repair Safety Failure The high-pressure fuel pump sits directly atop the cylinder head and is driven mechanically by an engine camshaft lobe. The line op INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Filed Jul 18, 2026 · Fuel system · NJ

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.

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Fuel system · SC

My car started skipping or stalling when I'd press the accelerator. Then the check engine light came on. I took it to an Independent mechanic and it showed high pressure fuel pump or system. The spark plugs were changed, but the problem remained. I checked and noticed that there was a recall for that particular problem. I called the dealership and they said my VIN wasn't attached to it. But I do think it should be.

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Fuel system · FL

Was wondering why this vehicle isn't included in the fuel pump recall .There is hesitation, starves for fuel. All the symptoms, per mechanic, saying that is should be included!

Filed Mar 31, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · AZ

I am reporting a Failure of the Remedy for the federal safety agency Recall 23V634000 (Kia Recall SC281). The original recall attempted to "fix" a High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) issue via a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). This remedy has failed. My vehicle is currently experiencing the exact safety hazard described in the recall: loss of motive power and stalling at various speeds due to HPFP failure. Despite the software "patch" performed in 2024, the physical hardware (HPFP) has now suffered a mechanical failure, rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. Description of the Incident: On or about March 15, 2026, the vehicle began lose power and stuttered while in motion, posing a significant risk of a rear-end collision. Diagnostic scans (OBD-II) confirmed code [Insert Code if known, e.g., P0087 for Low Fuel Rail Pressure]. A secondary diagnosis at Courtesy Kia (Mesa, AZ) on March 18, 2026, confirmed the HPFP has failed. Failure of Manufacturer to Act: The manufacturer (Kia America, Case #XXX) is currently refusing to replace the failed component under the recall mandate. They are categorizing the repair as "Goodwill" because the recall was "closed" by the unsuccessful software update. The manufacturer’s refusal to remediate a known mechanical defect that causes stalling in traffic is a direct violation of the spirit and legal requirement of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Current Location of Vehicle: Courtesy XXX. The vehicle is grounded as it is unsafe to operate.

Filed Oct 1, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · MA

Since April I have been having the same issue. Sometimes when I am stopped and the autostop is supposed to shut down the engine, the engine just sputters and if I hit the gas nothing happens. I have to put the car in park and shut it down then restart it. I try to shut the auto stop off when I get in the car but sometimes I forget. It has happened at over 20 times that I have documented over the last couple of thousand miles, many times in dangerous locations, in the middle of interactions or waiting for a light. The engine light has also gone on and off over the last couple of months. The car is now at the dealership and they say the high pressure fuel pump is leaking. I see there has been a recall in specific Kia Stingers, should my car be involved in this recall? The issue began around 45000 miles and continues at 52000.

Filed Sep 22, 2025 · Fuel system · FL

The issue involves the high-pressure fuel pump covered under Recall 23V634000 (Kia SC281). When the recall was marked as “completed” at the dealership, only a software update was performed. The required inspection of the fuel pump and potential replacement were never carried out. Two years later, the vehicle began experiencing problems consistent with the recall defect, including loss of power and engine performance issues. This indicates the recall remedy was not properly completed, and the defective fuel pump was left in place. The safety risk is that the vehicle may lose motive power while driving, increasing the likelihood of a crash. This problem could potentially affect other owners if recalls are being closed without full inspection or replacement. The symptoms have been observed during regular driving and can be reproduced. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Kia for the current issue beyond the original recall visit. Warning lights and drivability issues began appearing recently, which align with the defect described in the recall notice. The high-pressure fuel pump is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Sep 8, 2025 · Fuel system · 115,000 miles · GA

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 federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V634000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Jul 24, 2025 · Fuel system · HI

Fuel pump recall came back but Kia wouldn’t take it back without the recall being open