Low fuel pressure light comes on at low RPM’s commonly caused by a faulty sensor that many owners are experiencing. This was an issue with the 2.0L Kia stinger which a recall was sent out previously but is impacting the 3.3L V6 models (mine) aswell. It can cause the engine to lose power at anytime and enter a limp mode at any speed which is incredibly dangerous. A service recall was created for the 2.0L turbo stinger and there needs to be one for the 3.3L V6 aswell.
Kia Stinger loss of power problems
12 of the 173 owner complaints about the Kia Stinger describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2018 model year.
- owner complaints
- 12
- worst model year
- 2018
By model year
- 20221
- 20212
- 20202
- 20192
- 20185
Often reported together
Trouble codes mentioned
P0088 1P0087 1
What owners say
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)
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.
My 2022 Kia Stinger first went into the dealership because it would not accelerate properly even at full throttle, creating an immediate safety risk in traffic. Over multiple visits, the dealership replaced the ECM, ABS module, brake booster, vacuum pump, and a fuel injector, and confirmed repeated electrical shorts across major systems including throttle control, braking, and fuel delivery. Despite months of repairs, the loss of power, brake assist issues, ABS faults, and electrical failures continued, and the dealership never identified the root cause. The problems were reproduced and documented by the dealer, the vehicle was inspected multiple times on behalf of the manufacturer, and warning lights and drivability symptoms appeared before each failure. The vehicle is currently not in my possession, and all replaced components are available for inspection. The combination of engine hesitation, brake system failures, and repeated electrical shorts makes the vehicle unsafe and unreliable to operate.
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.
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.
On 11/13/2020 my car had 26,942 miles. I experienced my first issue with my vehicle where it lost power while driving on the freeway. My vehicle was in the shop for 17 days where they replaced the fuel pump directly affected my turbo. On 10/19/2023 my vehicle had 68,366 miles on it while driving to work when I went to accelerate from a stop sign there was no power and I literally had to drift to the side of the road. My vehicle was in the shop for seven days and it was the same issue. A few weeks after my vehicle was repaired, I received the recall notice, however at this time there was no resolution it was nearly a recall campaign. On 12/29/2023 my vehicle had 70,290 miles (not even 2000 miles since my vehicle had returned from the shop) as I was leaving work, my car begin sputtering like it was going to lose power. I made it home safely however, upon trying to start my vehicle the next morning there was a warning and a message saying not to drive my vehicle. My vehicle has been in the service center since December 30, 2023 with no resolution.
I was sitting at a red light with my foot on the brake. When I took my foot off the brake when the light turned green, my car would not drive forward!! I checked to make sure my car was not in Park. All of the lights on the dash were on and the engine was no longer running. Not to mention something similar happened November 18, 2023 where I was driving and the engine suddenly lost power And cut off, and it would not crank back up for longer than 3 secs w/o losing power. my car could no longer run. I ended up having to get it towed to a local Kia dealership On Covington Pike in Memphis, TN (the location on Mt Moriah informed me that if I took it to to their location, I would be charged $175 plus tax for them to run diagnostic on it, and it would be best to take it to the location that I purchased the car from—THAT IS ABSOLUTELY INSANE & ridiculous!!!) and all they did was replace the high pressure fuel pump. They did not hook my car up to do a diagnostic, they just went off of the code reader my friend had. The code showed P0088- fuel rail/system pressure- too high. Nothing else was checked to see if it was defective. That particular kia rep told me that there wasn’t anything they could do unless there was a check engine light lit up on the dash. Now fast forward to today, a similar situation happened, but luckily my car was able to start back up. I’ve been waiting on them to perform 1 of the recalls for over 3years now and it’s always the same story, they don’t have the part, they would have to get that ordered & contact me when it comes in & when it comes in, they don’t contact me!! I really want to know what’s going on with my car for it to still be fairly new and to have these issues when I keep the maintenance up. I can’t afford to be stranded or put myself or the lives of other motorists on the road in danger because my vehicle will randomly lose power out of nowhere. That’s unacceptable and dangerous!
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Stinger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the vehicle lost motive power inadvertently. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to his nearby residence. The contact stated upon driving the vehicle uphill that same day, the vehicle failed to exceed 2-3 MPH and started losing power. The contact stated that he drove back to his nearby residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V634000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) that he related to the failure; however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The car will lose power while accelerating and the turbo does not properly work well. Was told it was a fuel pump issue.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger: hoses/plumbing
- 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 Kia Stinger loss of power
Which Kia Stinger years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2018 (5 complaints), 2019 (2 complaints) and 2020 (2 complaints).
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