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Kia Stinger stalling problems

12 of the 172 owner complaints about the Kia Stinger describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2020 model year.

owner complaints
12
worst model year
2020
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2021
    3
  • 2020
    5
  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    3

Often reported together

Fuel pump 6Check engine light 6Hesitation 5Loss of power 2Jerking 2Fuel smell 2Won't start 1Tire blowout 1

Trouble codes mentioned

P2180 1P2178 1P061B 1P0175 1P0172 1P0108 1P0087 1P0068 1

What owners say

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 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 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 Feb 3, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

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.

Filed Mar 5, 2025 · Fuel system · GA

My car shut off while driving down the road, it would not restart, there were no warning lights or check engine lights on. I had it towed to a repair shop and they replaced the fuel pump. Later I found out the fuel pump was recalled for the car and submitted the work receipt for reimbursement on 12/18/2024. I was never notified of the recall to have it replaced. It has been 11 weeks today and I have not been reimbursed for the $1100 I paid to have the fuel pump replaced. I could have been severely injured when my car engine shut down while driving.

Filed Jun 10, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · TX

The vehicle will shut off without reason from time to time. I'll be sitting at a light, stop sign, or intersection, and the car just shuts off. All electronics inside the car turn off, the engine turns off, and it's as if I've shut the car off to get out. Usually, I'm able to restart the car after a few moments and go about my day, but in doing some research on this issue, there have been others that have had the same issue. When others take their car in to have it investigated, the dealership is unable to locate the issue as it's extremely difficult to replicate. A person's safety is definitely in question considering if the car shuts off while driving, it could lock the steering wheel as a few others have seen. The only symptom that I have experienced is the music from the radio goes weird prior to the car shutting down.

Filed Mar 2, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · 59,272 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would jerk and hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal as the check engine light appeared on the instrument panel. One day while at a stop sign, the vehicle stalled upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where he was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact purchased the spark plugs from the dealer but had an independent mechanic perform the repair. Despite the repair, the failure occurred a second time. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where another diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was notified that both the spark plugs, and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V560000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which he linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the recall but was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and provided the same information as the dealer. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 59,272.

Filed Jan 9, 2023 · Fuel system · 62,000 miles · UT

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence where it was diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was no recall on the vehicle for the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.

Filed Jun 1, 2022 · Fuel system · CA

Dealer stated that the GDI pump has failed and that is not a common issue. My car started shuddering as I was driving in the interstate I5 north at 70mph, then the car stalled in the middle of the freeway, gas pedal was useless, if it was not because my speed was 70mph and the force of the speed keep my car moving for a little I would probably be hit by a truck putting my life and others at risk. Car was towed back to the dealer, very strong smell of gas and smoke was coming from underneath it, engine lights came on after it stalled a second time while parked on the side of the road. Only signs noticed was the shuddering one day prior to this incident but car did not stall and I thought It was because it needed oil change, other was hesitation to start while cold, after a second attempt it would start without problem. all those signs were not long lasting nor repetitive (shuddering happened only ones prior the day of the incident and ones seconds before the incident).

Filed Feb 22, 2022 · GA

Component/system failure from repair invoice: perform campain sc196a new fuse kit in junction box 1 cause action to take: service campaign 1 correction action taken sc!96/sc196a multi fuse & junction box cover installation 201121r1 failed description: repair kit multifus ,,engine injectors #3&4 stuck open causing fuel to dump into exhaust umburned ... Failed pipe assy fuel injector assy fuel my and others safety was put at risk I was on the interstate in rush hour and the car stalled in the middle lane thick white smoke coming out the back and gas smell filling up the cabin of the car and as I tried to get to the right shoulder the car kept stalling and wouldnt start and cars flying by whizzing by me and blowing the horn and could have hit me from the back or either side could have caused a pile up and killed me or others. This problem has been identified by other kia stinger gt owners ( google ) no warnings no symptoms nothing this happened friday december 31, 2021

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 Kia Stinger stalling

Which Kia Stinger years have engine stalls while driving problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2020 (5 complaints), 2018 (3 complaints) and 2021 (3 complaints).

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