Is the 2018 Kia STINGER reliable?

The 2018 Kia STINGER has 86 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Kia STINGER?

Top problems: ENGINE (24 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (14 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (10 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Kia STINGER?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER:HOSES/PLUMBING. Contact any Kia dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Kia STINGER?

The 2018 Kia STINGER gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Kia STINGER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Kia STINGER is approximately $1,607/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Kia STINGER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2018 Kia STINGER has 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.0x the segment average of 29. The most common issue is engine problems (28% of all complaints), specifically: 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 en. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 10 fire reports filed.

10 fire reports 2 crash reports 2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

3.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

24 complaints

28%

• 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 EN
• 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 BAC
• AN INJURY HAS NOT OCCURRED. THE DEALER DID NOT SEEK TO RESOLVE THE RECALL ISSUE. KIA MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXIST IN CERTAIN 2018 STINGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 20, 2017 THROUGH JUNE 8, 2018. THE DEFECT MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT WIRIN

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 3 fire reports

“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 EN”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Kia STINGER

Based on 39 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 18K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 63K mi · 12 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 12K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 9K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

High-mileage issuemedian 64K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD25/10/2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Stinger vehicles. The front wiring harness located in the engine and passenger compartment may get damaged from contacting a burr on the left fender body panel.

Risk: The damaged wiring harness may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the wiring harness for damage. If no damage is found, a cover will be installed. If damage is found, the wiring harness will be replaced and a cover will be installed, free of charge. The recall began December 20, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC170.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2018 Kia STINGER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Kia STINGER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,607

Full coverage / month

$134

Liability only / year

$611

vs US avg

-4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1607

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Kia STINGER Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

60K mi

Spark plugs

90K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Turbo engines (Optima 2.0T, Sorento 2.5T) may benefit from more frequent oil changes.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Kia New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

5 yr / 60K mi

Powertrain

10 yr / 100K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

10 year powertrain not transferable to subsequent owners

These are the terms for a new Kia. If you're buying a used 2018 STINGER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Kia dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 86 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 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 EN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: 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 EN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: NEW CAR. AS SOON AS AROUND 4K MILES TO PRESENT 7K MILES, BRAKES ARE UNSAFE WITH SIGNIFICANT VIBRATION IN PEDAL WHEN BRAKING AT MODERATE TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS (ANYTHING OVER 35-40MPH) UNDER ANY TYPE OF BRAKING. SUSPECTED FAULTY PADS WHICH ARE TOO SOFT LEAVING PAD RESIDUE ON ROTORS IMPACTING STOPPING POWE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Kia dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)