Kia Stinger Complaints

171 consumer complaints on file.

#11773060October 22, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
NHTSA 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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772693October 21, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767913September 29, 2026
ENGINE
(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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766492September 23, 2026
SEAT BELTS
Seat belt clicks in, registers as being put on by dash sensor but comes unbuckled when force pushes it forward. Latch is not fully catching on drivers seat.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763778September 12, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Safety system not working forward collision avoidance system not working found DTC C160649 ECU HARDWARE ERROR & C160649 ECU SOFTWARE ERROR AND WAS CONFIRMED THE FRONT SYSTEM IS A FAULTY ALSO EVAPORATOR LEAKING CAUSING AC TO BLOW EXTREMELY HEAT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760222August 28, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0T, VIN [XXX], suffered catastrophic engine failure at 32,000 miles due to a replacement fuel injector installed by an authorized Kia dealership. On XXX, Galeana Kia of [XXX], replaced the fuel injector on cylinder 3 under fault codes P0300 and P0303 and returned vehicle as "operating as designed." I paid for this repair out of pocket. On XXX— 57 days post-repair — Galeana Kia's own technician documented verbatim: "Found injector stuck opened. Performed compression test and found low compression on cylinder 3 due to piston ring failure. Injector stuck open washed out piston rings." The failed injector was the replacement part Galeana Kia installed on XXX Full engine replacement is estimated at $12,000. Kia America has not resolved this matter despite 11 weeks of documented engagement under case 26100462. Safety concern: sudden engine failure at highway speed. Parts quality concern: OEM replacement injector failed causing catastrophic engine damage. Request NHTSA investigate whether other 2019 Stinger 2.0T vehicles may have fuel system or injector failures creating similar risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757011August 14, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My Kia Stinger then give me troubles with the six cylinder. He fixed it couple of months down the line the problem reoccurred so-called fixed it two months down a line. The problem occurred, and now the problem reoccurred took it into the dealership. The dealership said my engine harness is melted that can be the cause of the issue and now knowing that could’ve been the cause of the issue from the get-go. They don’t want to fix it because it’s out of warranty
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755487August 7, 2026
ENGINE
On XXX my son picked up his 2018 Kia Stinger (VIN [XXX]) from Ken Garff Honda Riverdale, UT after a routine oil change, filter change, and tire rotation (RO# 5026743). About 3 hours later, while driving on [XXX] near [XXX], he noticed a burning smell, then saw smoke coming from the front of the vehicle, followed by flames from the engine compartment. He pulled over and exited safely before the vehicle was fully engulfed. No other people or vehicles were struck, but the fire occurred on a public highway shoulder next to dry grass, creating a wildfire risk in addition to the risk to him and other traffic. On XXX, this same vehicle received recall SC300 (NHTSA Campaign 24V169000) at Jerry Seiner Kia in [XXX], which replaced the left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly. This addressed the exact component Kia's recall identifies as a fire risk from oil leaking near the exhaust manifold. This system, and/or the oil change performed hours before the fire, may be connected to the failure, but this has not yet been confirmed by a professional inspection. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent shop. No inspection by police/insurance/manufacturer has occurred yet. No dashboard warning lights or messages appeared before the fire; the only symptom noticed was a burning smell shortly before smoke and flames appeared. The vehicle is located at [XXX] with an address [XXX] Lot [XXX] and remains available for inspection upon request. I have a pending insurance claim with Bear River Mutual. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754211August 1, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
While driving the steering wheel jerks back and forth as if it's trying to help assist in keeping in lanes even with the lane assistant off and it doesn't matter what speed it jerks the whole time. The steering wheel will also move on its own back and forth while in a parked position too. It's very dangerous because it's trying to jerk you all around the road at no matter what speed you're doing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752064July 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I bought this car brand new and since I purchased it in December of 2021. Every summer this car leaves me stranded everytime I shut the car off and its hot outside I took it to several kia dealerships while in warranty but because it was not showing a code they couldn't fix it. The warranty ran out and this car still won't start if its hot outside but has no issues in the winter. After 3 yrs of dealerships doing nothing to fix it because there was nothing wrong a dealership replaced the computer because they said that maybe thats why its not showing a code. I got my car back from the dealership drove across the street shut the car off and stranded for another 8 hrs. This car is the most unreliable car I have ever owned. To have a brandnew car leave you stranded in the 1st 6 months and the manufacturer do nothing to fix it is unheard of but to still be dealing with it after 4 yrs and kia doing nothing to correct the issue I will be finding a lawyer and suing kia for all my lost hrs of work for the money I paid for this junk car and for the pain and suffering it has caused since they refuse to fix it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751465July 20, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I was driving on the highway & my sunroof exploded. At first i thought someone had dropped something off a bridge , but i realized from the damages. Sunroof exploded. The glass caused damage to my paint !
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751286July 18, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749397July 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My 2022 Kia Stinger GT-Line (VIN: [XXX]) has experienced three HVAC blower motor failures in Phoenix, AZ — August 2025, June 2026, and July 2026. Loss of AC in Phoenix summer temperatures exceeding 110°F is a direct safety concern. The first failure occurred in August 2025 while the vehicle was under full factory warranty. Ken Garff Kia Phoenix replaced only the blower motor multifuse (Part No. 18980 09400) and charged $624.57 out of pocket, incorrectly advising the repair was not covered under warranty. The root cause was never properly addressed. The second failure occurred in June 2026. Ken Garff replaced the blower motor and charged an additional $545.12 without performing the correct permanent repair. The Service Manager subsequently admitted in writing via email to charging a double diagnostic fee on the first visit and charging for the same multifuse on the second visit. I discovered that Kia issued Warranty Extension Campaign WTY037 on August 14, 2024, covering this exact failure pattern in high-heat states, with Arizona explicitly named. The correct permanent repair under WTY037 is a fuse relocation procedure that was never performed at either visit. Kia America has denied my claim under WTY037 (Case#XXXX) without providing any written explanation or stated basis for the denial. Total paid out of pocket: $1,169.69 for repairs that did not resolve the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744848June 17, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743225June 10, 2026
ENGINE
Oil pressure sensor failure on the engine, there is an open TSB for this same issue/same engine on other Kia models but not the Stinger. Dealer verified that the oil pressure is fine and that it is the sensor, independently verified by a third party shop. Dealer charge is over $3k for the repair and third party is just about $2k.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741769June 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that he had initially noticed that the vehicle's A/C unit had failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where they discovered a defect with the main wiring harness. The contact then called an independent mechanic and was informed that there may be recall on the vehicle for the wiring harness. The contact inquired with the dealer about a recall and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure miel409) 896-5050age was approximately 100,000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734534April 29, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
My HECU failed which is common in Kia cars, got too hot caused it to burn out. Ended up destroying my bembro, rotor and brake calipers and had to pay 4500 to fix them and replace my ABS. Almost killed me driving on the Hampton roads bridge tunnel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732324April 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
My 2019 Kia Stinger GT2 with approximately 25,000 miles has been out of service since February 12, 2026 for diagnosis and repair of a system issue. The vehicle has remained at the dealership for over two months. Multiple repair attempts have been made, including escalation to Kia corporate engineering. Despite these efforts, the issue has not been clearly diagnosed and no permanent repair has been completed. The vehicle is currently unusable, and the inability to identify the root cause raises concerns that the issue could result in unpredictable or recurring system behavior. Given the reliance on electronic and computer-controlled systems, there is concern about safe and reliable operation if the vehicle is returned without a confirmed fix. The manufacturer has not provided a clear resolution or timeline.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729891April 8, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11728277March 31, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a Failure of the Remedy for NHTSA 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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