The Kia Stinger's main problems are fire and fuel-system recalls. An engine-compartment fire can start near the ABS/HECU unit on 2018–2021 models (20V518), the 3.3L twin-turbo's left turbo oil feed line can leak on 2018–2023 models (24V169), and a sticking high-pressure fuel pump valve can cut power on 2018–2021 cars (23V634).
CarWhere lists 7 documented Stinger issues, including 7 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.
2018–2023 Stinger problems
Engine fire may start near the ABS/HECU unit (recall 20V518) (2018–2021)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2018–2023
- Years:
- 2018–2021
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
An engine-compartment fire can start in the area of the anti-lock brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) while driving. The recall began with 2019 Stingers with the 3.3L turbo engine and was later expanded to certain 2018–2021 Stingers. Dealers install a new fuse kit in the junction box, free of charge.
Symptoms
- ABS or brake warning light
- Burning smell or smoke from the engine bay, even with the car off
Check before buying
- Until the repair is done, Kia advises parking outside and away from structures
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 20V518 (2020-08-27) · 28,200 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [1]
Left turbocharger oil feed line may leak (recall 24V169) (2018–2023)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2018–2023
- Years:
- 2018–2023
- Powertrain:
- 3.3L twin-turbo V6 (GDI)
The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose can deteriorate and leak oil onto hot engine parts, raising the risk of an engine-compartment fire. Dealers replace the pipe and hose assembly, free of charge. The 36,248-vehicle count is for the whole campaign, which also covers other models.
Symptoms
- Burning oil smell
- Oil residue near the left turbo
- Smoke from under the hood
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 24V169 (2024-03-01) · 36,248 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [2]
High-pressure fuel pump valve may stick (recall 23V634) (2018–2021)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2018–2023
- Years:
- 2018–2021
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The fuel control valve plunger can stick inside the high-pressure fuel pump, over-pressurizing the system and causing a loss of drive power. Dealers update the engine computer software and replace the pump as needed, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Engine stumbles or loses power
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 23V634 (2023-09-13) · 18,224 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [3]
Front wiring harness may chafe and short (recall 18V754) (2018)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2018–2023
- Years:
- 2018
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
The front wiring harness can rub against a burr on the left fender panel, get damaged and short-circuit, raising the risk of a fire. Dealers inspect the harness, fit a protective cover and replace the harness if damaged, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Intermittent electrical faults
- Burning smell
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 18V754 (2018-10-25) · 16,011 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [4]
Fuel pump nozzle may be blocked by a plastic burr (recall 20V560) (2020–2021)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2018–2023
- Years:
- 2020–2021
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
A plastic burr left in the fuel pump's jet nozzle can block it and starve the engine of fuel, causing a loss of drive power. Dealers inspect the pump and replace the nozzle housing if needed, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Engine stumbles at low fuel levels
- Loss of power
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 20V560 (2020-09-16) · 635 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [5]
Power steering may lock or stiffen (2.0T) (recall 20V422) (2020)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2018–2023
- Years:
- 2020
- Powertrain:
- 2.0L turbo four-cylinder (GDI)
On 2020 Stingers with the 2.0L turbo engine, a component in the rack-mounted power steering assembly may have been made incorrectly, which can make the steering lock or become hard to turn. Dealers replace the steering assembly, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Steering suddenly heavy or binding
- Power steering warning light
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 20V422 (2020-07-22) · 104 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [6]
Fuel gauge may read inaccurately (recall 21V862) (2020–2021)
Safety recall- Generation:
- 2018–2023
- Years:
- 2020–2021
- Powertrain:
- Not specified in the recall
A software error in the instrument cluster can show an inaccurate fuel level, so the car could run out of fuel and stall unexpectedly. Dealers update the software, free of charge.
Symptoms
- Fuel gauge reading does not match fill-ups
Check before buying
- Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and confirm the campaign shows as remedied
- Ask a Kia dealer for the repair order showing the recall work was completed
NHTSA recall: 21V862 (2021-11-05) · 53 vehicles in the campaign
Sources: [7]