DecodedCars2018 Kia Stinger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.3L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 29 hwy
- Length
- 190.2 in
- Curb weight
- 4,129 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Kia Stinger is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.3L 6-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 190 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,129 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 29 highway), 8% worse than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,300 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 71 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 190.2 in | 73.6 in | 55.1 in | 114.6 in | 63 / 64.6 in | 4,129 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stinger RWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -8% | $3,300 | 365 |
| Stinger AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -12% | $3,400 | 368 |
| Stinger AWD | 3.3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -26% | $4,100 | 445 |
| Stinger RWD | 3.3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -26% | $4,100 | 446 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Kia Stinger.
Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Stinger (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Ford Mustang | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Accord | 47 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Toyota Camry | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2018 Chevrolet Camaro | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (4)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/Supercharger › Hoses/Plumbing · Mar 1, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V169000 · 36,248 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Sep 13, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V634000 · 18,224 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles. The fuel control valve plunger may stick inside the high pressure fuel pump, causing over-pressurization and loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the engine control unit software, inspect, and replace the fuel pump as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 18, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC281.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Aug 27, 2020 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 20V518000 · 28,200 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors America (Kia) recalled certain 2019 Stinger vehicles equipped with 3.3L T-GDI engines on August 27, 2020. On December 30, 2020, Kia expanded the recall population and added certain 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles. While driving, an engine compartment fire may occur in the area where the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) is located.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash.
- Fix
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fuse kit in the electrical junction box, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The recall began November 30, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC196.
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood · Oct 25, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V754000 · 16,011 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Not every 2018 Kia Stinger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Kia Stinger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 24 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 11 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Electrical System — 10 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 25,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Kia Stinger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Stinger years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Stinger | 25 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 5 |
| 2022 Stinger | 25 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 18 |
| 2021 Stinger | 25 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 17 |
| 2020 Stinger | 25 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 16 |
| 2019 Stinger | 25 | 190.2 in | Not rated | 3 | 44 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →