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2018 Kia Stinger

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Stinger.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2018 Kia Stinger is a passenger car that entered the market with a four‑recall count and a concentration of engine‑related owner complaints that topped the model’s complaint history, recording 64 grievances in its first year. That 64‑complaint figure represents the highest level of issues across the 2018‑2023 period, while the 2023 model year reduced complaints to only five. Consequently, the early reliability record highlights engine‑related concerns that have largely diminished in later years.

Model year202320222021202020192018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Lug nut torque79-94 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

Tail / brake / turnEXTOEM · verified
Tire sizeP225/45R18OEM · verified
Wheel / rim8.0 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length190.2 in
Overall width73.6 in
Overall height55.1 in
Wheelbase114.6 in
Curb weight4129 lb
Track (front / rear)63 / 64.6 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)52/48

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Stinger of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

4.4–6.6 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 4.40 sec — 2018 GT2 Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2018GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V64.40 sec12.90 sec365 hpRWD
2018GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V64.50 sec13.10 sec365 hpAWD
2018GT Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V64.60 sec13.10 sec365 hpRWD
2018GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V64.60 sec13.20 sec365 hpAWD
2018GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V64.60 sec13.00 sec365 hpRWD
2018GT1 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V64.70 sec13.20 sec365 hpAWD
2018GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V64.70 sec13.20 sec365 hpRWD
2018GT2 Sedan 3.3L Twin-Turbo V64.80 sec13.30 sec365 hpRWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

Torque lug nuts to 79-94 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts311.0-318.0 ft-lbs
Cylinder Head InstructionsUse new bolts only, do not reuse old bolts.
Engine Flywheel Bolts53.0-56.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts87.0-94.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts87.0-94.0 ft-lbs;
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts14-17 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22-30 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts13.7-17.4 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts79-94 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)640 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)660 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)650 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.38-1.49 lbs.
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity3.05-3.71 oz.

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)70.0-75.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum42.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)42.0 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque16-23(17")
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque58-72(17"), 72-87(18")
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 1.023; Rear: .433
Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation.0002
Maximum Rotor RunoutFront: .001; Rear: .002

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages
148.0 inch lbs.48 in
284.0-108.0 inch lbs.84–108 in
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep M6 Bolts

152.0 inch lbs.52 in
296.0-112.0 inch lbs.; M8 Bolts96–112 in
123.0-26.0 ft. lbs.23–26 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep M6 Bolts

1108.0-120.0 inch lbs.; M8 Bolts108–120 in
114.0-17.0 ft. lbs.14–17 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
120.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
270.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
134.0-38.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 78-8234–38 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. apply liquid gasket threebond 1217H or equivalent on the edge of the cylinder block and head gasket. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. apply liquid gasket threebond 1217H or equivalent on the edge of the cylinder block and head gasket. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

124.0.0-27.0 ft. lbs.
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. apply liquid gasket threebond 1217H or equivalent on the edge of the cylinder block and head gasket. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

124.0.0-27.0 ft. lbs.
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. apply liquid gasket threebond 1217H or equivalent on the edge of the cylinder block and head gasket. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

124.0.0-27.0 ft. lbs.
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
124-27 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
2Turn 90-95 degrees90–95 degrees
390-95
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 3 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs.2.9–4.3 ft. lbs
219.5-23.1 ft. lbs.19.5–23.1 ft. lbs
3Repeat Step 2 twice.
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep Inside bolts

136.0 ft. lbs.36 ft. lbs
290.0 degrees; Outside bolts90 degrees
115.0 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
2120.0 degrees; Side bolts120 degrees
121.0-23.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
111.0. ft. lbs.
220.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
3120.0-125.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
120.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
2120.0-125.0

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 42,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,000 miAir Conditioning System (inspect) · Air Intake System (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect)
At 12,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (inspect)
Every 12,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Tank (inspect) · Fuel Tank Filler Cap (inspect)
Every 24,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Fuel Line (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 36,000 miDifferential (inspect fluid level) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill)
Every 42,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 miEngine Valves (inspect valve lash)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

In 2018 the Kia Stinger logged 64 complaints and 4 recalls, the highest complaint count in the six‑year span, but only 2 crash and 5 fire complaints. The following year, 2019, complaints fell to 42 with 3 recalls, while 2020 saw the lowest complaints (16) yet a spike to 6 recalls. Subsequent years show a steady decline in complaints (17 in 2021, 15 in 2022, 5 in 2023) and recalls (5 in 2021, 1 in 2022, 1 in 2023). The 2018 model’s top complaint areas—Engine (9), Exterior Lighting (7), Service Brakes (7), and Fuel System, Gasoline (5)—highlight specific issues that were not as prevalent in later years. Thus, 2018 sits at the peak of the recall and complaint trend, suggesting that while the vehicle may offer early‑generation performance, it carries a higher risk of unresolved defects compared to newer years. For a buyer prioritizing lower defect exposure, a 2019 or newer Stinger would be a more prudent choice.

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
100
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
64
Owner complaints
2 involved a crash · 5 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’18’19’20’21’22’23

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 64 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine9
Exterior Lighting7
Service Brakes7
Fuel System, Gasoline5
Unknown Or Other4
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Electrical System3
Engine & Engine Cooling3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V754000Electrical System:Wiring:Front UnderhoodReported 25/10/2018

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. Remedy: 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…

20V518000Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/ModuleReported 27/08/2020

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 100 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB_ELE4172026-04-14Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFOTAINMENT SOFTWARE UPDATE PROCEDURE - This bulletin…
PS7972025-12-09Back Over PreventionPITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop…
SC281Y_TSB2025-10-01Fuel/Propulsion SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT…
TSB_TRA046_R52025-04-17Power TrainTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been…
TSB_ENG222_R82025-04-03EngineTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - This…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Stinger. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

Does the 2018 Stinger have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.