TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: OVERHEAD CONSOLE SUNGLASS DOOR-LATCH REPAIR - This bulletin provides information to repair the overhead console lamp assembly and sunglass door latch on some 2012-2023MY model vehicles listed in the table below, which may encounter the sunglass case of the overhead console lamp not closing properly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Kia Stinger lighting problems
moderate 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
When does it fail?
Of the 7 lighting complaints filed for the 2018 Kia Stinger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA lighting complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibit a bulb connector concern. To correct this concern, replace the connector with a new and improved part.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB - SERVICE ACTION: HEADLAMP ?WELCOME BLINK? OPERATION ? ICU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA331) - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Integrated Central Control Unit (ICU) on some 2018MY Stinger (CK) vehicles, produced from September 21, 2017 through December 15, 2017, which in very rare circumstances may experience inoperative ?welcome blink? of the headlamps.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Condensation" inside" the head light assembly continually appears and hinders the veiw. Once after washing the vehicle and several times after a short drive then returning to the vehicle to drive it again. Where and when it occurs is random and often. After this cycle continues the inside lens leaves a residual film ultimately requiring replacement. Car had 4000 miles on it the first time it was…
Headlights cannot be adjusted side-2-side. Currently both driver and passenger side headlights point off center to the left, blinding on-coming traffic. This is also a massachusetts vehicle safety violation which could result in a rejection when the vehicle is due for inspection.
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Kia stinger. The contact stated that the low beam headlights did not project enough illumination. The contact stated that the failure began ever since the vehicle was purchased on september 3, 2019. The vehicle was taken to ferguson Kia (1601 n elm pl, broken arrow, ok 74012) where it was diagnosed that the headlights were performing according to specifications. The…
Had lighting trouble with your 2018 Kia Stinger?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2018 Kia Stinger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 7 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 7,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Kia/Stinger.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.