VEHICLE BEGAN EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER AND ENGINE KNOCKING. THIS GRADUALLY BECAME WORSE AND WOULD SUBSTANTIALLY LOSE ALL POWER UPON TAKEOFF AT INTERSECTIONS CAUSING FOR DANGEROUS AND LIFE-THREATENING SITUATIONS. KIA REPLACED THE ENGINE BUT THE ISSUE PERSISTS AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE. THEY REFUSE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM OR BUYBACK THE DEFECTIVE VEHICLE.
2018 kia Stinger powertrain problems
moderate 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
All of a sudden while driving on the road my vehicle lost total power in the middle of an intersection. I would pres the gas pedal and got no response the vehicle would not go. I had to turn car off and try starting it again then the vehicle got power. This keeps happening not everyday but it's happening about once a week while driving. There has been times where the car wouldn't restart for about…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 kia Stinger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 5 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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