PITSTOP: AWD SYSTEM CONCERN DUE TO TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE - This Pitstop provides information regarding potential concerns with the All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system due to tire sizes of differing circumference. Some customers may complain of a chatter sensation felt in the drivetrain of the vehicle and/or the failure of drivetrain component(s). A difference in tire size (width, aspect ratio, construction, rim diameter etc.) may be the cause.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Kia Stinger steering problems
critical Owners of the 2018 Kia Stinger have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
1fire
2injuries
1fatality
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.
PITSTOP: VARIANT CODING AFTER MDPS/EPS REPLACEMENT - This Pitstop provides information to perform variant coding on some 2018-2023MY Stinger (CK) vehicles, after replacement of an MDPS and/or EPS unit. The selections on KGIS do not match those on the KDS. Follow the procedure below to perform variant coding on a newly replaced MDPS and/or EPS unit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2018 Kia Stinger?
It's a serious issue. 3 complaints have been filed, including 1 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 8,500 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.