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Exterior lightingPart report

2018 Kia Stinger Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
10%of 71 total for the year
Median mileage
3,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2018 Kia Stinger, 10% of the 71 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The Kia dealership performed a manufacturer recommended update/replacement of the ecu. Before the replacement my car had ambiant lighting for the cabin that changed lights. After the ecu update/replacement the ambiant lighting doesn't not work and it's no longer an option in my cars settings.”

NHTSA complaint #11182090, filed 2019-02, 12,000 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11140710, filed 2018-10, 100 miles

“Adaptive front lighting system error. For the last several months, and more frequently in the last 2 weeks when the weather has been colder, the dashboard warning light for the adaptive headlights has come on -- initially intermittently, but now solid nearly every time I turn on the vehicle. Bluedriver OBDII tool tells me this is error code B2325: Swivel module fault left short circuit or over temperature. I noticed the problem seemed to creep up and became more frequent when the temperature dropped. …”

NHTSA complaint #11447095, filed 2022-01

“The bright lights on both headlights stopped working instantly.. the design is flawed as it operates on a shutter using one bulb.. the malfunction is cause by premature failure of the gears in the shutter. The dealerships are aware of this problem as the shutter is also used in their Telluride vehicles as well… it causes safety issues when driving at night. Kia also knows the problem also the gear in the headlight can’t be replaced and Kia forces to replace whole headlight assembly which is $1200 per light.. …”

NHTSA complaint #11634213, filed 2025-01

“Around a two years ago the headlight brights failed and have yet to come back. Kia refuses to fix the issue stating normal wear. This is an incredible hazard to safety in night operation of the vehicle. We are told it is due to a motor in the headlight assembly failing. There are many forum post about this issue and the only known fix is to replace both headlight assemblies at a cost of upward of $1800 a piece. This is a failure that should not be taken lightly and all lighting a safety devices should be of the upmost importance.”

NHTSA complaint #11710322, filed 2026-01

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202216%
202016%
201912%
2018710%

Other parts of the 2018 Kia Stinger

Engine
24 complaints
Fuel system
16 complaints
Electrical system
11 complaints
Brakes
9 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
7 complaints
Other or unknown
5 complaints
Engine cooling
4 complaints
Steering
3 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Vehicle speed control
3 complaints
Lane departure
1 complaints
Seat belts
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2018 Kia Stinger

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology