Recall 20V518 affects 28,200 2018-2021 Kia Stinger vehicles for HECU fire risk. Park outside. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash. Park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Treat instrument-panel warning lights, a burning or melting odor, or smoke from the engine compartment as a reason to pull over safely and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
Kia is recalling 28,200 2018-2021 Stinger vehicles under recall 20V518 because an engine compartment fire can start near the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit. An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury or crash, so owners should park outside and away from structures until a Kia dealer completes the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The HECU on 2018-2021 Kia Stinger vehicles with the 3.3L T-GDI engine is the hydraulic electronic control unit for the brake system. It helps manage brake pressure for anti-lock braking, traction control, and related stability functions, so the wheels keep braking in a controlled way when grip changes.
On affected Stingers, Kia identified an electrical short inside the HECU as the suspected cause, although the exact cause remained unknown. A short inside that control unit can create heat in the engine compartment. Because the HECU is mounted there, that heat can lead to smoke, melting odors, or an engine compartment fire while driving.
Owners reported warning signs before failure. Watch for tire pressure, ABS, or MIL warning lights on the instrument panel, a burning or melting odor, or smoke coming from the engine compartment.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Stinger model years, all tied to the same hydraulic brake system component.
| 2018 Kia Stinger | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Kia Stinger | hydraulic brake system |
| 2020 Kia Stinger | hydraulic brake system |
| 2021 Kia Stinger | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 28,200 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury or crash. Park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Treat instrument-panel warning lights, a burning or melting odor, or smoke from the engine compartment as a reason to pull over safely and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Kia dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2021 Kia Stinger is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Kia dealer to schedule the free new fuse kit installation that protects the HECU area tied to the engine compartment fire risk.
- Park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.
- Bring the recall notice if Kia mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V518 and Kia recall SC196 when you call.
- Call Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 with questions about scheduling or recall status.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Kia technician installs a new fuse kit in the electrical junction box. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Until that repair is complete, keep the Stinger parked outside and away from structures as Kia instructs. Kia's General Reimbursement Plan covers repair expenses already paid for this issue. Bring receipts and repair paperwork to the service desk, or contact Kia customer service, so the claim can be reviewed under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 27, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 24, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| November 24, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 30, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 30, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V518?
Recall 20V518 covers 28,200 2018-2021 Kia Stinger vehicles with 3.3L T-GDI engines. An engine compartment fire can start near the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit area while driving, increasing injury or crash risk. Kia dealers install a new fuse kit for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2021 Kia Stinger is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Stinger is included in recall 20V518. If it is, contact a franchised Kia dealer to schedule the fuse kit installation. Park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Kia dealers will install the new fuse kit free of charge. Reference recall 20V518 or Kia recall number SC196 when you call the dealer.
Is it safe to park my Kia Stinger in a garage before the repair?
No. Kia advises owners to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. The fire risk involves the area near the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, so keep the vehicle away from buildings before your dealer appointment.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V518000 |
|---|---|
| Kia customer service | 1-800-333-4542 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V518 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V518000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →