How to Replace Rear Turn Signal Bulbs on a 2018-2020 Kia Stinger
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, torque specs, and safety tips
How to Replace Rear Turn Signal Bulbs on a 2018-2020 Kia Stinger
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, torque specs, and safety tips for 2018, 2019, 2020
🔧 Rear Turn Signal Bulbs - Bulb Replacement
Replacing the rear turn signal bulbs on your Stinger means removing the tail lamp housing, swapping the bulb, and reinstalling everything carefully so the lamp seals correctly. This is a straightforward job, but the trim pieces and lamp fasteners can be easy to scratch if you rush.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1 hour
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- Turn the ignition off and keep the key/fob away from the vehicle.
- Let the rear lamps cool before touching them.
- Use gentle force on trim pieces. The tabs can break if pulled hard.
- Do not touch the glass on halogen bulbs with bare fingers. Skin oil shortens bulb life.
- If your rear lamp is LED-only, the bulb may not be serviceable. In that case, the lamp assembly must be replaced.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- 10mm socket
- Ratchet
- Short extension
- Trim panel tool
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Rear turn signal bulb - Qty: 2
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Open the hatch for easier access to the rear lamp nuts.
- If only one side is out, replace both rear turn signal bulbs as a pair if the other side is old.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Open the hatch and access the tail lamp fasteners
- Open the liftgate.
- Locate the rear lamp access area inside the cargo opening.
- Use a trim panel tool to gently release any small access cover or trunk trim section blocking the lamp fasteners.
Step 2: Remove the tail lamp retaining nuts
- Use a 10mm socket, ratchet, and short extension to remove the tail lamp nuts.
- Keep the nuts in a safe place.
- Torque on reassembly: 7 Nm (62 in-lbs)
Step 3: Remove the tail lamp housing
- Gently pull the tail lamp straight rearward to release the alignment pins.
- Use only light, even pressure.
- Do not twist the lamp housing.
Step 4: Replace the rear turn signal bulb
- Rotate the bulb socket counterclockwise and remove it from the lamp housing.
- Remove the old bulb from the socket.
- Install the new rear turn signal bulb.
- Reinstall the socket by turning it clockwise until it locks.
Step 5: Reinstall the tail lamp
- Align the lamp with the body openings and slide it into place.
- Install the 10mm nuts by hand first.
- Use the 10mm socket and ratchet to tighten them.
- Torque to 7 Nm (62 in-lbs)
Step 6: Reassemble the trim
- Reinstall any cargo trim or access cover you removed.
- Make sure all clips snap fully into place.
✅ After Repair
- Turn on the ignition and test the rear turn signals on both sides.
- Check that the lamp sits flush with the body.
- Make sure no warning light appears on the dash.
- If the new bulb does not light, recheck the socket orientation and bulb seating.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $120-$220 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $20-$50 (parts only)
You Save: $100-$170 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hour.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.


















