Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
01120012/01/2000615647Information on the onboard refueling vapor recovery (orvr) system. *tt01/26/2001
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER - DELIVERY - FUEL PUMP
7601/01/200410015753Fuel pump relays & emissions failures. kia technician times. *tt08/10/2005

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
EA06007HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC05/09/200611/30/2007FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
 A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.review of the warranty data revealed elevated tank leakage experience in vehicles produced from june 1999 to october 2000.analysis of complaints and warranty claims identified multiple causes and origins of fuel tank assembly leakage.the majority of complaints involve non-specific allegations of fuel leakage where more than one fuel system component was replaced.odi's analysis focused on leaks occurring on the underside of the tank due to corrosive failure caused by disruption of the protective pvc coating.the analysisindicates that such leaks are rare and do not show evidence of an increasing trend. accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. see document file for additional information regarding this resume.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE
EA06007HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC05/09/200611/30/2007FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
 A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.review of the warranty data revealed elevated tank leakage experience in vehicles produced from june 1999 to october 2000.analysis of complaints and warranty claims identified multiple causes and origins of fuel tank assembly leakage.the majority of complaints involve non-specific allegations of fuel leakage where more than one fuel system component was replaced.odi's analysis focused on leaks occurring on the underside of the tank due to corrosive failure caused by disruption of the protective pvc coating.the analysisindicates that such leaks are rare and do not show evidence of an increasing trend. accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. see document file for additional information regarding this resume.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
EA06007HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC05/09/200611/30/2007FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
 A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time.review of the warranty data revealed elevated tank leakage experience in vehicles produced from june 1999 to october 2000.analysis of complaints and warranty claims identified multiple causes and origins of fuel tank assembly leakage.the majority of complaints involve non-specific allegations of fuel leakage where more than one fuel system component was replaced.odi's analysis focused on leaks occurring on the underside of the tank due to corrosive failure caused by disruption of the protective pvc coating.the analysisindicates that such leaks are rare and do not show evidence of an increasing trend. accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. see document file for additional information regarding this resume.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
05/01/2003107/01/2001
 While driving check engine light illuminated on dashboard. due to fuel contamination coating in the fuel tank peeled and was coming off, clogging the fuel filter. *ak the consumer stated that the vehicle lost power. *tc
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
02/04/2006114501
 I purchased a kia sportage ex 2001 on 12/27/12 from front ryal auto group in front royal va. i went to the gas station after filling my gas tank i noticed a strong smell of gas. after a few days i called the dealership and told them , they did not know if it was covered under the warranty to bring it in mon-fri 8-5 well i can not make those hours to go ,so the odor continues to find out from a mechanic of my own choice which after i called the dealership back again before my warranty ran out that we dicovered i have a fuel tank gas seal leakage.. *tr
10/13/2010112000
 Our 2001 kia sportage had a gas smell. now we noticed gas leaking out of the tank. it seems to stop at 1/4 full. we bought in brand new in 2002.
06/01/2010
 Fuel tank leaking, strong fumes inside cabin.
07/11/2011110000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. the contact stated the fuel tank was corroded causing a leakage in the fuel tank. he found a huge puddle of gasoline under his vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the fuel sending unit needed to be replaced. the repairs will be a cost to the contact. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no other assistance. the failure mileage was 110,000...mw
05/30/2000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. the contact stated that the vehicle was parked when she could smell a strong odor of fuel. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the exterior of the fuel tank was wet because there was a fuel leak. an unknown repair was performed on the fuel tank, but the failure recurred a few months later. the failure mileage was unknown. sm.
01/01/201130000
 Faulty gas tank. the gas tank leaks gas.
07/11/201061000
 Fuel odder ,found gas leaks from corroded gas tank, called kia headquarters,told to take it to a dealer , car was out of warrenties but kia paid to replace the gas tank, i was told it was commmon with this kia sportage 2001 , the tank sheild under the tank collected the salt from the road while driving in the winter and sit there between the shield and the tank causing excessive corrosion,i was pleased with kia action to pay fully for tha tank
11/22/201092000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. the contact stated there was a strong odor of fuel inside and outside of the vehicle. also, she noticed fuel leakage on the ground underneath the fuel tank. the failure was a continuous occurrence. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where they informed that the fuel tank, fuel senor and fuel pump would need to be replaced. there was a manufacturer recall related to the similar defect; however the vin was not included. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was approximately 92,000. js
10/11/201066000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. the contact stated that the fuel tank was leaking. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the manufacturer had not been notified. the current and failure mileages were approximately 66,000-bk
08/12/201070000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. the contact stated that approximately two weeks he began to notice fuel leaking from the top of the fuel tank. the contact called kia and they stated there had been a recall for that issue but his vin was not included. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure and current mileages were approximately 70,000. vin unknown. rd
02/03/2010879611
 Gas tank is leaking when tank is filled full. *tr
07/18/2009794651
 On two occasions, my 2001 kia sportage has suffered a ruptured gasoline tank from rocks being trap between the gasoline tank and the gasoline tank guard plate, making my vehicle a rolling bomb until i discovered the gasoline leak. the gasoline guard plate was designed with 8, circular holes in the guard approximately 1 inch in diameter which allows smalls rocks from the road to enter the space between the guard plate and the gasoline tank and grinding a hole in the gasoline tank, allowing the fuel to leak which creates an almost certain recipe for a disaster if the gasoline was to contact a hot tailpipe, or if the vehicle was in a accident. in both cases i had to replace a very expensive gasoline tank. i will be injecting foam into the space between gasoline tank and the guard plate later this week to hopefully, keep this explosive problem from occurring again. this a dangerous design flaw in my opinion and needs to be addressed. when i contacted kia of america yesterday and explained this situation, the customer service representative was in my opinion, less than receptive about kia looking into this situation. when someone gets cremated because of this design flaw, it will be too late. please look into this situation. thank you. *tr
06/20/20091250001
 Kia 2001 sportage / gas tank leak /plate guarding tank rusted away/fuel pump had to be replaced. recall date 2007 for kia sportages already inacted / garage said didn't apply to kias in ohio????? cost 1200 to repair . why not ohio????? garage telling truth??? *tr
01/01/200963398
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. shortly after purchasing the vehicle, the contact noticed a fuel related issue. the vehicle would stall while attempting to depress the brake pedal to slow down. the vehicle would also stall while traveling uphill or a slope. the fuel pump, crankshaft sensor, two fuel filters, and additional unknown repairs were made on several occasions; however, the failure still persists. there were no recalls listed for the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were less than 63,398.
06/09/2009910001
 Just bpurchased a 2001 kia sportage ,the gas tank is all rusted and leaking. *tr
11/08/2008970001
 Fuel leak under hood. fumes come into vehicle through air vents when outside air is cold. *tr
06/30/2007498701
 I had a leak in my 2001 kia sportage fuel tank last year. i discovered that while i was visiting canada and fixed it there. this week, i take the vehicle to the mechanic for inspection. he finds that there is another leakage around the fuel pump. the mechanic recommends that i replace both the fuel pump and the fuel tank. i file the complaint because the leakage problem is a safety hazard and the mechanic indicates that it is a common problem with the kia sportage. the vehicle currently has fewer than 59,000 miles and had fewer than 50,000 miles when the first incident occurred. so, i presume that the problem is likely related to a manufacturing defect. *tr
10/11/200772104107/01/2007
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a continuous leak coming from the fuel tank. he also smelled gas while driving at any speed. the dealer had not been notified. the current and failure mileages were 72,104.
01/01/2006700001008/01/2004
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. when the heat is activated, a strong gaseous odor comes through the vents. the vehicle was taken to a shop, but the mechanic could not find anything wrong. the vents were not cleaned and no components were replaced. the vehicle will be taken to a dealer for a diagnosis. the current mileage was 90,000 and failure mileage was 70,000. the consumer stated has to drive with the windows down due to the intense odor. updated 1/24/08 *tr
08/18/2006105/14/2006
 We have a 2001 kia sportage convertible we bought for our 16 year old son to drive. on several occasions when the car gets below a quarter of a tank of gas in it when you slow down or stop to make a turn the car cuts off. this has posed a danger to him on more than one occasion. *jb
06/14/2003610/06/2001
 The vehicle fuel system failed. the failed parts had to be ordered. *mr *cb *nlm
05/06/20023
 While filling gas tank, fuel will spill out onto the ground. dealer notified.*akconsumer stated while filling tank, a mototrist informed her that gas was coming from the bottom of the vehicle, consumer looked at the nozzle but nothing was coming out, all the dash lights were on and vehicle was acting if it was going to stall, consumer was able to reach the dealer, and by that time there was a gas smell, consumer was informed that vehicle was unsafe to drive, consumer stated after 3 attempts, the problem was with the charocoal canister and was finally replaced.*jb
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - DELIVERY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
12/27/200563832205/23/2001
 Dt*: the contact stated one year ago the vehicle was taken to the dealership for an oil change , and an odor of gas appeared when the heater was switched on. the dealer discovered the fuel injectors were corroded and fuel was leaking from the injectors, fuel line, and the pressure regulator. and replaced. them. the replacements were temporary because the problem recurred and the parts were on back order. *ak
06/14/20034219610/06/2001
 The fuel system did not accept fuel, and didn't shut off, and gas poured out. the dealer stated the vehicle was known for fuel line problems. the manufacturer wasn't concerned. *ak *scc *jb
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
12/10/200769000104/29/2005
 During cold weather gas leaks from underneath the manifold from a rubber hose in line with fuel line causing gas lost and fumes to emit inside vehicle. *tr
12/27/200563832205/23/2001
 Dt*: the contact stated one year ago the vehicle was taken to the dealership for an oil change , and an odor of gas appeared when the heater was switched on. the dealer discovered the fuel injectors were corroded and fuel was leaking from the injectors, fuel line, and the pressure regulator. and replaced. them. the replacements were temporary because the problem recurred and the parts were on back order. *ak
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM - INJECTORS
07/20/200199301012/11/2000
 For a period of 30-45 minutes after starting the vehicle gasoline and exhaust fumes entered the passenger's cabin. a company named green circle tested the vehicle, which tested positive for carbon monoxide. passengers complained of headaches while in the vehicle, and driver sometimes became dizzy. dealer replaced the catalytic converter twice, intake manifold once, and fuel injectors once. these repairs did not remedy the problem. *ak *mr
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE
03/06/2008120000102/16/2004
 My 2001 kia sportage is garage parked, and i noticed the smell of gas in my garage one day last week. i parked in my driveway that night and noticed a large gas stain the next morning. i took my car to my mechanic who called a parts dealer to find out the cost of a used one. he was notified that kia had a recall on these gas tanks. he then called kia and scheduled an appointment for me to take it in to them that afternoon. after kia's inspection, they said i had the same problem as many others were having with these gas tanks. the service tech ran my vin number and was told that my vehicle was two months out of the recall date. he said he felt that since it was that close to the date, that kia should cover it. he called kia and spoke to a couple of higher ups there and was told the same thing. i have recently learned that there are many people in my area, as well as columbus and cincinnati, are having the same problem i am having...that the vin numbers are 2 months newer than the recall that kia has issued, and therefore are being denied. i had to pay $443.92 to get this fixed at the kia dealer and feel that kia should reimburse me for the problem with this gas tank. *tr
02/09/200882000102/04/2008
 2001 kia sportage gas tank is leaking from seam in gas tank. *tr
11/15/200790000110/01/2007
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. the contact smelled gas while the vehicle was parked or being driven at various speeds. the gas cap was replaced, but the odor remained. he had to fill up the tank with gas each day. the vehicle was taken to the shop and a gas leak, holes, and corrosion were found. the tank was replaced. the vin, engine size, number of cylinders, and dealer information were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 90,000.
10/15/200761100108/21/2001
 My 2001 kia sportage had a strong gas odor for a couple of weeks. i was told by the dealer to get a new gas cap. the odor became stronger and i took the car in for repair at an independent service station. i was told i needed a new gas tank. the tank was corroded and leaking. i had the gas tank installed in october, 2007. the car had 61,000 miles. *tr
06/11/200571057105/01/2005
 The fuel tank on my 2001 kia sportage developed a fuel leak on the bottom of the tank caused by corrosion. this leak happened about a year ago and i made a temporary repair. *tr
06/06/200752800107/12/2002
 I own a 2001 kia sportage ex, it is leaking gas from the gas tank area. updated 12-12-07. *kb the consumer stated the vehicle is at the dealer for a replacement gas tank. updated *jb
06/30/20071
 Gasoline leak; fuel containment
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY
02/01/2010120000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. the contact smelled a strong odor of fuel coming from the air vents and circulating throughout the inside of the vehicle. also, an excessive amount of fuel was leaking coming from the fuel tank. the vehicle has not been repaired for the malfunction at this time. the failure mileage was 120,000. the current mileage was 155,000.
11/01/200870000105/01/2001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. the contact smelled gasoline in the vehicle and took it to the mechanic. it was discovered that the tank was leaking due to a loose seam. as a result, the contact cannot fill up the gas tank in the vehicle. she discovered on the internet that there were other complaints for this year, make, and model vehicle. the contact feels that this is unsafe because the vehicle could catch fire. the failure mileage was 70,000. updated 05/13/09*lj updated 05/13/09. *jb
03/25/20081
 The fuel tank began leaking due to failure of the fuel tank assembly. kia provides a service campaign (sc059) to inspect 1996-2002 sportage models to verify this failure is covered by that campaign. however, kia only provides repair bulletin assistance for 1996-2000 models with this problem - so even though they verified it is a safety issue they refuse to repair it under the repair bulletin because it is a 2001 model. why is the service campaign for inspection encompassing 1996-2002 models if they are only repairing 1996-2000 models without charging? *tr
03/06/200868000111/01/2003
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. the contact smelled a strong odor of gasoline and the fuel gauge went from a full tank to half a tank. she found a puddle of gasoline underneath the vehicle. the dealer stated that the fuel tank was corroded. the manufacturer would not provide any assistance because the vehicle was no longer under warranty. the vin, number of cylinders, engine size, and dealer information were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 68,000.
12/20/2007103/25/2001
 Fuel tanks rust out quick. i noticed smell of gas, and replaced tank immediately. no damage was done, just concern for others. poor design captures moisture between fuel tank and skid plate. this has cost me 250.00 for the tank, a half day of labor, and i'm concerned with putting skid plate back on. i looked on the internet to see if there were similar problems. there were several exact and others found with the fuel tanks. no cars have caught fire yet. *tr
08/01/20064200036506/01/2001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. the contact smelled gas coming from inside and outside of the vehicle. the dealer has not inspected the vehicle. the contact's husband inspected the vehicle and noticed two holes in the fuel tank. there is an open defect investigation for the fuel system tank assembly (nhtsa campaign number ea06007). the failure mileage was 42,000 and current mileage was 52,000. updated 09/06/07 *tr
11/07/200682200109/25/2006
 Noticed a bad smell coming from the rear of my vehicle. i took my vehicle to be inspected at tires plus in wausau. they indicated to me the smell was caused by a failure with the fuel containment and distribution system. *jjb
09/22/2006109/08/2001
 I own a 2001 kia sportage, 4dr, 4x4, with 38,000 miles. i am reporting that the fuel tank has corroded and has a leak. i will be calling the dealer for assistance, if i do not receive the proper assistance, i will be filing more complaints. i am a single mother of one, with children in the car many times per week, this car needs to be safe for everyone in the vehicle. i feel with a vehicle with this low mileage and just 5 yrs.old. this should not be happening so soon. *nm
07/22/200665000106/10/2003
 2001 kia sportage in for an oil change, mechanic noticed leak from gas tank. research shows investigation into fuel tank leakage. have appt. to replace gas tank at lia kia, schenectady,ny on 7/25/06. add my car to the list. *nm
02/28/200572518210/09/2001
 When pumping fuel into the vehicle, fuel sprays out onto the ground. the dealer states that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. *ak the back pressure was causing the gasoline to splash back and the pump nozzle would shut off. it was determined that ice and snow had built up on top of the gas tank and caused the orvr valve to stick. the ice and snow was removed and everything was fine for a week but the problem recurred. the screws holding the pump onto the fuel tank were breaking therefore the fuel tank was replaced along with the orvr. *sc
12/01/20014
 Consumer stated fuel will not allow the tank to fill up with fuel, consumer took vehicle to dealer and had some parts replaced, the vehicle has been back to the dealer 4 times and the problem still exists.*ak consumer also stated the vehicle pulls from left to right, and the check engine light illuminated.*slc
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - FILLER PIPE AND CAP
06/30/200436000302/25/2004
 Dt: the contact states that 2001 kia sportage was having a problem with the gas line. when the consumer put gas into the gas tank the gas was leaking from underneath the vehicle. the charcoal box has been changed. the gas was shooting out back toward the person putting the gas in the tank. the vehicle has been in the shop three times over the samething. the other two times that the consumer brought the vehicle back home from the dealership it was okay for a few days. the dealership was trying to fix the vehicle. it will run for a couple of days, and when going to get gas the vehicle will only hold $4 worth of gas. afterrwards the gas would shoot out of the filler pipe. the vehicle i stalled while driving. when stopping at a stop sign the vehicle died and then started right back up. kia said that she may be overfilling the tank. kiachecked various parts and the vehicle will still not run correctly. th econsumer removed the vehicle out of the shop last week, and it had to be towed last night back to the dealership. *ak
07/10/2004709/17/2003
 Problems with vehicle starting up as well as stalling. *mr the vehicle was hard to start and the gas mileage was dropping way down and the vehicle was taken in for a tune up but the problem still existed. when the vehicle was driven on the expressway, the consumer hit a bump and the engine stalled. the consumer was informed that the transmission had to be serviced. the filler neck rusted and the fuel cap was leaking. the filler neck was replaced, but immediately after the problem recurred. the transmission fluid was worn and the transmission was flushed. *sc *jb
10/31/20011308/14/2001
 The air condition was not cooling the vehicle, the engine light illuminated and it was determined the gas cap was loose, there was an electrical short in the windows which caused them not to work, the purge valve leaked, the hold light flashed at times, the left rear door did not open from the inside, it was discovered the door lock was out of adjustment, the cup holder was coming apart, the brakes were noisy and the master cylinder was leaking. *scc *jb
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE - STORAGE - TANK ASSEMBLY - MOUNTING
10/15/200761100108/21/2001
 My 2001 kia sportage had a strong gas odor for a couple of weeks. i was told by the dealer to get a new gas cap. the odor became stronger and i took the car in for repair at an independent service station. i was told i needed a new gas tank. the tank was corroded and leaking. i had the gas tank installed in october, 2007. the car had 61,000 miles. *tr
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
11/30/2010114000
 When pumping fuel it splashes out, you have to pump the gas very slow and constantly start and stop causing triple the time to pump gas then normal
06/17/200880000
 Defective fuel tank. fuel tank leaks and it is a known problem with vehicle and yet kia corporation and the dealership in canton michigan where i purchased vehicle will not take responsibility for this issue. this is dangerous. i have taken outstanding care of my 2001 kia sportage-it was always garaged and away from the elments. i even have covered parking at work. i want kia to compensate me by 1) replacing the fuel tank free of charge; 2) giving me my $ back $11k--that i spent on purchasing this care; or 3)giving me $ to purchase a tank and cover labor. do you know that it is impossible to find a new or used 2001 kia sportage fuel tank. this is terrible and an incredible safety violation. i have been trying for years to get an answer and i just get the run around. i am writing kia, the dealership, my michigan attorney general and president obama. i am extremely frustrated that a company can produce this type of vehicle with a known defect and not be held liable.
10/30/200792954305/17/2007
 When i turned the exhaust on in the car there was a very strong gasoline smell to the point i had to turn it off and open the windows. there has been several complaints filed on the internet concerning this same problem. i feel since this could be a fire problem with the car it needs to be addressed with the manufacturers of the auto and a recall given . also there has been several complaints written concerning leaks early on with the gas tank its self. *tr