2021 Hyundai Sonata: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Fuel system · LA

DESCRIPTION OF SAFETY DEFECT & IMMEDIATE HAZARD:My 2021 Hyundai Sonata SEL is currently exhibiting the most severe, catastrophic symptoms of the fuel tank expansion defect covered under the federal safety agency Campaign 25V796000. The fuel tank has expanded so drastically that it physically warped the structural interior of the cabin, violently popping the rear passenger seat completely out of its assembly while the vehicle was in motion. Furthermore, there is a constant, heavy, raw gasoline odor inside and around the vehicle. The vehicle is a documented, active fire, explosion, and vapor inhalation hazard. It is currently physically located at Sterling Hyundai in Lafayette, LA.DESCRIPTION OF MANUFACTURER NON-COMPLIANCE & REFUSAL TO REMEDY:Hyundai Motor America and Sterling Hyundai are in direct violation of their legal obligation to provide a safe, accessible remedy or interim safety accommodations under federal recall guidelines. An Executive Case Manager from Hyundai Corporate has officially refused to provide a direct-billed rental vehicle or a dealer loaner.Initially, a third-party rental vehicle was provided. However, that vehicle was compromised in an accident and wrecked through absolutely no fault of my own. Despite my lack of fault, Hyundai Corporate and the dealership are now explicitly using that accident to refuse any further direct-billed rental accommodations or dealer loaners.Instead, they are demanding that I pay out-of-pocket for a rental vehicle at a rate of $60/day for a repair process expected to take multiple weeks, knowing I do not possess the upfront financial means to cover these costs. By imposing this insurmountable financial barrier due to an accident I did not cause, Hyundai has effectively stranded me. Because I must maintain my livelihood and have no other means of transportation, Hyundai’s bad-faith refusal to direct-bill an accommodation is actively forcing me to retrieve and operate a verified, explosive fire hazard.REMEDY SOUGHT:I request that the NH

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Fuel system · 100,000 miles · LA · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, parts were on back order. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked with an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. An unknown warning light was temporarily illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware that the fuel level had dropped. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with an expanded fuel tank. The contact stated that the O2 sensor, spark plugs, and ignition coils were replaced by a local independent mechanic; however, the failures persisted. The contact had headaches while driving the vehicle. Medical attention was not needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Aug 7, 2026 · Fuel system · TX

Gas tank expansion and pcv melted. Car smells like gas when I was driving earlier, and my garage was flooded with the fumes of gasoline.

Filed Feb 9, 2026 · Fuel system · 70,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off without warning. There was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle with an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of fuel. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V796000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Jan 23, 2026 · Fuel system · OH

I took my car to the dealer on [XXX] with concerns about the strong gas smell that I have been smelling. The Hyundai dealership kept my car for 3 days and stated they could not smell the gas after driving the vehicle themselves. They did repair a cracked cylinder head however they did tell me that it wouldn't have been the cause of the fuel smell. They stated next time I am out driving, and I notice the smell to "pop" into the dealership to have it checked again. While this is good in theory, it is not something I am just able to do. I am [XXX], one of which is still in a car seat and unable to unbuckle themselves to get out if something terrible like a fire was to arise. This was the 2nd time taking my car in, as it was previously fixed in Feb 2025 due to another recall on the gas tank expanding. I do not feel safe transporting my children in a vehicle that is still reeking of gas and a possible hire hazard with no resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 23, 2024 · Engine · 87,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the contact noticed that the passenger’s side rear seat level had become elevated. The contact stated that his daughter who was seated in the child seat head had started touching the top of the sunroof. The contact became aware of a gasoline odor coming from the engine. The contact also became aware that the vehicle was consuming an abnormal amount of gasoline. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the diagnostic test result was undisclosed. The dealer was unsure of how to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000. The VIN was not included.

Filed Sep 14, 2022 · Fuel system · 21,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2021 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, he smelled an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to a second dealer, Wayne Hyundai Parts and Service (1244 NJ-23, Wayne, NJ 07470) who could not duplicate the failure. The failure persisted. The contact stated that after driving the vehicle, his entire body had a strong fuel odor. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to another dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.