The vehicle is currently at Greenway Orlando Hyundai for a fuel-system-related repair. During the dealership’s inspection, the dealership identified a crack in the fuel pump housing and a fuel leak. The dealership also provided photographs documenting the crack and the leak, and the vehicle has a very strong fuel odor. My primary concern is safety. A cracked fuel pump housing with a fuel leak presents a potential fire hazard. I do not believe it is safe to drive or operate the vehicle in this condition. The vehicle is being serviced in connection with Hyundai TSB 23-FL-004H, “Fuel Pump Filter Warranty Extension (TXXS), Inspection and Replacement.” The Prior Approval/goodwill issue is particularly important in this case. Note 2 on page 2 of TSB 23-FL-004H states that when a part not covered by the TSB is found to require replacement while performing the TXXS procedure, and that part is out of warranty, the dealership should submit a Prior Approval request for goodwill consideration before performing the work. When Greenway Orlando Hyundai identified the cracked fuel pump housing and the fuel leak, I asked the dealership to pursue this solution with Hyundai. Initially, the dealership refused to submit the Prior Approval/goodwill request. Because of that refusal, I personally contacted Hyundai, opened a complaint/case, and informed the dealership about the situation. I also insisted that the dealership submit the Prior Approval request contemplated by Hyundai’s procedure. Only after my insistence did Greenway Orlando Hyundai submit the Prior Approval/goodwill request to Hyundai. That request was subsequently denied. Therefore, I want to make it clear that I am not simply disputing the cost of a part that I chose to replace. The damaged component was identified by the dealership itself while the vehicle was undergoing fuel-system-related service. I asked the dealership to pursue the solution provided for under Hyundai’s procedure, but I had to take action directl
Hyundai Sonata fuel smell problems
152 of the 16,121 owner complaints about the Hyundai Sonata describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 152
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 90,000
By model year
Often reported together
Fuel pump 29Fuel leak 28Fire or smoke 28Check engine light 28Stalling 7Engine failure 7Loss of power 6Fuel gauge 5
Trouble codes mentioned
P14EE 1P0300 1
What owners say
The fuel tank assembly became pressurized with compressed air due top worn purge control system check valve. This caused the tank to deform and the deformation of the tank led to the fuel pump being pushed out and the back seat of the car was completely unattached and no longer secured. There was a strong presence of gas smell in the car as well. The check engine light came on and the car began to drive poorly. It was taken directly to a Hyundai dealership where it remains as of today. This could have resulted in the car catching on fire and potentially killing everyone in the car. My [XXX] daughter and 2 friends was driving the car from Louisiana to Mississippi when this occurred. The dealership in MS told her she needed to call and find someone to come and get her because the car was not safe to drive. My daughter was stranded in another state and had a college friend come and get them since I did not have a car and I was in Louisiana. After several hours her friend was able to pick them up which she remained stranded in MS for an additional 4 days. I had to get a friend to meet them halfway and bring her home because the dealership said there was nothing they could do to assist with transportation. This occurred on [XXX]. My car remains at this dealership in MS with only the testing to say the gas tank test failed and the car could not be driven. I was told Hyundai would offer a buyback on my vehicle because the repair was costly and time consuming. I have not been reimbursed for my transportation expenses through Uber as of today. I was told I could rent a car and they would reimburse my expense after I submitted a receipt and waited several weeks to process and then at least 2 weeks for the payment to clear. Either way I have received nothing. There was not any warning and the dash lights and poor engine running all happened at once. She drove straight to the dealership on [XXX]. We have not been treated fairly with this situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S
The car has strong fuel smell in the cabin when tank is full, It is especially strong after car sits. I have taken to hyundai several times for this problem. They say the computer says nothing is wrong. They refuse to investigate as they dont smell the odor.
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
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.
The low-pressure fuel pump module assembly, located directly beneath the rear passenger seat cushion, experienced a plastic housing failure. A stress fracture on the upper plastic fuel outlet nipple caused raw liquid gasoline to actively weep and pool on top of the module inside the passenger cabin. This component is retained and available for inspection upon request. RISK TO SAFETY: Raw liquid gasoline pooling inside the interior passenger compartment creates an severe, immediate fire and explosion hazard. Additionally, vehicle occupants were exposed to toxic fuel vapors while driving. INSPECTION & DEALER CONFIRMATION: An authorized Hyundai dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed raw fuel leaking at the top of the fuel pump module assembly. This exact module had previously been removed and disassembled during a 2024 manufacturer recall service to replace the internal fuel filter and tank seal. Stress applied to the plastic fittings during that recall service appears to have caused the plastic top-hat to fracture over time under line pressure. Hyundai Corporate was notified of the safety hazard and prior recall history, but refused assistance. WARNING SYMPTOMS: The failure began with a strong, persistent fuel odor inside the vehicle cabin. No dashboard warning lights, check engine lights, or diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) triggered prior to or during the failure. SUMMARY: A stress-fractured plastic fuel pump housing allowed raw fuel to pool in the passenger cabin following a prior manufacturer recall repair involving the disassembly of the same component.
Issue- fuel pump/supply line causing fuel to leak and fuel smell around the outside of the car. This can cause a major fire, explosion, death for myself and others around me. Problem has been confirmed by auto repair shop. No warning messages on car dash board, just strong smell of gas. Replaced gas cap and smell is still there.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Hyundai Sonata. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with an inoperable low-pressure fuel pump. The contact was informed that the low-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had issued an extended warranty coverage for the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
I purchased fgis car from a used car dealership, for over $6,000.00 , which is not a ton of money, but plenty enough to not have instant issues. Since my purchase in june 30, 2026, i have already had all of these issues occur. There is white smoke coming from the left tail pipe, it is sluggish when you push on the gas, there is black soot constantly on my rims that is extreamly hard to remove, the high pressure fuel pump jas failed, I can tell because the oil is higher then it was when o had the oil freshly changed, and it smells of gasoline.inside the oil. The exhaust has stron smell of gasoline. My steering wheel has a loud clinking noise everytime I go over a speed bump on pull into my driveway. Just so many items consistently needing repair or replacement, even though I just had the fuel system cleaned, the oil changed, and filters, and.oil filter too. I checked to see if any of my issues are covered by a recall warranty, because they all are recalled items for my car year, make, and model, but apparently Hyunfai is only covering these dangerous recall items for ul to 10 years. These items shkuld be covered longer, because my carfax states that at least one of these recalled items had already been changed in 2018, and is already broken again!! Hyundai should have covered these extreamly high wear out car parts for a longer period of time, or for the life of the vehicle, if every 5 years your replacing a $1000.00 part, not including labor, like the (HPFP) I was quoted by auto zone for over that price point!! "Ridiculous"! Another item is the air bag cover on the driver side windows area, of the body frame it is loose and keeps un-clipping, i am afraid that it is going to possibly just go off and kill me or something!! Very disappointed right now, that i cannot get any of these recalled items replaced by the manufacturer!!
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Sonata vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
- Risk
- A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the check valve. The fuel tank assembly will be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. Additionally, dealers will inspect and update the engine control unit software. All repairs will be performed as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 286. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on November 19, 2025.
Recall number 25V796000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles. The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time, due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
- Risk
- A cracked fuel hose may leak fuel, which can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 227. This recall replaces the federal safety agency recall number 20V‑121. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 20V‑121 that did not receive a replacement fuel hose will need to have this new recall remedy performed.
Recall number 22V312000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe and Sonata vehicles equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail.
- Risk
- A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and tighten, or replace the fuel pipe as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 207.
Recall number 21V524000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Sonata vehicles. The low pressure fuel hose that connects the low pressure fuel pump to the direct injection fuel pump may crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
- Risk
- If the fuel line cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the low-pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 10, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1‑855‑371‑9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 189. This recall has been replaced by the federal safety agency recall number 22V‑314.
Recall number 20V121000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 301, "fuel system integrity" a valve on the fuel tank assembly may not close properly. If a vehicle rolls over and the fuel tank assembly valve is not properly closed, fuel spillage may occur.
- Risk
- Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. The recall began on october 5, 2004. Owners should contact hyundai de puerto rico at 1‑800‑981‑0188.
Recall number 04V369000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- Some passenger vehicles contain a fuel tank assembly valve that may not close properly. If a vehicle with a fuel tank assembly valve that is not properly closed were to roll over, fuel spillage may occur.
- Risk
- Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. Owner notification began on june 30, 2004. Owners should contact hyundai at 1‑800‑633‑5151.
Recall number 04V178000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: accent gt model vehicles equipped with dohc engines manufactured from december 19, 1996 through june 30, 1997; 1998 accent model vehicles manufactured from may 6, 1997 through june 25, 1998; 1997 sonata vehicles manufactured from august 1, 1996 through july 9, 1997 and 1998 sonata vehicles produced from july 9, 1997 through april 24, 1998. The evaporative emission control systems may apply excessive vacuum to the fuel tanks during the canister purge cycle. Minor fuel tank distortion could result. A small crack could develop on the upper fuel tank surface. The "check engine" light would then illuminate and, in some cases, the vehicle driver could notice a gasoline odor.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will pressure check the vehicle's fuel tank to determine if it has cracked. If it is cracked, a new fuel tank will be installed. A new fuel filler cap that decreases the amount of vacuum inside the fuel tank will also be installed. Note: the 1997-1998 sonata fuel tanks have also experienced cracking. However, at this time, the cause for the cracking has not been identified. This portion of the campaign will begin after hyundai has determined the cause and corrective procedure.
Recall number 00V314001 · Recall details
Questions about the Hyundai Sonata fuel smell
Which Hyundai Sonata years have gas smell in the cabin problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (30 complaints), 2011 (28 complaints) and 2012 (17 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix gas smell in the cabin on the Hyundai Sonata?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 9 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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