2023 Kia K5: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Apr 9, 2026 · Fuel system · 70,000 miles · FL · 2 injuries

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a fuel odor inside the vehicle. Occasionally, the low fuel warning light was illuminated. While attempting to refuel the vehicle, gasoline was not entering the fuel tank as intended. The fuel odor inside the vehicle grew stronger. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was severe. The contact was informed that, due to the severity of the failure, the vehicle could not be released to the contact. The contact was informed that the fuel tank had expanded severely and that the expanded fuel tank had shifted the frame of the vehicle. The contact was provided with a loaner vehicle. The contact stated that the contact's [XXX] son had been complaining about headaches for several months. In addition, the contact stated that the contact's son's normal seating space was the rear seat. The contact's son was receiving continued treatment from a neurologist for the unexplained, consistent headaches. In addition, the contact was being treated by primary care for unexplained headaches and other illnesses. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the request for a buy-back was required. The contact was informed that the vehicle would not be released due to the safety hazard. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · Fuel system, Seats · MD

On March 9, 2026, I brought my vehicle to a Kia dealership in Alexandria, Virginia after experiencing a loud thump noise from the rear of the vehicle while stopped at a red light. (3/08/2026) Immediately following the incident, I smelled gasoline, noticed a significant drop in fuel economy, and heard persistent road noise as if a window were open. I explained these concerns in detail to the service advisor and specifically stated my belief that the fuel tank may have expanded. I was informed that this was not related to any recall. After approximately two hours, my vehicle was returned to me without resolution. The symptoms persisted, including the smell of gasoline, which poses a clear safety risk. A few days later, I took my vehicle to a second Kia dealership for further inspection related to Recall SC356. At that time, I was informed that my initial concern was correct—the fuel tank had in fact expanded. I was initially told the repair would take 3–4 days due to parts ordering. However, I was subsequently contacted and instructed not to retrieve my vehicle, as Kia is now pursuing a buyback. While I understand the seriousness of the issue, I am currently without a vehicle, and I have not been provided with a rental or loaner. Given that this issue is tied to a safety-related recall and that my vehicle is unsafe to operate due to the presence of fuel odor, this situation is both unreasonable and unacceptable. They have yet to send me any reports from the second Kia dealership in which I had taken it on 3/14/2026 I was only told over the phone via a service advisor named India that I was correct in suspecting the fuel tank had expanded causing the gasoline fumes and road noise

Filed Jan 26, 2026 · Fuel system, Seats · FL

serious safety-related defects in my 2023 Kia K5 involving the fuel/emissions system &other vehicle components. From early ownership & throughout the lease period, the vehicle experienced repeated& unresolved issues including fuel system abnormalities, emissions failures, fuel odors, check engine light activation, abnormal noises, &performance concerns consistent with fuel pressure or fuel tank-related problems. I reported these issues multiple times to the dealership &to Kia Consumer Affairs beginning well within the first 24 months of the lease, continuing for over a year. Despite repeated complaints and service visits, the vehicle was repeatedly returned to me- deemed safe to drive, my concerns were ignored. In June 2024, the dealership identified fuel tank expansion, confirming the same safety concerns I had been reporting. In November 2025, Kia issued Safety Recall SC356 (the federal safety agency Recall No. 25V794), stating that a damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing expansion, contact with hot exhaust components, melting, and increased fire risk. My vehicle is included in this recall, which remains incomplete, &I was never notified while the defects were actively occurring. Prior to the recall and before the fuel tank expansion was diagnosed, I paid significant out-of-pocket costs in March and April 2024 for emissions-related repairs based on representations that the vehicle was safe to drive. This vehicle was intended as a graduation gift for a minor, & minors in my household regularly operated it. Kia’s continued assurances that the vehicle was safe, despite known and reported defects, placed my family, especially minors, at serious risk of injury or death. In addition to fuel/emissions issues, the vehicle had persistent seat defects and other unresolved problems that were never fully repaired. The manufacturer ultimately acknowledged the vehicle is irreparable. The recall confirms the safety concerns.I raised were valid and serious.in shop 600days

Filed Dec 16, 2025 · Fuel system · 45,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, the fuel level was lowering, and a fuel odor was entering the cabin of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact became aware that fuel was leaking from the vehicle onto the ground. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V794000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Two local dealers were contacted: Boniface Hiers Kia (3890 W New Haven Ave, Melbourne, FL 32904). The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

Filed Feb 21, 2025 · Fuel system · 17,857 miles · TX · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH in hot weather, a loud popping sound came from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact coasted into a ditch and inspected the vehicle, but no exterior damage was found. The vehicle was restarted and driven to a gas station. The check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The failure persisted and the fuel gauge level dropped while driving. The contact pulled over and placed a bag under the vehicle to check for fuel leaks, but found none. The contact stated that the vehicle failed state vehicle inspection due to an unknown emission code. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who performed an oil change and updated the computer system. The failure recurred while driving with three minor children in the rear seats. The fuel tank made a loud explosion, and the rear seats propped up, pushing the children forward while the seat belts restrained them in their seats. The child seated in the rear passenger seat received medical attention for injuries to the back of his legs caused by hot fuel fumes from underneath the seat, as well as black specks stuck on his legs. The contact's husband opened the fuel tank, and loud air pressure was released. The fuel tank was bubbling. The vehicle was towed to Classic Kia of Carrollton (2920 N Interstate 35E, Carrollton, TX 75007), who determined that the fuel tank needed to be replaced and requested that the manufacturer send an engineer to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the third dealer, Huffines Kia Corinth (6940 S Interstate 35, Corinth, TX 76210), where an engineer determined the vehicle was non-repairable due to the fuel tank expanding in multiple locations and bending the sub-frame. The contact was informed that the fuel tank was manufactured without a pressure release valve. The vehicle was not repaired. Up

Filed Nov 3, 2023 · Fuel system · NC

The contact owns a 2023 Kia K5. The contact stated that the interior of the vehicle had an abnormal gasoline odor. The contact stated that the gasoline odor was inside and surrounding the outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated the vehicle was previously taken to a dealer a month prior, but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.