2015 Kia Optima: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Fuel system · 123,323 miles · WA

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle after the vehicle was serviced by the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle received an undisclosed engine repair. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or the dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,323.

Filed Dec 2, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NV

12-01-2025 driving to work in the morning approx 7:00A.M. and turned on the heater and had a very strong smell like fuel so immediately turned it off. Cracked my windows to air it out and then was super cold again and had turned on the heater to try again. Immediately had to turn it off and rolled windows down to air it out because the smell was intense and had started to feel nauseas. Later in the day, about to head to lunch and had started the vehicle and smelt a lot like gas and turned it off and had someone come out to double check the smell. Co worker had strong smell from the hood area and looked underneath the car and can see a little drop puddle. Opened the hood and lifted the cover to engine where you can see the leakage coming from the center hose and spill puddle. Service tech came to take a look and advised its the fuel feed to the high pressure pump. This is a safety concern because fuel is extremely flammable and can put myself in dangerous situation of firing igniting in the car or hurt others around. No check engine light and prior the vehicle incident car has been consuming oil putting in about 1- quart a week or so with commute miles about 270 weekly.

Filed Aug 6, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · 178,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure and the vehicle was repaired by the dealer under Warranty. The contact stated that several months after the repair was performed, the contact noticed a fuel odor coming from the vehicle after a visit to the gas station. The next day upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact's husband discovered a puddle of fuel underneath the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and requested that the vehicle be towed to the dealer for an inspection. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline; Engine) which the contact linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.

Filed Nov 1, 2023 · Fuel system · 142,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced due to abnormal knocking sound. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, there was a strong gasoline odor coming through the A/C vents. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the low-pressure fuel hose was leaking and needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

Filed Apr 28, 2023 · Fuel system · OH

My 2015 Kia is burning 1. a lot of oil and 2. The second is the car smells of gas scared it is one that will catch fire

Filed Mar 25, 2023 · Engine · 102,561 miles · CA

I own a 2015 Kia Optima Turbo SX. every time I park my vehicle in an enclosed garage. and only when the engine is cold does it makes a grinning noise for about 12 seconds or less. once I turn the engine off and turn it back on the noise it stops. also, there is a mild fuel odor coming from the engine compartment every time the motor is turned off. your response will be much appreciated thank you. Sincerely. Carl M. Velasquez

Filed Dec 2, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · 100 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received a recall repair regarding a system upgrade for the knock sensor detection system and experienced the failure since the repair was performed. The vehicle was emitting a fuel odor and had a burning odor as if the vehicle was overheating. The driver’s and passenger’s side side-view mirrors would close while driving at various speeds. The Push to Start button had to be pressed several times to start the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the fuel odor was due to a hole in the fuel line hose. The passenger’s side side-view mirror had been replaced. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 100.

Filed Feb 19, 2022 · Brakes, Electrical · TX · fire

Vehicle lots brakes while driving, smell of gas and caught fire under hood. Engine had been completely replaced due to recall in January 2022 Vehicle was a complete loss, luckily son was able to get out.

Filed Sep 17, 2020 · Fuel system · 67,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 kia optima. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving the vehicle, she became aware of a fuel odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle recently, he noticed that the high fuel pump leaked fuel. There was no warning. The contact called the parkway family kia located at 22555 us-59, kingwood, tx 77339, and was informed that there was no recall on the VIN. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000. *ln*dt*jb consumer stated dealer was not able to help.*jb

Filed Jan 21, 2019 · Engine · 98,000 miles · NC · fire

On january 15, 2019 my 2015 kia optima caught on fire while my 16 year old daughter was driving down the highway. She smelled a strong fuel smell first then tired to stop the car. The brakes wouldn't work so she had to use the emergency brakes. Pulled to the side of the road popped the hood and the engine was on fire.