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Kia Sedona fuel smell problems

28 of the 2,417 owner complaints about the Kia Sedona describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 2011 model year.

owner complaints
28
worst model year
2011
typical repair cost reported
$1,050
typical mileage
71,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    3
  • 2018
    1
  • 2016
    3
  • 2015
    2
  • 2014
    1
  • 2012
    4
  • 2011
    7
  • 2010
    1
  • 2006
    2
  • 2005
    1
  • 2003
    2

What owners say

Filed Jul 7, 2026 · VA

My fuel rail assembly in my 2011 kia sedona is cracked and leaking causing a gas smell. I'm confused why only some of the kias from 2011 got recalled when it seems like a lot more have this issue.

Filed Jun 18, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · 40,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that the heat and A/C control knobs had melted twice, and the contact had purchased and personally replaced the entire control panel. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormal strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the low-pressure fuel pump and fuel injectors were replaced on separate occasions. However, the failure recurred while leaving the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced; however, after the repair, the vehicle started making abnormal sounds. Additionally, the contact stated that the abnormally strong fuel odor had worsened. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who informed the contact that no diagnostic trouble code was retrieved, and the contact was advised to pick up the vehicle. The contact expressed safety concerns that the vehicle was unsafe to drive due to the persistent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

Filed Nov 24, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · SC

Check engine light came on all of a sudden. Smell of exhaust/gas coming from car. Took car to the dealership to get the cause of the check engine light coming on. Dealership said it came back 02 sensor bank 2 and exhaust gasket to header.

Filed Oct 15, 2025 · Engine · LA

While driving under normal conditions and normal operation, the engine lost power, began using excessive fuel, the inside of the vehicle smelled like fuel and white smoke began pouring out of the exhaust.

Filed Oct 24, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CO

Complete engine failure, knocking like crazy, fuel smell in the oil, The shop said the fuel in the oil broke it down and allowed the motor to fail. We were driving down the highway when it happened with family and kids which was not safe at all. No warning message at all, no check engine light, the shop has inspected and said it’s failed. The kia dealership has said many of the Kia’s have been recalled for engine failure but not ours? But others with the same motor have been.

Filed Sep 28, 2024 · Engine · NJ

Car has bad oil leak Defective GDI engine which instantly stalled out while driving Car also has bad coolant leak, warped head gasket seal Smell of gas from top of the engine block

Filed May 28, 2024 · Fuel system · 30,000 miles · OH · 2 injuries

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated while driving, he became aware of a strong and unpleasant fuel odor that made him and his granddaughter sick. The contact stated that the check engine warning light flashed on and off several times. The vehicle was taken on several occasions to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel leak and several parts related to the fuel leak failure were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated the failure had been for a year and the dealer had not been able to repair the vehicle properly. The vehicle was also inspected by an independent mechanic who confirmed the failure and stated that the exhaust was very hot which could cause a fire. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The vehicle was no longer under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Filed Apr 22, 2024 · Fuel system · 39,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sedona. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a strong fuel odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. The check engine warning light had remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the high-pressure fuel regulator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The high-pressure fuel regulator was replaced but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 39,000.

Filed Nov 1, 2022 · Fuel system · CT

Car has a strong gas smell coming from front area through vents, when opened hood strong gas is smelled. Car is now stalling when starting. Afraid that car will burst into flames and explode. I have read that there was a recall due to cracked fuel rail but my 2016 does not fall within the model years. This is ridiculous that it’s the exact same thing happening to my 2016 sedona. The smell of gas is excessive and I had to take all of my kids out of the car and now do not trust to drive it. My car was completely fine and how can something randomly crack and cause this. No light or warning indicates this issue.

Filed Oct 17, 2022 · Fuel system · NV

There is a strong gasoline smell inside and outside of the vehicle. This is a fire risk and breathing hazard. I took the vehicle to a mechanic to be diagnosed/repaired on 10/13/2022. The mechanic confirmed there was a leak and stated that he had never seen a leak in this area of the vehicle before. He stated based on where it was that he believes it is a manufacturer defect. The fuel line was replaced at the cost of $699.16. However, the gasoline smell inside and outside of the vehicle remains. I contacted Kia Customer Service on 10/17/2022 and they said there were no recalls associated with this issue and I was on my own for getting it repaired. There have been no warning lights/indications related to this ongoing safety issue. A recall was issued for the 2011-2012 Kia Sedona for the same reason. In that recall (SC188), the fuel rails are to be replaced.

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel railReported February 21, 2020 · 51,465 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Sedona vehicles. The fuel rail may crack from exposure to heat generated within the engine compartment, resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak increases the risk of fire.
Remedy
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began June 16, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC188.

Recall number 20V101000 · Recall details

Questions about the Kia Sedona fuel smell

Which Kia Sedona years have gas smell in the cabin problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2011 (7 complaints), 2012 (4 complaints) and 2016 (3 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix gas smell in the cabin on the Kia Sedona?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,050 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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