I bought my kia sorento 2003 in november 2013. In january of the following year I noticed a gas smell. I looked under the vehicle and found a few drips on the ground underneath, which was gas. I had the line under the cab along side door replaced. I am noticing a strong gas smell coming from the side toward front and can't see anything leaking. I saw that there was a recall for this year and make so I called kia and asked them is my vehicle covered under the recall and they said no after giving them my VIN number. I see that its not just the 2003 vehicles with this issue. Just because I don't have the right VIN number they should still honor my complaint. Regardless I'm still having the same fuel issues as the ones on recall.
2003 Kia Sorento: gas smell in the cabin
5 of the 305 complaints about the 2003 Kia Sorento describe gas smell in the cabin.
- owner complaints
- 5
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- typical mileage
- 63,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below
Gas smell in the cabin by model year
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 kia sorento. The contact stated that the smell of fuel was emitted inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where they confirmed a fuel leak from the fueltank. The manufacturer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 102,500 and the current mileage was 102,700.
This is the third time this incident happened. During this last time, the gas gauge showed that the tank have less than 1/8 full. When I started to pump gasoline to the vehicle's tank, the gas pump abruptly stopped as if the vehicle's gas tank is already full and gasoline splashed back out of the tank. Gasoline sprayed all over including myself. I cautiously started to pump gas to the vehicle again and the same thing happened. I smelled like gasoline and ruined my clothes.
Purchased vehicle used in november 2008 - kia sorento 2003. I noticed a gasoline smell shortly after the purchase, but didn't think it was from my vehicle. Last week noticed a damp spot under my car, checked it, found gasoline leaking from my tank. Took the car in to the dealership for service. They found a crack along a seam in the gas tank and replaced it.
1) upon purchase, exhaust smell was strong inside SUV, leading to headaches and queasiness. 2) took it in within weeks (?) 3) a correction was made, part replaced. Since then, the exhaust smell is intermittent, and not as strong. Service does not see further issue.
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Certain sport utility vehicles may experience a fuel leak from fuel tubes near the fuel tank due to an interference fit with the vehicle floor panel.
- Risk
- Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace a section of the fuel line. The recall began on october 10, 2005. Owners may contact kia at 1‑800‑333‑4542.
Recall number 05V353000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2003 Kia Sorento fuel smell
Is gas smell in the cabin a common problem on the 2003 Kia Sorento?
5 of 305 owner complaints about the 2003 Kia Sorento (2%) mention gas smell in the cabin. The model year with the most reports is 2016.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 Kia Sorento?
There is 1 recall and 0 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2003 Kia Sorento
Airbag light 22Check engine light 22Headlights 20Power steering loss 20Stalling 20Loss of power 18Engine failure 17Overheating 13Won't start 8Fuel pump 7Warning lights 7Fire or smoke 5Fuel gauge 5Steering lock-up 5
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2003 Kia Sorento?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history