2015 Kia Sorento: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Jun 13, 2026 · Fuel system · DC

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a Kia vehicle I purchased from CarMax Waldorf approximately 3 months ago. The vehicle has developed a strong gasoline/fuel odor that is consistent with a possible fuel leak. This creates a serious safety concern, including the risk of fire or explosion while driving or operating the vehicle. The issue began shortly after purchase and has continued. The vehicle is now unsafe to drive due to the strong fuel smell. When I contacted CarMax about the issue, I was instructed to take the vehicle to a Kia dealership instead of CarMax inspecting or addressing the safety concern themselves. I believe this is improper handling of a potentially dangerous defect in a recently sold vehicle. At this time: * Vehicle emits strong fuel/gas smell * Safety risk increases while driving * Vehicle has been in my possession for only 3 months * Issue appears to be early or pre-existing defect * I was redirected away from CarMax responsibility I am requesting that this safety issue be investigated as a potential fuel system defect and documented appropriately.

Filed Jan 30, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · 157,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over immediately. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that a high-pressure fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

Filed Jan 14, 2022 · Fuel system · WA

I just got my car back from overtuf which had it for a month due to after the recalls where done my engine failed and had to be replaced that day I got it back I drove it home and on the way home the check engine light came on and my smelled of gas really bad so I pulled over looked under vehicle to see if there was anything leaking under car and no leaks so i checked the oil and it was filled over filled with gas which could of damaged my engine again or worse caught fire with me and my kids in it or hurt someone else

Filed Sep 28, 2021 · Fuel system · IL

hello my name is [XXX] owner of 2015 kia Sorrento on Sept 19 2021 my father in law and my wife and kids were pulling up on the drive way when they called me and said they smell gas odor from the car i said send me a pic since i was at work .I informed them turn the car off and get every body away be prepared to call fire dept. .when they sent me a video of the car I saw something leaking .so I rushed home to check the problem well it was definite fuel so I opened the hood and removed the plastic cover and started to look around everything looked in place but I noticed a clip was not in it's place the fuel line was out of place I reinserted the fuel line and pushed down on the clip. I wrapped some tape around the clip so it wouldn't come off again .I took it to the dealer on Tuesday for an explanation I was told that I needed a fuel line but they had no explanation on why this happened I ask when you guy's replaced the motor did you guy's break something ? .still waiting on that answer .the whole motor was taken out and replaced with a new one .this happened about a year and a half ago. I called kia to complain and make them aware of this issue .they called the dealer and told me they would get back to me between 24 and 48 hours today is the 28 of sept and still waiting I have called several times but they keep telling me that the dist manager hasn't replied to there emails .I told them this was a serious situation not just for me but others family's as well . I remember a while back ago kias were catching fire while driving this is a safety issue for all Americans . I have attached a news clipping to the pictures. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Feb 7, 2019 · Fuel system, Steering · 65,000 miles · TX

My kia lost power while driving on march 17, 2017 on the highway. After kia replaced the motor I realized that during cold weather my car won't start at all. I've had several diagnostic tests done but nothing shows up. I've even had the manager of the service department come to my location with the diagnostic device, because I was once again stranded and had just paid to have the machine put on my vehicle the day before. Again nothing showed up. It only happens during cold hard freeze weather. I've filed a report with kia and to this day no one has contacted me. Next issue is a clicking noise while driving vehicle coming from the steering wheel and of course it's not covered. Lastly, I just recently noticed that the smell of gasoline coming through the vents after filling the car with car and driving minutes later there's a strong smell of gasoline throughout the whole car. Kia has the worst customer service. They wont give you a rental car nor do they return or follow up on complaints.