1998 Kia Sportage fuel system problems

Filed May 31, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 60,000 miles · NJ · 2 injuries

This is a repeat of confirmation no. 10514519, but with "was there an injury or fatality? Marked "yes" above. Driver and passenger scalded with boiling radiator fluid with foot on pedal, had to keep foot on petal to get off road. On may 30, 2013, at approx. 4:30pm edt, I was driving my 1998 kia sportage on the garden state parkway north, just after entering the highway at exit 98 in wall, nj. The air conditioner had not been working well. The local temperature was in the high 90s, near 100 degrees. I had a passenger in the front passenger seat. Suddenly, anti-freeze smoke came out of the dashboard vents, then, hot scalding anti-freeze began falling on my right foot as it was on the accelerator pedal. At the same time, the front-seat passenger was also getting scalded. In my case, I sustained a 1st to 2nd degree burn on my right small (pinky) toe, which was blistered. It was fortunate that I was able to get off at the monmouth service area at milepost 100 of the garden state parkway in wall, nj. My view is that this is a serious safety issue caused by design oversight, not merely a maintenance issue on a old car. For example, if a heater core breaks and does not heat, that is a maintenance problem. However, if it breaks and an unexpected driver gets hurt, and compounded, loses control of the vehicle, and moreover, has to put his foot back onto the accelerator pedal to control the car in a hot-liquid stream, this is an unacceptable safety condition due to failure to safely contain hot liquids.

Filed May 31, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 60,000 miles · NJ · 2 injuries

Driver and passenger scalded with boiling radiator fluid with foot on pedal, had to keep foot on petal to get off road on may 30, 2013, at approx. 4:30 pm edt, I was driving my 1998 kia sportage on the garden state parkway north, just after entering the highway at exit 98 in wall, nj. The air conditioner had not been working well. The local temperature was in the high 90s, near 100 degrees. I had a passenger in the front passenger seat. Suddenly, anti-freeze smoke came out of the dashboard vents, then, hot scalding anti-freeze began falling on my right foot as it was on the accelerator pedal. At the same time, the front-seat passenger was also getting scalded. In my case, I sustained a 1st to 2nd degree burn on my right small (pinky) toe, which was blistered. It was fortunate that I was able to get off at the monmouth service area at milepost 100 in wall, nj. My view is that this is a serious safety issue caused by design oversight, not merely a maintenance issue on a old car. For example, if a heater core breaks and does not heat, that is a maintenance problem. However, if it breaks and an unexpected driver gets hurt, and compounded, loses control of the vehicle, and moreover, has to put his foot back onto the accelerator pedal to control the car in a hot-liquid stream, this is an unacceptable safety condition due to failure to safely contain hot liquids.

Filed Oct 13, 2011 · Fuel system · PA

Fuel tank is leaking, widespread problem, kia will only replace tank if the leak is on the very bottom of tank. They are saying mine is leaking at the seam. I very dangerous problem no matter where the tank is leaking. I only hope noone has a fire because of it. I have to pay the extremely expensive bill. I was told not only do I need the tank I will need the fuel pump assembly also and possibly more parts. The total approximately $1000.00 to have installed. This is bs an outrage. Had I known the problem with the kia's I would never have purchased it.

Filed Jul 22, 2007 · Fuel system · 109,000 miles · TN

I own a 1998 kia sportage 4wd. I have access to alldata.com. I have recently performed some engine work to my vehicle and came across a recall that caused me some concern. Number: kt2006050901 is listed as a possible concern for "certain 1996 - 2002 sportage models."I would like to know what makes a particular vehicle one that is marked "for concern." the recall states the exact issue that I am facing with my vehicle. This condition is being exhibited at this time. The local kia dealership has informed me that my vehicle is not one that I sto be serviced under this recall even though it is exhibiting what the recall information outlines. Why, would you please, is my vehicle not one that should be a candidate for this safety recall? I have a leak from the top of the tank. A dealership in nashville says that from all that they understand, my vehicle should be inspected/repaired for this recall concern.

Filed Jan 17, 2007 · Fuel system · VA

I noticed a smell gas near the passenger door at the rear of the car. I look underneath and there was a leak of gas underneath. My mechanic has replaced something under it 2 x and it is leaking again.

Filed Nov 14, 2006 · Fuel system · 110,000 miles · MD

The gas tank on my 1998 kia sportage is seriously corroding. My local garage mechanic stated that this is a serious condition as it could start leaking or break loose from the car. As I understand there is a the federal safety agency investigation (ea06007) currently being conducted. Please include me into the investigation so that this problem can be remedied.

Filed Jun 20, 2006 · Fuel system · 138,911 miles · IN

Strong odor of gasoline in and around the car indicated a fuel leak. When investigated the leak was found coming from the fuel tank underneath the center part of the vehicle. Appears to be due to corrosion of the tank. We are still checking on replacement fuel tanks for replacement and are not able to drive the vehicle.

Filed Dec 7, 2005 · Fuel system · 80,000 miles · FL

Dt: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated. A diagnostic test indicated it was the maximum airflow unit. The vehicle hesitated while driving at any speed. The vehicle has not been inspected by a dealer to determine the exact problem with the vehicle. *ak updated 12/7/2005.

Filed Jul 19, 2004 · Fuel system · 64,000 miles · MD

Engine connectors c144 (throttle position sensor), c129 (mass air flow sensor) and c146 (idle speed actuator) lose circuit continuity with movement of the engine causing engine hesitation, loss of power and false "check engine light " indication on the instrument panel. Wiggling the appropriate connector restores continuity temporarily but it will recur again shortly within a day or two of operating the vehicle.

Filed Jul 8, 2004 · Fuel system · KY

Consumer stated that when she attempted to start vehicle it would not start. She then smelled a strong gas odor. Consumer looked under the hood and discovered that the gas line popped off, and gas was spilling all over the engine.. She had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and they did not know what could had caused the leak. In order to get to the gas line consumer would have to go under the hood, and no one could get under the hood. So the problem was unexplainable.