1999 Kia Sportage: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Sep 28, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 333,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 kia sportage. The contact stated that the vehicle emitted strong fuel fumes on the exterior and the interior. The dealer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in a manufacturer's recall and the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact also stated that the timing belt failed three times and was replaced by a mechanic. The drive train failed once and was replaced by a mechanic. The crank shaft was also replaced once. The contact also was experiencing a transmission failure in which the gears slipped randomly and were slow to change over. The vehicle was taken to the dealer more than three times and they were not able to remedy the failure. The contact replaced the seals due to the transmission failure. The fuel leak continued and was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no remedy. The failure mileage was 333,000.

Filed Mar 14, 2014 · Fuel system · 124,971 miles · GA

I had just filled gas tank with unleaded gas. When I noticed a strong gas smell. The car sits all day. I only move it for emissions each year I work from home. They tested and told me evap emission control sys malf. The guy said he could see gas leaking from my fuel line. He said it was a recall on this to check with kia. Kia told me my VIN number did not match the recall. This car does not see alot of action there is no reason other than a few good snows that may have rusted the tank other wise why would my tank all of a sudden leak gas. This is a hazard that I think kia should be responsible for. I am the second owner of the car and have had it longer than the first. I have experienced first hand some issues this model has had which kia took care of. But they refuse this.

Filed Apr 9, 2010 · Fuel system · OH

Fuel tank leak. Smell of gasoline when car is put in garage.

Filed Jun 20, 2009 · Fuel system · 89,000 miles · OH

1999 kia sportage, had a gas leak got it repaired with a new tank last year, still have a gas smell. I have taken it back several times for the smell they cannot find the problem, of course this is my regular mechanic not a kia dealer. Now the frame is busted from premature rusting and disintegration which is holding up the gas tank. Check engine light is constantly on for "evap leak" . No power when A/C is running. A/c now has leak. Constantly smell a burning smell just before the check engine light comes on. Also constantly blows fuses for power windows etc. This is a death trap for sure, you can imagine my surprise when I was advised not to drive my grandbabies in this car it is unsafe...and when they refused to fix it as they couldn't take responsibility for the safety of the vehicle when trying to fix a framing problem. This car has had very good maintenance, oil changes, tires etc. And only has 114,000 miles , I never dreamed I would have to find another car so soon. I really thought I should have at least another 100,000 to go!

Filed Jan 13, 2009 · Fuel system · 137,700 miles · PA

On december 22, 2008, during vehicle inspection, found gas smell and possible leak in gas tank. Phone kia dealership, and they indicated that there was a service campaign, and to bring the vehicle in for a fuel tank inspection (along with some other recall repairs). On 1/2/2009, the vehicle was inspected by the kia dealership, and they indicated that the fuel tank was leaking from the bottom of the tank, and that this was a known issue and may be covered by a service campaign. However, the mileage on the vehicle was 137,700 miles, and the limit was 130,000 for kia to reimburse. I indicated that I had never received an notice of this problem. Further investigation showed that there were at least two (2) service campaigns (sc059 and rb001) which dated back to may 2006, and january 2008. Had I been notified, the vehicle would have had much less than the limit of 130,000 miles. I phoned and e-mailed customer support (no mailing address listed). During the phone conversation with steve, I was informed "too bad, but it is out of the mileage limit and there is nothing we can do. Not sure why you never got a notice". When I e-mailed, I received a phone reply (after the second e-mail) from steve stating "we already discussed this. Not sure why you e-mailed since this was already addressed". I feel that a problem as important as a leaking fuel tank should not be left to chance, waiting for a regular inspection or an actual leak to detect it. I feel that kia should be responsible for a recall, and should also be responsible for the cost of the repair. Currently I have repaired the tank, while looking for a replacement tank. Thank you for your time.

Filed Aug 4, 2006 · Fuel system · 59,000 miles · PA

Dt*: the contact stated there was a smell of gas and a fuel leak observed under the vehicle. It was driven to an independent repair shop who replaced the fuel tank and the fuel lines. The dealer has been alerted. The fuel tank and fuel lines had rusted and were leaking gasoline. Updated 08/25/06.

Filed Jul 30, 2006 · Fuel system · 56,750 miles · RI

Noticed smell of gas. Replaced gas tank and fuel pump/sender unit.

Filed Jul 5, 2006 · Brakes, Engine · 28,000 miles · MI

I have a 1999 kia sportage with less than 35,000 miles on it as of july 5, 2006. In november of 2005 I started noticing a really strong fuel smell. Shortly thereafter I noticed fluid leaking from the rear of my vehicle. I took it in around thanksgiving to find out that the gas tank had to be replaced. I had to pay almost $1,000 for this repair. Also, in may of 2006 power steering fluid leaked all over my garage while the car was in summer storage. Upon further investigation it is due to the power steering pressure hose damping pipe rusting out. This car has also already have to get new front brake rotors (rusted/warped) as well as a new exhaust pipe since the previously one rusted off the muffler. Within the first couple years one of the bearings went bad and they ended up replacing the whole front axle unit. This car has had many problems and with less than 35,000 miles on it basically makes me sick to my stomach. I am reporting this to you after reading on www.kia.com technical/owners section about a "service campaign" for the leaking fuel tanks in may 2006. Nobody has notified me and I just happened to run into myself as I was researching information related to the power steering system since that started leaking in may 2006.

Filed Nov 25, 2005 · Fuel system · OH

Dt: the contact smelled gas fumes approximately one week ago. He took the vehicle to a local mechanic, and he found the skid plate on the bottom of the tank held moisture against the tank, and caused it to rust. The vehicle has not been repaired at this time.

Filed Sep 1, 2003 · Engine · TX

Smell of exhaust coming from under hood again. Has been in shop number of times, check engine came on 50 miles after leaving dealership for repairs.runs very bad, same as before repairs. Has been out of warrnety for while, pay for repairs out of pocket.

Filed Jun 24, 2003 · Engine · 43,000 miles · NM

During vehicle operation exhaust fumes are entering the passenger cabin.

Filed Jun 22, 2003 · Engine · 36,000 miles · MO

99 kia sportage surges when starting and idles so rough when stopped that you think the car will die, has died a few times. Dealer has not been able to determine the cause to repair. All recall work was done, including the wiring harness fix sc014, but there was no symptom of problem then. Extended warranty has expired, and continually finding problem with car. Also tail pipe recently broke off had to be replaced. I now have a spreadsheet of the problems and repairs. Would like to fix this problem if I knew what it was. Had mass air flow sensor, throttle position sensor, numerous other parts replaced as well as a tune up. Also the exhaust smells bad. Engine doesn't have much pick up on small hills either.