2001 Kia Sportage: gas smell in the cabin

Filed Jan 7, 2017 · Fuel system, Seat belts · 20,000 miles · FL

Bought this vehicle with only 11k miles from an elderly couple that hardly drove it. Now at 21k miles, there is a gas smell coming inside the vehicle and also outside of the vehicle. Has a rough idle and gas spews out of tank while I'm pumping gas. The front passenger tire sounds like it's about to fall off. Had to replace spark plugs twice already. Also, the driverside seatbelt will not retract. I bought this vehicle with only 11k miles thinking it will last for awhile, but I've had so many issues with it.

Filed Apr 1, 2015 · Fuel system · 32,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. While driving at various speeds, fuel fumes emitted into the vehicle. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The failure recurred continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that fuel was leaking from the top of the fuel tank and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

Filed Feb 2, 2013 · Fuel system · 11,450 miles · VA

I purchased a kia sportage ex 2001 on 12/27/12 from front ryal auto group in front royal va. I went to the gas station after filling my gas tank I noticed a strong smell of gas. After a few days I called the dealership and told them , they did not know if it was covered under the warranty to bring it in mon-fri 8-5 well I can not make those hours to go ,so the odor continues to find out from a mechanic of my own choice which after I called the dealership back again before my warranty ran out that we dicovered I have a fuel tank gas seal leakage..

Filed Oct 22, 2011 · Fuel system · 112,000 miles · WI

Our 2001 kia sportage had a gas smell. Now we noticed gas leaking out of the tank. It seems to stop at 1/4 full. We bought in brand new in 2002.

Filed Jun 20, 2011 · Fuel system · KY

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 kia sportage. The contact stated the vehicle was parked when she smelled a strong fuel odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the exterior of the fuel tank was wet on the exterior because there was a fuel leak. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred within a few months. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 08/01/11*lj updated 08/03/11

Filed Dec 6, 2010 · Fuel system · 61,000 miles · NJ

Fuel odor ,found gas leaks from corroded gas tank, called kia headquarters,told to take it to a dealer , car was out of warranties but kia paid to replace the gas tank, I was told it was common with this kia sportage 2001 , the tank shield under the tank collected the salt from the road while driving in the winter and sit there between the shield and the tank causing excessive corrosion,I was pleased with kia action to pay fully for the tank.

Filed Jul 18, 2009 · Fuel system · 425 miles · NM

Gasoline smell comes in through the vents into the windows. The smell is so strong that I cannot drive my vehicle during cool or cold weather. First mentioned it to dealership. They said it was normal for a new vehicle and that the smell would go away. 8 years later the smell has gotten worse and hasn't gone away.

Filed Mar 17, 2008 · Fuel system · 120,000 miles · WV

My 2001 kia sportage is garage parked, and I noticed the smell of gas in my garage one day last week. I parked in my driveway that night and noticed a large gas stain the next morning. I took my car to my mechanic who called a parts dealer to find out the cost of a used one. He was notified that kia had a recall on these gas tanks. He then called kia and scheduled an appointment for me to take it in to them that afternoon. After kia's inspection, they said I had the same problem as many others were having with these gas tanks. The service tech ran my VIN number and was told that my vehicle was "two months out of the recall date." he said he felt that since it was that close to the date, that kia should cover it. He called kia and spoke to a couple of "higher ups" there and was told the same thing. I have recently learned that there are many people in my area, as well as columbus and cincinnati, are having the same problem I am having...that the VIN numbers are 2 months newer than the recall that kia has issued, and therefore are being denied. I had to pay $443.92 to get this fixed at the kia dealer and feel that kia should reimburse me for the problem with this gas tank.

Filed Feb 26, 2008 · Body, Fuel system · VA

Fuel tanks rust out quick. I noticed smell of gas, and replaced tank immediately. No damage was done, just concern for others. Poor design captures moisture between fuel tank and skid plate. This has cost me 250.00 for the tank, a half day of labor, and I'm concerned with putting skid plate back on. I looked on the internet to see if there were similar problems. There were several exact and others found with the fuel tanks. No cars have caught fire yet.

Filed Nov 5, 2007 · Fuel system · 92,954 miles · OH

When I turned the exhaust on in the car there was a very strong gasoline smell to the point I had to turn it off and open the windows. There has been several complaints filed on the internet concerning this same problem. I feel since this could be a fire problem with the car it needs to be addressed with the manufacturers of the auto and a recall given . Also there has been several complaints written concerning leaks early on with the gas tank its self.

Filed Oct 31, 2007 · Fuel system · 61,100 miles · OH

My 2001 kia sportage had a strong gas odor for a couple of weeks. I was told by the dealer to get a new gas cap. The odor became stronger and I took the car in for repair at an independent service station. I was told I needed a new gas tank. The tank was corroded and leaking. I had the gas tank installed in october, 2007. The car had 61,000 miles.

Filed Mar 11, 2004 · Engine, Fuel system · 9,930 miles · NJ

For a period of 30-45 minutes after starting the vehicle gasoline and exhaust fumes entered the passenger's cabin. A company named green circle tested the vehicle, which tested positive for carbon monoxide. Passengers complained of headaches while in the vehicle, and driver sometimes became dizzy. Dealer replaced the catalytic converter twice, intake manifold once, and fuel injectors once. These repairs did not remedy the problem. *ak