While attempting to pump gas into the tank, it forcefully spewed out all up my arm and on my feet before I could jump back out if the way. I tried again, this time very slowly but it spewed out again. Having enough gas to get home, I left the cap loose. By the next day, it held the gasoline just fine. So I continued to leave the cap loose, which was working until yesterday. I was out of town shopping. The low fuel light came on, so I attempted to get gas but it spewed out all over my arm and feet again. Fortunately, there was a Kia dealership nearby and I had enough gas to get there. As of today, they tell me that two valves are clogged and repairs will be around $500 assuming the charcoal filter is okay, which they hadn't yet checked when they called me. In research, I discovered that 2003-04 Kia Sorentos were recalled for faulty fuel valves that resulted in the exact spewing problems I experienced. Mine is a 2008 but seems to have the same problem. This is not due to neglect of maintenance or to routine wear and tear. I don't feel that I'm financially responsible for this. I do feel very fortunate that I wasn't burned. I am still leery of driving it after repair though in fear of a gas tank explosion.

- Russell Springs, KY, USA

The fuel gauge needle drops down from full to empty and the low/out of gas indicator light comes on, but goes off after needle moves from the low fuel gauge marking. This malfunction of the fuel gas needle happens at no specific time interval or speed rate.

- Seat Pleaseant, MD, USA

My 22 yr son. Was driving a Kia Sorento, at highway speed on 11/27/08 on I-10 w in houston, tx, just East of loop 610. The vehicle was a rental from enterprise rental car and had ca. 4000 miles on the odometer. My son reports hearing a loud boom from the engine compartment and immediately noticed smoke coming from the dashboard vents. He immediately pulled the vehicle over to the median shoulder and exited the vehicle, noticing dark smoke coming from the hood, then flames. He promptly called 911. The operator said she had his vehicle fire on the overhead highway camera. My son is a culinary student and rapidly retrieved his valuable knife roll from the rear seat floorboard, but was unable to get anything else from the vehicle because of the heat and smoke. He says the fd arrived within 5 mins and doused the engine fire. There was extensive fire damage to the front passenger compartment and less so to the rear passenger compartment. My son is smart, quick and agile. Thus, he suffered no physical injury, but was quite distraught. He will do well. I am an emergency physician with 20 yrs of experience. I have very serious concerns regarding this apparent catastrophic failure that rapidly resulted in an engine and vehicle fire. It is apparent that a definitely adverse outcome, including serious injury and/or death could result if the occupants were elderly or a family with children in proper restraints, booster or infant seats. Additionally, my son reacted rapidly and immediately pulled over. Another tragic scenario could occur if there were a narrow or no shoulder. Thank you for your review and action.

- Tucumcari, NM, USA