This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
On 11/14/07 I checked my Sportage into the dealer to have the tires replaced. I was informed that the car was unsafe to drive, because of a leak in the fuel tank. I had not noticed the leak, but the dealer said there was a very strong probability of a fire because of all the gas. I replaced the gas tank. In January of 2008 I received notice that Kia would cover the repairs NHTSA # 10024232. I sent in my receipts in February. On Sept 10th Kia have 9 months of waiting decided they did not need to cover the cost of the repairs because my paperwork did not note where exactly the tank was leaking from. However, they brought me out to the car before they repaired it and the rear shield of the tank was completely rusted and the tank was leaking in the rear. The tank was not secure on the vehicle. This should certainly be a full scale recall!
My complaint is about the Kia leaking fuel. I received a letter from Kia about the fuel tank rusting out in states where salt is used on the roads. The rust is more on the top of the fuel tank not the bottom. From people I've spoken with, that's where it leaks from and corrodes the top not the bottom. Kia will only replace if the corrosion is on the bottom of the gas tank. The whole fuel pump and tank need to be replaced. The maintenance people I've spoken to have said I'm luck the car hasn't blown up. There needs to be a recall to replace the gas tank.
The contact owns a 2000 Kia Sportage. The contact noticed a huge puddle underneath the vehicle. He looked underneath the vehicle and saw the bottom of the fuel tank was wet with fuel and was dripping. There is a fuel leakage which he suspect is spilling a gallon of fuel per day. The protective coating on the bottom of the gas tank was compromised resulting in corrosion. The owner replaced the fuel tank himself. The current and failure mileages were 75,000.
2000 Kia Sportage. Noticed an odor of gas upon exiting vehicle, but no visible signs of a leak. No odor of gas when inside vehicle. Have noticed higher gas consumption, stuttering, and stalling. Fear of possible fire. I will take vehicle to dealer to have it properly diagnosed. Read that there is a recall on the 2005 models, but no recall on 2000 models with same symptoms.
- Toledo, OH, USA
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On the weekend of October 22-23, 2005, a gaseous odor was observed around my 2000 Kia Sportage (purchased December 4, 1999; VIN: [xxx]). puddles of gas were later spotted under my vehicle, so the following morning (October 24, 2005), I brought it to the local Kia dealer for inspection. It was determined that the gas tank had "rotted/rusted" out (additionally, the bolts for the gas tank and the hose connecting the gas tank and filler tube were rusted and disintegrated, respectively, beyond repair and must be replaced), creating a hole through which gas was escaping. The vehicle was used only minimally in wi prior to August 2000, and its location since then has been chapel hill/durham, nc (all repair work and oil changes have been done by millennium Kia in durham, nc, which also suggests where the vehicle has been driven since August 2000). Thus, the vehicle has not been exposed to salt or other elements which may lead to this type of damage. It currently has fewer than 55,000 miles on it, which further leads me to believe that this is not the direct consequence of over- or misuse. My father [xxx] and owner of the vehicle, contacted the Kia corporation and spoke with tom morales (800-333-4542, ext: 45262) regarding this issue, and a case has been opened with regard to it (case #[xxx]). we believe this damage is not only extremely hazardous, but also premature and the result of a faulty product. Kia claims they can do nothing to resolve this issue, but because of its serious potential to cause injury, we believe the case merits further investigation. Updated 07/18/2012 information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Consumer's vehicle has a rusted gas tank and a bad fuel pump. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the manager stated that Toyota no longer does repair on Kia vehicle. The oil pan rusted causing an oil leak. Oil leaked from the speed sensor and oil seal. The 4 wheel drive was inoperative due to an outdated hub kit. The vehicle's check engine light illuminated. The technician found that the #3 cylinder was misfiring. Phone interview update (Oct 31, 2005): The repair shop personnel (dave @ thetford's auto center @ 607-433-0319) indicated that the tank was rusted and was leaking from the seam. In addition, the fuel supply or return line was rotted at the fuel tank connection; fuel was leaking whe the fuel pump was turned on.
Problems with windows icing up during the cold seasons on 2000 Kia Sportage. An air leak caused the windows to ice shut. The engine had multiple problems which caused the check engine light to illuminate. The dealer replaced several components but the problem recurred. The fuel tank, sender unit and pressure sensor had to be replaced.
Consumer stated that fuel was leaking from the top of the fuel tank onto the exhaust pipe while driving. Dealer was notified. The dealer replaced the fuel tank and pump.
The vehicle would not start due to egr and fuel pump relay failures, dealer replaced, also the vehicle stalled while the consumer was driving at 60 mph, the check engine light came on and stayed on due to maf circuit range problem
Was driving along...stopped at a traffic light..engine light came on..kept flashing on and off.at this time I could smell something very hot and stinking..(not antifreeze)..I proceeded to pull the vehicle off the road barely had enough power to move it out of traffic...running very very rough at this time.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Parkville, MO, USA