2015 Kia Sorento Fuel system Problems

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a Kia vehicle I purchased from CarMax Waldorf approximately 3 months ago. The vehicle has developed a strong gasoline/fuel odor that is consistent with a possible fuel leak. This creates a serious safety concern, including the risk of fire or explosion while driving or operating the vehicle. The issue began shortly after purchase and has continued. The vehicle is now unsafe to drive due to the strong fuel smell. When I contacted CarMax about the issue, I was instructed to take the vehicle to a Kia dealership instead of CarMax inspecting or addressing the safety concern themselves. I believe this is improper handling of a potentially dangerous defect in a recently sold vehicle. At this time: * Vehicle emits strong fuel/gas smell * Safety risk increases while driving * Vehicle has been in my possession for only 3 months * Issue appears to be early or pre-existing defect * I was redirected away from CarMax responsibility I am requesting that this safety issue be investigated as a potential fuel system defect and documented appropriately.

NHTSA ID

11743877

Incident

Jun 5, 2026

Yes there was a recall in a module control panel which still is messed up. It’s been replaced a couple x. Also the dim lights since I bought the car have a very low light were you can hardly see at night. And this SUV drinks gas on long/short trips. I’ve taken it in several times but they keep saying nothing’s wrong and I know there is I have driven my boyfriend vehicle which is a V6 and went the same exact distance and didn’t have to get any fuel until I was about half way back. Something has to give. I love my Kia as I have owned 2. But something is really wrong. Please help. Thanks

NHTSA ID

11713407

Incident

Aug 24, 2020

My vehicle has a slow speed pick up and I’m getting code p0018 and has very rough idling !

NHTSA ID

11698466

Incident

Nov 5, 2025

The entire car failed as it caught fire. I wasn't able to break or put the car into park and it rolled to a stop while smoke was coming through the vents. Because of this, my passenger and I exited the vehicle and crossed the expressway while a highway patroller was directing traffic away from the car. Within 2 minutes the car was engulfed in flames. The car is not available for inspection as it was towed away and disposed of. The safety of myself and the passenger were at risk because the entire car broke out in flames and soon exploded. If we stayed in the car for any longer than we did, we would have died. UNKOWN. I do not believe that the vehicle has been inspected. The warning lights all turned on at exactly the same time, about 3-5 seconds before the car completely stopped.

NHTSA ID

11655958

Incident

Apr 10, 2025

Engine died in the middle of the right of way suddenly and would not restart. Knocking sound ensued when restart was attempted. Within the previous 48 hours, the engine had been topped off with 2 quarts of oil. The dealership it was towed to to assess the issue confirmed they added an additional 3 quarts of oil during the assessment. They confirmed the engine would need to be replaced. Mileage at the time of incident was 68K. Kia corporate confirmed they would not replace the engine since there are 4 owners on the vehicle history, and the warranty expired at 60K miles as a result.

NHTSA ID

11652193

Incident

Mar 4, 2025

The problem started when our car died while driving it. After a few different replacements, Kia decided to replace the entire engine under a recall. After driving the car for a short period of time, the check engine light came on. I went to check the oil and it smelled overwhelmingly like gasoline. I took it to my mechanic who said the check engine light was coming on because of the catalytic converter needing replaced. And the high pressure fuel pump was leaking gas into the oil tank. He said that both of these reasons were because the engine was replaced and they should have all been replaced simultaneously under the recall. I did look it up and there was a second recall for 2015 Kia Sorentos who had there engine replaced, that the high pressure fuel pump should be replaced because it was leaking gas into the oil tank. However, Kia told us we do not qualify for the recall because it was a different type of engine. But this is the exact same car and exact same issue, therefore I feel this should be included under the recall 17V-224.

NHTSA ID

11649576

Incident

Mar 11, 2025

I have had nothing but problems out of this car since I purchased it. I purchased it used from Chevy and within a week I was in a rental car due to issues. Now after only having the car for 3 years still making payments, after having the oil changed within a month the engine showed no oil when I took it back to the shop with complaints of a engine knock. They replaced the oil however within 4 days the car could not be moved. Why is it my car is doing everything in the case action lawsuit yet I don't qualify for the engine replacement. Now they refuse to give me my car back due to this recall, it's been at kia since last November. Without anything being done with it. I have cancer and can't hardly get to my appointments. This is the worst car I could own someone please tell me what to do. Start a new class action law suit. You should have to honor your cars if they are still being paid for from a dealership.

NHTSA ID

11508203

Incident

Nov 10, 2022

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over immediately. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that a high-pressure fuel line needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

NHTSA ID

11504462

Incident

Nov 22, 2022

Mileage

157,000 mi

The vehicle has stalled 3 separate times in the rain.

NHTSA ID

11476842

Incident

Jul 22, 2022

SUV started making a strange noise and the rear started dragging before 70K miles. Needed a new axle and a rear differential. Total cost was $3800.00 and not covered under warranty. The rear differential oil wasn't even due to be changed yet.

NHTSA ID

11473073

Incident

Apr 1, 2022

There is a recall for part of my vehicle that says a fire could start. Need it fixed

NHTSA ID

11451102

Incident

Feb 9, 2022

I just got my car back from overtuf which had it for a month due to after the recalls where done my engine failed and had to be replaced that day I got it back I drove it home and on the way home the check engine light came on and my smelled of gas really bad so I pulled over looked under vehicle to see if there was anything leaking under car and no leaks so i checked the oil and it was filled over filled with gas which could of damaged my engine again or worse caught fire with me and my kids in it or hurt someone else

NHTSA ID

11447455

Incident

Dec 2, 2021

hello my name is [XXX] owner of 2015 kia Sorrento on Sept 19 2021 my father in law and my wife and kids were pulling up on the drive way when they called me and said they smell gas odor from the car i said send me a pic since i was at work .I informed them turn the car off and get every body away be prepared to call fire dept. .when they sent me a video of the car I saw something leaking .so I rushed home to check the problem well it was definite fuel so I opened the hood and removed the plastic cover and started to look around everything looked in place but I noticed a clip was not in it's place the fuel line was out of place I reinserted the fuel line and pushed down on the clip. I wrapped some tape around the clip so it wouldn't come off again .I took it to the dealer on Tuesday for an explanation I was told that I needed a fuel line but they had no explanation on why this happened I ask when you guy's replaced the motor did you guy's break something ? .still waiting on that answer .the whole motor was taken out and replaced with a new one .this happened about a year and a half ago. I called kia to complain and make them aware of this issue .they called the dealer and told me they would get back to me between 24 and 48 hours today is the 28 of sept and still waiting I have called several times but they keep telling me that the dist manager hasn't replied to there emails .I told them this was a serious situation not just for me but others family's as well . I remember a while back ago kias were catching fire while driving this is a safety issue for all Americans . I have attached a news clipping to the pictures. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11434804

Incident

Sep 19, 2021

Upon receiving Recall NOTICE , Vehicle Is A Fire Danger and I can Not Drive it.Living in the middle of the Forrest makes having this vehicle in this HIGH FIRE DANGER TOWN for 2 months put not only my family and home in danger but my entire FIRE VULNERABLE COMMUNITY AT RISK. The company headquarters or Dealership would not loan me a safe car nor remove this FIRE HAZARD from this community.

NHTSA ID

11426482

Incident

Jul 2, 2021

ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHEN YOU START UP (I.E. DRIVER SEAT HEATING UP, PANEL FLASHING, FUEL IGNITION TAKING OFF SPARADICALLY WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET, REAR BRAKES SCREEHING WHEN IN MOTION,(CITY STREET) CAR CONSTANTLY REQUIRING A CHARGE UP OF THE BATTERY AND REPLACEMENT OF BATTERIES WHEN STATIONARY, EXTERIOR LIGHTS REMAINING ON EXCESSIVELY AFTER CAR IS TURNED OFF, HOOD OF CAR EXTREMELY HOT TO TOUCH, LIQUID RESIDUE ON DRIVEWAY FROM REAR BRAKES AFTER THE CAR IS PARKED AFTER USE. WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY FOR 1 DAY OR MORE THE BATTERY SHORTS OUT. WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION ON CITY STREET THE ACCELERATOR HAS A TENDENCY TO IDLE UP AND THEN RESUME BACK TO NORMAL.

NHTSA ID

11382715

Incident

Feb 2, 2020

MY KIA SORENTO HAS THE THETA LL ENGINE, THIS ENGINE VIBRATES A LOT AND HAS VERY HIGH GASOLINE CONSUMPTION. THIS CAR IS US MADE AND WAS EXPORTED TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. MY PHONES IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ARE [XXX] OR [XXX]. IN THE USA MY PHONE IS [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11377111

Incident

Jun 12, 2017

A JERKS WHEN YOU TRYING TO PARK WHEN YOU GOING SLOW ON THE PARKING LOT IT HAS A KOOL 2098 FUEL TRIM IT KEEPS IDLING HIGH AND I'M STALLING

NHTSA ID

11353086

Incident

Jul 26, 2020

MY CAR STARTED STUTTERING AND THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED FLASHING. GOT THE CODE READ AT A KIA DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS DETERMINED THROUGH A DIAGNOSTIC THAT WE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. WE REPLACED THE ENGINE AND THE CAR IS STILL STUTTERING AND HAVING GAS MILEAGE ISSUES. WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES, MY GAS MILEAGE IS AFFECTED AND WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON, MY VEHICLE RUNS NORMAL. MY VEHICLE STARTS STUTTERING AT AROUND 30-35 MPH, WHEN IT'S FIRST STARTED AND DRIVEN, IT STUTTERS. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL ALSO RANDOMLY START BLINKING WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND LOOSE POWER MOMENTARILY, THEN WHEN I ACCELERATE, IT FEELS LIKE IT'S CHOKING OR SPUTTERING AND STRUGGLING TO MAINTAIN SPEED. *TR

NHTSA ID

11325684

Incident

Nov 20, 2019

Mileage

68,000 mi

EGINE STALLS AND AC ON STALLS AND HAS DIED 3TIMES

NHTSA ID

11306800

Incident

Feb 3, 2020

Mileage

61,788 mi

THE FIRST INCIDENT WAS AFTER REFUELING. I DID NOT TOP OFF. THE CAR JUST DIED WHILE IDLING, TOOK 3 TRIES TO START THEN LURCHED WHEN I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND DIED AGAIN. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER IT WAS BECAUSE MY TANK WAS TOO FULL. I DROVE 325 MILES TO AN ALMOST COMPLETELY TANK. THE INDICATOR STATED I STILL HAD 76 MILES LEFT OF FUEL. I PUT 14.5 GALLONS IN (NOT TO THE FULL LINE) AND 12 HOURS LATER, IT WON'T START. THE BATTERY IS NEW. IT'S NOT THE BATTERY.

NHTSA ID

11228758

Incident

Jun 13, 2019

Mileage

72,000 mi

THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED DEC 1 2018 AND THE KNOCK SENSOR FAILED ON THE TRIP BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS REPLACED AND NOW APRIL 22ND 2019 LESS THAN 5 MONTHS LATER IT HAS FAILED AGAIN AND LEFT ME STRANDED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS FLASHING AND THE VEHICLE IS STUCK IN LIMP MODE. THIS MODEL IS KNOWN FOR THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE RECALL LIST.

NHTSA ID

11202799

Incident

Apr 22, 2019

Mileage

51,000 mi

MY KIA LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING ON MARCH 17, 2017 ON THE HIGHWAY. AFTER KIA REPLACED THE MOTOR I REALIZED THAT DURING COLD WEATHER MY CAR WON'T START AT ALL. I'VE HAD SEVERAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS DONE BUT NOTHING SHOWS UP. I'VE EVEN HAD THE MANAGER OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT COME TO MY LOCATION WITH THE DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE, BECAUSE I WAS ONCE AGAIN STRANDED AND HAD JUST PAID TO HAVE THE MACHINE PUT ON MY VEHICLE THE DAY BEFORE. AGAIN NOTHING SHOWED UP. IT ONLY HAPPENS DURING COLD HARD FREEZE WEATHER. I'VE FILED A REPORT WITH KIA AND TO THIS DAY NO ONE HAS CONTACTED ME. NEXT ISSUE IS A CLICKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND OF COURSE IT'S NOT COVERED. LASTLY, I JUST RECENTLY NOTICED THAT THE SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS AFTER FILLING THE CAR WITH CAR AND DRIVING MINUTES LATER THERE'S A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE CAR. KIA HAS THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE. THEY WONT GIVE YOU A RENTAL CAR NOR DO THEY RETURN OR FOLLOW UP ON COMPLAINTS.

NHTSA ID

11174969

Incident

Mar 17, 2017

Mileage

65,000 mi

MY 2015 KIA SORENTO HAS METAL FLAKES IN THE ENGINE, BURNS 2 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 2OOO MILES, IT HESITATES ON ACCELERATION, WHITE EXHAUST SMOKE, BURNS A LOT OF GAS, THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND UVO WARNINGS CONSTANTLY TURNS ON, IT CAN CATCH ON FIRE ANYTIME, THE ENGINE CAN LOCK ANYTIME. WE NEED MORE KIA RECALLS BEFORE LIVES ARE LOST.

NHTSA ID

11166423

Incident

Jul 28, 2018

Mileage

72,000 mi

MY FRIEND WAS ON THE HIGHWAY,TRAVELLING ALONG AND HEARD A NOISE. THEN SHE SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE CAR ALONG SIDE DRIVERS DOOR. THE CAR THEN LOST ACCELERATION AND STOPPED. WITHIN FIVE MINUTES THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE AND IS TOTALLED OUT. AN OFF DUTY LAWMAN STOPPED TO HELP HER. HE TOLD HER EITHER THE FUEL LINE OR FUEL PUMP BURST AND TOLD HER WE HAVE GROUNDS FOR LAWSUIT AGAINST KIA FOR FAULTY DESIGN. MY FRIEND IS IN TOTAL DISTRESS OVER THIS INCIDENT AND DESERVES COMPENSATION FOR EMOTIONAL DISTRESS. I FEEL LIKE KIA OWES ME BIG MONEY TOO, BECAUSE I BOUGHT CAR FOR HER TO BE LEGAL IN HAULING HER SIX CHILDREN IN CAR. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE THE CAR DUE TO HIGH LIEN ON CAR AT TIME OF FIRE, AND YET I FEEL OBLIGATED TO PROVIDE FRIEND WITH LEGAL AND DEPENDABLE CAR FOR THE FAMILY'S USE. WILL THIS AGENCY HELP US GET COMPENSATED FROM KIA PLEASE? THERE ARE RECORDS OF MORE OF KIA'S CARS CATCHING ON FIRE, EVEN IN DEALER LOTS. THANK YOU *JS

NHTSA ID

11030260

Incident

Sep 22, 2017

Mileage

100,000 mi

MY MOM HAS BEEN HAVING ISSUE AFTER ISSUE.. FIRST THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT AND BATTERY AFTER POWER STEERING MAKING NOICES ..BRAKES NOT RESPONDING AND NOW FUEL INJECTION PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ID

11021196

Incident

Aug 2, 2017