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Kia Sportage Gasoline Leak

19 messages,  Last post on Dec 05, 2011 at 12:38 AM

You are in the Kia Sportage Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Sportage, Fuel System, SUV

Messages Page 3 of 3

#12 of 19 tank leak by master_tech_82

Mar 18, 2008 (8:58 pm)

I recieved a recall in the mail from kia that said a fuel leak from fuel tank is a problem in highly salted road areas, I was able to remove the shield on my 99 and clean it before it rusted. I highly recomend you do the same before you get a leak. You can also use a rubberized undercoating before you put the shield back on.

#13 of 19 by 13rannon

Dec 29, 2008 (2:51 pm)

My fuel tank is leaking on my 2000 Kia Sportage. I printed out the Service Campaign 1996-2002 Sportage Fuel Tank Inspection .PDF and took it to both my local dealers.
 
Niether dealer wanted to touch the tank or honor the NHTSA inspection.
 
I read on the 'Vehicles Affected' column that it's 1996-2002 MY Sportage Models. Are those special models? How do you tell if you have a Sportage AL or KM?
 
All the dealers would tell me is that were no recalls on my model and that they couldn't help me. Up till today I haven't had any major complaints about Kia...but the more I have to work with Kia dealers the farther I get from ever buying another Korean/Kia model car.
 
Thank you in advance for any information.
 
The dealer instructed me that Campaigns were different from Recalls and that to replace my gas tank would be over $400.ooUSD

#14 of 19 Mine too... by mtnbiker4life

Dec 29, 2009 (11:06 am)

I just recently got a '99 Sportage 2 door from my Dad,he owned it for 3-4 years and was the 2nd owner. I remember borrowing it from him for a month a couple years ago during the winter to ride to work,and it was leaking then,as it is now.
 
I haven't looked as of yet (I will soon tho...anything over 1/2 tank full and it leaks out),but he tells me a similar story as mentioned above on the drain plug,and it has further corroded. Personally,before I go to the expense of a new unit from KIA,I'll search the bone yards (auto salvage/junk yards/recycle yards) for a used unit in better shape,and buy the best one I can find,make any repairs needed with a new washer and JB Weld. This isn't a terribly difficult job to do,tho it really isn't ideal. Realistically,tho,I'll drive this maybe 4-5 years,so...
 
Hope this helps,Bro

#15 of 19 fuel tank problem by wonderwomanhb

Mar 22, 2010 (12:30 pm)

I have a 2000 sportage and noticed a gas smell & leak.. the mechanic said there was a recall on the tank & modual.. I brought it to Kia Dealer today.. they said the tank is covered but not the modual which is in the tank!? so they want $462 +labor for the modual and they said I have to pay another $150+labor for the gas tank shield they removed bc its rusted.. Im so annoyed and have been reading that others have had this problem..how can KIA not pay for it??

#16 of 19 gas tank problem unresolved by iampete

Oct 29, 2010 (12:09 pm)

my 99 kia sportage has developed gas smell some time ago, but I tried to blame on nearby vehicles, and while moving no gas odor was present. well now it is heavy gas smell, and I accidently found out of possible recall of this problem. Never rcvd a letter from KIA, though they claim a ltr was sent to wherever the car was registered. And now claim it is no longer responsible after 10 yrs on car, and will not do, or offer anything. Their so called letter(said not to be RECALL), only voluntary repair. They refuse to bend on repair. Was looking for new car and now know, it will not be a KIA

#17 of 19 Re: gas tank problem unresolved [iampete] by doomsdaygray

Aug 02, 2011 (11:24 pm)

Replying to: iampete (Oct 29, 2010 12:09 pm)
I own a 2000 and they are giving me the same problems.nobody wants to touch it! looks like Ill do it myself. bastards!

#18 of 19 Re: gas tank problem unresolved [doomsdaygray] by ack12

Aug 03, 2011 (6:41 pm)

Replying to: doomsdaygray (Aug 02, 2011 11:24 pm)
doomsdaygray,
Let me know if you find a replacement tank online anywhere, as I have the same problem. I've been searching online and with locals salvage yards for a replacement tank with no success. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

#19 of 19 Re: gas tank problem unresolved [iampete] by lennyd123

Dec 05, 2011 (12:38 am)

Replying to: iampete (Oct 29, 2010 12:09 pm)
Sad too see so many others being put in harms way due to KIA's cost saving attempts.
 
I have a pretty good leak in the tank on my 98 sportage that prevents me from filling the tank, getting the proper fuel mileage, and even causes the check engine light to throw a code for the EVAP system.
 
Since being new to this vehicle I had tried to get any open campaigns taken care of, but found the only one they are no longer honoring is the fuel tank, but there is no problem getting KIA to properly handle all the small inexpensive repairs.
 
This is obviously a major safety concern, and KIA is willing to gamble our lives and those of our families in order to save a few bucks, and that is inexcusable.
 
My local dealers service adviser even had the nerve to comment on the cars age being why they will no longer honor the repair, but had nothing to offer when I questioned him why there was no problem with the less expensive repairs.
 
Oh and then after refusing to offer me the direct number to the KIA regional rep had the ballls to suggest I just have the work done for a mere $879.00 out of my pocket.
 
I am really unhappy, and will never even consider buying a new KIA (or Hyundai for that matter) due to this, and being my sportage only has 64,000 miles I can not accept the BS story I have been told by several dealers people that it is common for vehicles to have corrosion problems like this with this kind of mileage.
 
I have also contacted the NHTSA on this and filed a report, and suggest that anyone else with this problem do the same. If like other import car manufacturers the only way they will admit a defect or cover a large expense is when the federal govt. leaves them no choice and force them to do it if they want to continue importing and doing business etc.
 
Shame on KIA for being so cheap and not caring if they kill us all in a ball of flames, but then again maybe it is not an accident at all

Messages Page 3 of 3

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