NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
34 reportsClear category filter150,000 miles · Nov 6, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System
WHEN PUMPING GAS THERE IS A SUDDEN SPEWING OF GASOLINE OUT OF THE TANK AND ALL OVER ME. I MANAGED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET A FEW GALLONS IN BY PUMPING SLOWLY BUT THE NEXT DAY THE GAS GAGE READS EMPTY AND HAS ACTUALLY RUN OUT OF GAS SEVERAL TIMES! SO NOT ONLY AM I HAVING A PROBLEM PUTTING GAS IN, IT IS IMMEDIATELY DRAINING OR LEAKING…
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WHEN PUMPING GAS THERE IS A SUDDEN SPEWING OF GASOLINE OUT OF THE TANK AND ALL OVER ME. I MANAGED SEVERAL TIMES TO GET A FEW GALLONS IN BY PUMPING SLOWLY BUT THE NEXT DAY THE GAS GAGE READS EMPTY AND HAS ACTUALLY RUN OUT OF GAS SEVERAL TIMES! SO NOT ONLY AM I HAVING A PROBLEM PUTTING GAS IN, IT IS IMMEDIATELY DRAINING OR LEAKING OUT!
NHTSA ODI #11149624
155,000 miles · May 16, 2018
Fuel/propulsion SystemInjury
AFTER PURCHASING CAR FROM PRIVATE SELLER I DISCOVERED THAT WHEN TRYING TO PUMP GAS, MY FUEL SPRAYS BACK OUT ALL OVER MYSELF, MY VEHICLE, AND THE GROUND. HAVE EVEN HAD IT SPRAY INTO MY EYES. DID RESEARCH AND SAW THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR THIS YEAR/MAKE/MODEL. I BELIEVE ITS A FIRE AND SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD HAVE …
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AFTER PURCHASING CAR FROM PRIVATE SELLER I DISCOVERED THAT WHEN TRYING TO PUMP GAS, MY FUEL SPRAYS BACK OUT ALL OVER MYSELF, MY VEHICLE, AND THE GROUND. HAVE EVEN HAD IT SPRAY INTO MY EYES. DID RESEARCH AND SAW THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR THIS YEAR/MAKE/MODEL. I BELIEVE ITS A FIRE AND SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED YEARS AGO!
NHTSA ODI #11094097
93,632 miles · Nov 6, 2017
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
MY 2003 KIA SORENTO DRIVES FOR 15 MINUTES AND STALLS OUT. I WAIT 5 MIN AND IT'LL START AND DRIVE FOR A BLOCK OR 2AND CONTINUES TO THAT UNTIL I GET IT TOWED HOME
NHTSA ODI #11043741
165,000 miles · Mar 20, 2017
Fuel/propulsion SystemSuspensionUnknown Or Other
THE 2003 KIA SORENTO HAS A PROBLEM WITH EXTENSIVE FRAME RUSTING, TO THE POINT WHERE SOME OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SUSPENSION DETACH FROM THE FRAME. ONE OWNER IN PARTICULAR HAS HAD ISSUES WITH THE GAS TANK NEEDING TO BE REPLACED, AND KIA MOTORS REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY BUILT THE CAR, SOLD IT TO PEOPLE, AND WHEN C…
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THE 2003 KIA SORENTO HAS A PROBLEM WITH EXTENSIVE FRAME RUSTING, TO THE POINT WHERE SOME OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SUSPENSION DETACH FROM THE FRAME. ONE OWNER IN PARTICULAR HAS HAD ISSUES WITH THE GAS TANK NEEDING TO BE REPLACED, AND KIA MOTORS REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY BUILT THE CAR, SOLD IT TO PEOPLE, AND WHEN CONSUMERS HAVE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THEIR VEHICLE, THEY (KIA) SAYS THAT THEY'RE NOT RESPONSIBLE. YOU NEED TO EXAMINE THIS, BECAUSE PEOPLE COULD GET KILLED BY OPERATING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS NOW, BEFORE IT BECOMES THE NEXT PINTO. MAKE KIA FIX THE [XXX] VEHICLES NOW!!! PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #10967402
33,000 miles · Mar 13, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
WHILE FUELING UP THE SORENTO, THE FUEL SPIT OUT EVERY TIME EVEN WHILE FUELING AT SLOW SPEEDS. VERY FRUSTRATING , AND DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE FUEL GETS ON MY SKIN & CLOTHES, THE VEHICLE, AND AT TIMES LEAVES A HUGE PUDDLE ON THE GROUND WHICH COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED AND WILL NOT HELP ME EVEN TH…
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WHILE FUELING UP THE SORENTO, THE FUEL SPIT OUT EVERY TIME EVEN WHILE FUELING AT SLOW SPEEDS. VERY FRUSTRATING , AND DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE FUEL GETS ON MY SKIN & CLOTHES, THE VEHICLE, AND AT TIMES LEAVES A HUGE PUDDLE ON THE GROUND WHICH COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CONTACTED AND WILL NOT HELP ME EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL ISSUED FOR THE FUEL FILTER, WHICH I MENTIONED.
NHTSA ODI #10960423
128,800 miles · Feb 13, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
WHEN I PUMP GAS INTO MY CAR, THE FUEL SPITS BACK OUT AT ME. I HAVE TO PUMP REAL SLOW FOR THIS NOT TO HAPPEN. THIS IS DANGEROUS, GAS GETS ON MY HANDS AND CAR,I HAVE TO CARRY SOAP AND WATER TO WASH THIS OFF OF MY CAR. I CALLED ABOUT THIS AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE MY CAR VIN # WAS NOT ON THE THEIR LIST THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO F…
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WHEN I PUMP GAS INTO MY CAR, THE FUEL SPITS BACK OUT AT ME. I HAVE TO PUMP REAL SLOW FOR THIS NOT TO HAPPEN. THIS IS DANGEROUS, GAS GETS ON MY HANDS AND CAR,I HAVE TO CARRY SOAP AND WATER TO WASH THIS OFF OF MY CAR. I CALLED ABOUT THIS AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE MY CAR VIN # WAS NOT ON THE THEIR LIST THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO FOR ME
NHTSA ODI #10954291
116,000 miles · Jan 25, 2017
EngineFuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE CONTACT INSERTED FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, FUEL SPEWED OUT THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE CONTACT INSERTED FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, FUEL SPEWED OUT THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
NHTSA ODI #10947627
101,300 miles · Jul 21, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHEN REFUELING THE VEHICLE, FUEL EJECTED OUT OF THE REFUELING HOLE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,300.
NHTSA ODI #10887431
Mileage unknown · Jun 25, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
EVERY TIME I HAVE TO FILL THE GAS TANK ON MY KIA SORENTO 2003 IT SHOOTS BACK THE GASOLINE LIKE A PROYECTILE. IT TAKES AN ETERNITY TO FILL THE GAS TANK IF YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE GAS ALL OVER YOU. I HAVE EVEN BEING KICKED OUT OF SOME SERVICE STATIONS BECAUSE SPILING SO MUCH GAS IS A HAZARD. IS THERE ANY SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS PR…
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EVERY TIME I HAVE TO FILL THE GAS TANK ON MY KIA SORENTO 2003 IT SHOOTS BACK THE GASOLINE LIKE A PROYECTILE. IT TAKES AN ETERNITY TO FILL THE GAS TANK IF YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE GAS ALL OVER YOU. I HAVE EVEN BEING KICKED OUT OF SOME SERVICE STATIONS BECAUSE SPILING SO MUCH GAS IS A HAZARD. IS THERE ANY SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM? I HAVE NOT HEARD A WORD FROM KIA.
NHTSA ODI #10876553
185,000 miles · May 31, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 KIA SORENTO. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE SPEWED FUEL ONTO THE GROUND WHEN FUEL WAS BEING ADDED. THIS ISSUE RECURRED REGARDLESS OF THE AMOUNT OF FUEL BEING ADDED TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
NHTSA ODI #10871521
NHTSA investigations
1PE10023 · Fuel Spill During Refueling
Opened Jul 12, 2010 · Closed Dec 21, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
Complaints allege that while refueling the vehicle, fuel can spill out or spit back from the fuel filler port on model year (MY) 2003 Kia Sorento vehicles (subject vehicles).Consumers report that the spilled fuel can splash on the person fueling the vehicle, or on the side of the vehicle and the ground.The subject vehicles are equipped with an evaporative emissions control system that, among other things, manages air exchange between the fuel tank and the atmosphere in an environmentally safe manner.The system consists of a vapor canister, various control valves and tubing, and a canister filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kia's testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 MY 2003 and 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline
Complaints allege that while refueling the vehicle, fuel can spill out or spit back from the fuel filler port on model year (MY) 2003 Kia Sorento vehicles (subject vehicles).Consumers report that the spilled fuel can splash on the person fueling the vehicle, or on the side of the vehicle and the ground.The subject vehicles are equipped with an evaporative emissions control system that, among other things, manages air exchange between the fuel tank and the atmosphere in an environmentally safe manner.The system consists of a vapor canister, various control valves and tubing, and a canister filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kia's testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 MY 2003 and 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
Complaints allege that while refueling the vehicle, fuel can spill out or spit back from the fuel filler port on model year (MY) 2003 Kia Sorento vehicles (subject vehicles).Consumers report that the spilled fuel can splash on the person fueling the vehicle, or on the side of the vehicle and the ground.The subject vehicles are equipped with an evaporative emissions control system that, among other things, manages air exchange between the fuel tank and the atmosphere in an environmentally safe manner.The system consists of a vapor canister, various control valves and tubing, and a canister filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kia's testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 MY 2003 and 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
Complaints allege that while refueling the vehicle, fuel can spill out or spit back from the fuel filler port on model year (MY) 2003 Kia Sorento vehicles (subject vehicles).Consumers report that the spilled fuel can splash on the person fueling the vehicle, or on the side of the vehicle and the ground.The subject vehicles are equipped with an evaporative emissions control system that, among other things, manages air exchange between the fuel tank and the atmosphere in an environmentally safe manner.The system consists of a vapor canister, various control valves and tubing, and a canister filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kia's testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 MY 2003 and 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
Complaints allege that while refueling the vehicle, fuel can spill out or spit back from the fuel filler port on model year (MY) 2003 Kia Sorento vehicles (subject vehicles).Consumers report that the spilled fuel can splash on the person fueling the vehicle, or on the side of the vehicle and the ground.The subject vehicles are equipped with an evaporative emissions control system that, among other things, manages air exchange between the fuel tank and the atmosphere in an environmentally safe manner.The system consists of a vapor canister, various control valves and tubing, and a canister filter (fuel tank air filter) through which the air that flows in and out of the fuel tank must pass.Kia's testing found that if the canister filter becomes significantly clogged, excess pressure can build up in the fuel tank and cause fuel to spit back from the filler port during refueling.Kia has stated that the canister filter requires regularly scheduled service maintenance; however, the component is not listed as a maintenance item in the owner's or service manual for the subject vehicles.ODI notes that Kia does list the filter on the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual for MY 2005 and newer Kia Sorento vehicles.To address the issue of fuel spit back during refueling, Kia will conduct a service campaign of approximately 86,000 MY 2003 and 2004 Kia Sorento vehicles.The campaign will provide a one-time replacement of the canister filter, at no cost to the owner.Kia will begin notifying the affected owners in late January 2012 and will inform the owners that the filter must be serviced at regular intervals.Kia will also provide an updated service maintenance schedule.Consumers should refer to the service campaign bulletin number SC092 available in the investigative file.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.
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