We also experienced the gas problem. First we had a problem with the tank leaking (was told by Kia that 2002 Sportage model was not part of the recall/check, which it was and they should have paid for the $500 problem). Second, the gas shoots out when you try to fill, and check engine light comes on, this (we were told) is a bad oxygen sensor, another $350 and still not covered.

- Levittown, PA, USA

I have been having a problem with the fuel marker. When I pump gas it will gush out even with just $2 in the tank I would have to pump it very slow in order to fill my tank up. I have a 2002 Kia Sportage and from what I hear this is going on with other Kia's. I would like to know if this is a manufacture error or is it time. It is very scary when the gas comes out and gets all over my clothes I think it's hazardous.

- Orlando, FL, USA

My sister-in-law has a 2002 Kia Sportage that has begun leaking fuel out of a cracked fuel tank. Apparently this is so common that a Kia recall (recall SC059) was issued. However, a dealership in scottsdale Arizona told us that her VIN was not a part of the recall. Yet, the very reason for bringing it in was for the exact Focus of the recall. The recall specifications do not exclude/include specific vins. How can we get Kia to honor their recall?

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that whenever the temperature drops below 40 degrees outside, he smells a very strong odor of gasoline inside and around the vehicle. The odor is noticeable when walking up to the vehicle and also when it is being driven. The scent is so strong that passengers begin to cough inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The vehicle has been taken to the repair shop, mechanic, or dealer. The manufacturer stated that they were not aware of any other vehicles experiencing this failure. The issue only occurs in the winter due to very cold temperatures. The failure mileage was 50,000 and current mileage was 130,000. Updated 07/28/09 the consumer stated the vehicle also stalled when it rained. The consumer stated he has taken the vehicle to the dealer multiple times, but to no avail. Updated 07/30/09.

- Brewton, AL, USA

2002 Kia Sportage has severe and dangerous gasoline smell inside vehicle after cold weather.

- Washington, MO, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Kia Sportage. Immediately after purchasing the vehicle in March of 2008, the contact noticed a faint smell of gasoline inside the vehicle. He only noticed the smell when the gas tank was full. The failure lasted over the past several months and the smell grew stronger. The dealer has not been notified. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls relating to his vehicle; therefore, they were not liable for the repairs. The current mileage was 43,000 and failure mileage was 33,000.

- Burley, ID, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Kia Sportage. While driving approximately 10 mph on normal road conditions, the contact smelled a strong odor of fuel coming through the air vents of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. On a separate occasion, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for the same failure with no resolution. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact was in the process of notifying the authorized dealer. The failure mileage was 55,000 and current mileage was 55,900. Updated 1/8/09 updated 01/14/09.

- Omaha, NE, USA

Purchased this car used in February 2008. When filling with gas, the gas has to be pumped extremely slow or it spurts out. The car has an odor of gas also. This problem is worse in the winter, although it has happened occasionally in warmer weather, but the minute the temperature goes below 40 F, I can count on this happening every time I put gas in the car. I've ruined clothes, shoes, and have ended up with gas all over my hands and legs (and I've come close to getting it in my face!!). the gas pump will shut off as if the tank is full and the gas just spurts right out of the tank. If I pump the gas extremely slow, (tonight it took me almost 10 minutes to pump about 6 gallons of gas), I can usually manage to get most of the gas in the tank, but again, I have to go extremely slow and the pump still keeps shutting off. It would keep stopping as stated above, but only a little gas will spurt out when it stops. If I try to pump at a normal speed, it only takes a few seconds and the gas starts spurting and I end up covered with gas by the time I'm done. I thought this was just a fluke, but one of my fellow employees also had a 2002 Kia Sportage and had the same problem. Then just a few minutes ago on this site, I read someone else with the same problem. I think this is dangerous since you end up with gas all over your car, the ground, and yourself!

- Gasport, NY, USA

Filling the Kia with gas takes forever. It is like the venting system won't let the gas in, in a matter of seconds the gas spews out of tank. We have to keep clicking the handle off and on to fill the tank. This first started out just in the winter months, now it is all the time. We tried to see if something was blocking it, but couldn't get into it. With the things going on in our life right now, we haven't taken the time to have it checked out. Plus we don't have the extra money to spend on it. We just know that when we go to fill the Kia it will take a long time. Was just wondering if this is happening to others?

- Wathena, KS, USA

I own a 2002 Kia Sportage that has a strong odor of gasoline. I see that 2005 Kia's had a recall on fuel leaks from the O-ring into the internal vapor chamber in the fuel tank, I believe the 2002 Kia's also have this problem.

- Cape Coral, FL, USA

Gas leak. Needed to replace sending unit, gas tank, etc. Cost over $900. Could have resulted in fire, injury, etc.

- Hornell, NY, USA

Action # EA06-007-fuel tank leakage in 2002 Kia Sportage. I took the car to the dealership for service on 7/03/07 complaining of gas odor. I was charged to fix the roll over valve because it was said to be leaking externally. I took the car back to the dealership with the same odor complaint on 8/8/07. They claimed gas was found on the seam of the tank. They cleaned the tank seam where fuel was gathered and shampooed my carpet to remove any other odor free of charge. My car still had the gas odor. I witnessed gas leaking from my car on 9/10/07 and took it to another dealership. They found that the fuel tank was leaking and I was charged to have the fuel tank replaced.

- Fort Collins, CO, USA

TL * the contact detected a gasoline odor on her 2002 Kia Sportage, contact stated that lately the odor has been stronger possibly due to the cold weather. When the heater wasturned on odor gets stronger in the passenger compartment. The contact has not taken the vehicle to a repair facility to have the odor diagnosed.

- South Hill, VA, USA

: the contact stated when the temperature was below 40 degrees; there was an odor of gasoline. Prior to the contact's purchase, the fuel injector ports and rings were replaced. The vehicle had not been inspected by a mechanic. Updated 12/28/2006 - the vehicle has been inspected by a mechanic on several occasions but the fuel odor is still present. The previous owner informed the consumer that this had been on ongoing problem when he owned the vehicle.

- Seale, AL, USA

2002 Kia Sportage, gasoline odor/leak, been seen by dealers, went to private garage and had different dealer look at it too. Today, 1/17/2004 gas odor very bad. Cannot seem to get it corrected, scared I am going to die in a fire...

- Braintree, MA, USA