NHTSA Complaint #11605114 — 2022 KIA K5

On June 12, 2024, the driver heard a loud pop/thump coming from the rear of the vehicle. The driver looked back to inspect the vehicle and noticed that the back seats had lifted his child and car seat up from the proper seating position. Upon further inspection, the driver had noticed a large bulge under the rear seats that was releasing a lot of heat and the smell of gas was throughout the cabin of the vehicle. On the way home at the time of the event the driver stopped to get the gas and when opening the gas cap noticed a violent pressure release, similar to opening a shaken-up soda. The driver quickly got to a safe location as the heat in the passenger cabin started to rise. The driver immediately notified the Kia Service Dept. and the vehicle was towed to the Kia service department on June 13, 2024. On June 18, 2024, the driver was told that the current issue was due to a gas tank expansion issue and that the gas tank expanded causing the metal frame to bend, and that the vehicle may not be repairable since the metal frame had been bent. The service department stating the vehicle is no longer safe to drive and that the issue would be escalated to their consumer affairs team. It is July 29, 2024, and there has been no word of Kia or any representative thereof that has reached out to remedy this issue. The dealer has denied a temporary replacement vehicle and/or rental car replacement for the time being. Where the driver and child were at extreme risk of a potential fatality or extreme injury, It would be expected that the matter be handled a little more expeditiously. Hoping to get this matter resolved!