NHTSA Complaint #11697698 — 2021 KIA K5

The contact owns a 2021 Kia K5. The contact stated that fuel odor was entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s seat seemed to be inflated. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact became aware of fuel squirting out of the fuel filler neck. The fuel gauge fluctuated from full tank to half tank or empty. There was no warning light illuminated. The fuel odor became stronger, and the contact pulled over to the side of the road at a rest stop. A mobile service tech arrived to inspect the vehicle but found no failures. The contact continued driving to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who found that the fuel tank and fuel line had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer sent a photo to the manufacturer to confirm the necessary repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and determined that the fuel tank and PCV valve were swollen and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer offered a buy-back for the vehicle and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.