2022 Kia Sorento PHEV Fuel Leak And Potential Fire

Kia will be contacting a small number of 2022 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) owners about a manufacturing problem that could result in the fuel tank leaking. If a Kia Sorento PHEV vehicle is experiencing this problem, occupants may notice a fuel smell around the vehicle and/or a visible fuel leak under the vehicle.

Kia first became aware of the problem in December 2022, when Kia's warranty department started receiving an increase in reports of leaking fuel from the fuel tanks of certain 2022 model year Santa Fe PHEVs. Kia opened an investigation into the problem and, with the supplier, identified the suspect population of Kia vehicles likely equipped with defective fuel tanks. These vehicles were manufactured between the dates of April 12, 2022, through April 26, 2022.

According to the defect report, some fuel tanks installed in certain 2022 Kia Sorento PHEVs may have been improperly manufactured and could experience a fuel leak at the seam between the tank halves. Insufficient molding caused by a malfunction of the material grinder prior to mold extrusion is the cause. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Based on this information, NASO convened its North America Safety Decision Authority (NASDA) on January 18, 2023, and decided to conduct a safety recall to replace the fuel tank assemblies on suspect vehicles in the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the fuel tank inspected and replaced as necessary. Owners who detect a fuel smell and/or visible fuel leak associated with this

condition should contact their KIa dealership immediately. KIa's number for this recall is SC261 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-027.

Do you think your Kia Sorento PHEV could be a lemon? Contact a Lemon Law Lawyer in your state and get rid of your lemon vehicle today.