Tank Assembly problems of the 2000 Kia Motor Sportage - part 1

37 problems related to tank assembly have been reported for the 2000 Kia Motor Sportage. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2000 Kia Motor Sportage based on all problems reported for the 2000 Sportage.

1 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 04/01/2011

Gas tank leaking gas.

2 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 09/05/2010

2000 kia Sportage, gas tank is corrosive and gas is leaking from tank. There was a slight hole that the previous owner tried to repair with some type of sealant.

3 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2010

The contact owns a 2000 kia Sportage. The contact smelled strong fumes from the gasoline tank. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The current mileage was 85,520. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

4 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 07/15/2010

2000 kia Sportage, fuel tank and fuel tank shield rusted and falling off. Updated ivoq 12/16/20.

5 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 06/03/2010

2000 kia Sportage. Consumer states several problems with vehicle the consumer stated he had problems with the 4-wheel drive not operating properly. When the 4-wheel drive would engage, it would cause tremendous friction which caused the vehicle to slow down drastically. Also, when it was engaged in a turning mode, the front gear would slip. The gas tank shield was three quarters of the way rotted due to rust and there seemed to be minor gas seepage under what was left of the tank shield. The chassis frame rails, both rear sides were approximately 85% rotted out by rust. The consumer was informed by several repair shops that the rails could not be repaired due to the fact that there was very little good metal to repair and strengthen the vehicle frame.

6 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2010

Gas tank leaking on 2000 kia Sportage.

7 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 02/06/2010

The contact owns a 2000 kia Sportage. The contact stated that she noticed that fuel was leaking from the fuel tank. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified. The current mileage was 85,585. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

8 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 11/14/2009

2000 kia Sportage 4 wheel drive- bought car, contacted kia regarding recalls told there was one on fuel tank. Took car to kia, was told too many miles on car- but leaky fuel tank still exists. Today went to get fill up car, first time, the fire department had to come to service station because car was pouring out fuel from tank. Fireman told me to contact kia, told him already did but kia refused to do anything about this. Car needed towed, shut down service station for about an hour or more until fuel could be cleaned up. This is kia's fault, knew of defect, refused to do anything about it, look at internet how many complaints there are for these cars. Tank made from poor material with kia's knowledge so they should have a recall which there is one, but they don't want to honor it.

9 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 11/01/2009

About the beginning of November I begin smelling a slight gas odor when I get out the car. About the 9th of November the smell was extremely loud, I transport my grandchild and I'm afraid -- I had the car checked out and was told that the tank was rusted out and the gas was leaking out. The mechanic informed me that I need to replace the tank and the assembly - and this is not an inexpensive job. Where is the recall - I see this is a real problem with kia Sportages.

10 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 12/28/2008

External corrosion and leaking of fuel tank.

11 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2008

Gas tank leaks. Leaks fast when there is 7 to 8 gallons of gas in the tank. Strong odor, always . Never stops leaking. Replace the washer. Did not work. Used epoxy did not work. Welding did not after a few days. Buffed the rust off, but it still leaks. Holes every where.

12 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 11/14/2007

On 11/14/07 I checked my Sportage into the dealer to have the tires replaced. I was informed that the car was unsafe to drive, because of a leak in the fuel tank. I had not noticed the leak, but the dealer said there was a very strong probability of a fire because of all the gas. I replaced the gas tank. In January of 2008 I received notice that kia would cover the repairs NHTSA # 10024232. I sent in my receipts in February. On sept 10th kia have 9 months of waiting decided they did not need to cover the cost of the repairs because my paperwork did not note where exactly the tank was leaking from. However, they brought me out to the car before they repaired it and the rear shield of the tank was completely rusted and the tank was leaking in the rear. The tank was not secure on the vehicle. This should certainly be a full scale recall!.

13 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 11/07/2007

The contact's daughter owns a 2000 kia Sportage. The contact had to replace the entire fuel tank on the vehicle. This also included the fuel tank, fending unit, and fuel pressure sensor. His daughter smelled a leak in the fuel system and was later informed that the entire tank needed to be replaced. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 87,140. Updated 3/4/08.

14 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 10/12/2007

Kia Sportage 2000 fuel tank leakage.

15 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2007

The contact owns a 2000 kia Sportage. While driving 25 mph, the contact smelled gas coming from the vehicle; however, the odor intensified when the vehicle was parked. A private mechanic examined the vehicle and found that the fuel tank was corroded, causing gas to leak from two holes. The mechanic stated that the shield was placed on the vehicle before the fuel tank was dried, which caused water to sit on the tank and corrode. The dealer stated that the fuel tank needed to be replaced at the cost of $472. 13. The dealer and manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not included in recall number sc059 and would not be able to provide assistance. The dealer information was unavailable. The current mileage was 127,000 and failure mileage was 126,000.

16 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 09/30/2007

The contact owns a 2000 kia Sportage. The contact detected a strong gas odor while the vehicle was parked in the garage. He looked underneath the vehicle and noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The dealer stated that his VIN was not included in the recall. The cost to replace the fuel tank would be $900. The manufacturer stated that they would be unable to defray the cost. The recall number was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 89,078. Updated 11/15/07.

17 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 08/23/2007

I own a 2000 kia Sportage, the gas tank was leaking from the bottom of the tank. I took it to the dealer, and they told me that the tank rusted out on the bottom, needed to be replaced, and the fuel pump and fuel sensor unit also need replacement. Dealer was aware of this problem, but said there was no recall so I was responsible for the cost of repairs.

18 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 08/07/2007

While driving my 2000 kia Sportage I started smelling gas I pulled over and looked under the vehicle and found gas leaking I had a mechanic look at it and he informed me gas was coming out of the top of my gas tank by where the fuel pump and gas gauge wiring goes in. I then went on the internet to see if there was any reported problems with this and found there was a recall from kia for the same reason. I the contacted a kia dealer in my area to get it fixed and he told me that the recall doesn't pertain to my vehicle and he but me in touch with kia consumer affairs and the next day (today) they told me that my Sportage is not covered by the recall and I'm going to have to pay out of pocket for the repair. Is there anything you people can do or I'm I or someone else going to have to die in this vehicle to make them honor their screw up. Thank you in advance for your help. If need be I'll go to the press with this problem.

19 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 06/18/2007

The contact owns a 2000 kia Sportage. The contact noticed a huge puddle underneath the vehicle. He looked underneath the vehicle and saw the bottom of the fuel tank was wet with fuel and was dripping. There is a fuel leakage which he suspect is spilling a gallon of fuel per day. The protective coating on the bottom of the gas tank was compromised resulting in corrosion. The owner replaced the fuel tank himself. The current and failure mileages were 75,000.

20 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 03/13/2007

- the contact stated that there was gasoline leaking from the gas tank of the 2000 kia Sportage. The contact stated that the leaking happened whether she was driving or the vehicle was parked. The contact took vehicle into the dealership, and stated that they were repairing vehicles free of charge for the same failure, but this vehicle did not fall under the recall due to the VIN.

21 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 03/03/2007

Fuel tank leaks gas.

22 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 02/02/2007

The contact owns a 2000 kia Sportage. The contact claimed to smell and witness gas leaking from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle has not been taken to a mechanic for diagnosis. The current and failure mileage were 76,000. The consumer has taken the vehicle to the dealer and confirmed the problem listed above. The consumer has provided the invoice of repair. Update 04/30/tr.

23 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 11/10/2006

Fuel sending unit (fuel pump/gauge) and fuel tank failed (began leaking) due to premature corrosion condition.

24 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 09/06/2006

: the contact stated while parked and at various speeds, a smell of fuel was noticed inside and around the vehicle. It was taken to an independent repair shop, who determined that the fuel tank was leaking fuel. The dealer was contacted, who determined that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, and expressed that there were no recalls on the vehicle regarding the fuel tank.

25 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 09/03/2006

Smelled fuel coming from under the vehicle. Found fuel tank rusted and fuel seeping out of tank. Also found tank protective pan that holds tank up rusted and ready to fall off, which would allow the fuel tank to fall down. This would be a very dangerous problem. Called local dealership was told there is no recall for this but the head service manager would give me a call. So far no call back. This will hopefully turn into a recall, but only after someone gets killed.

26 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 08/02/2006

: the contact stated the fuel tank corroded which caused the fuel to leak. The dealership was contacted and determined this was a common problem with this vehicle. Updated 8/15/2006 -.

27 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2006

: the contact stated, the vehicle was experienced difficulties starting, and an odor was noticed after parking. An independent repair shop replaced the fuel pump and determined the problem was due to corrosion of the fuel tank. The manufacturer was not contacted.

28 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 07/03/2006

I have had repeated problems with fuel system on my kia Sportage. I have had the fuel injectors, fuel filters (3 now), line cleaned etc. Mechanic has now had to remove tank and clean it along with rest of system. Gaskets won't seal while trying to finish the repair work. This has been an on-going problem for the past year. I also had to have the complete wiring harness done last year. It kept shorting out relays all through the vehicle.

29 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 06/08/2006

: the contact stated a very strong gasoline smell was noticed inside and outside of the vehicle. The dealership determined there was a hole in the gas tank. The parts were not in and when the contact returned to a different dealership to have the hole repaired, the contact noticed the hole had deteriorated even more. Updated 9/13/006 - the fuel tank was replaced along with the fuel sending unit and pump. The pressure sensor was also affected by the corrosion.

30 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 06/02/2006

: the contact stated while parked in the driveway a fuel leak was noticed under the vehicle. It was driven to the dealer who determined the tank had deteriorated and the tank was replaced. Updated 07/05/06.

31 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2006

Gas leaking from the top of the gas tank on a 2000 kia Sportage. Gas tank rusted and leaking, sending unit bad. Contacted local kia told this is a common problem with this type of vehicle 1000. 00 in repair costs for new replacement parts. Purchased used parts for 400. 00. Wrong sending unit sent still waiting on unit/parts. No fire yet.

32 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 10/24/2005

On the weekend of October 22-23, 2005, a gaseous odor was observed around my 2000 kia Sportage (purchased December 4, 1999; VIN: [xxx]). Puddles of gas were later spotted under my vehicle, so the following morning (October 24, 2005), I brought it to the local kia dealer for inspection. It was determined that the gas tank had "rotted/rusted" out (additionally, the bolts for the gas tank and the hose connecting the gas tank and filler tube were rusted and disintegrated, respectively, beyond repair and must be replaced), creating a hole through which gas was escaping. The vehicle was used only minimally in WI prior to August 2000, and its location since then has been chapel hill/durham, nc (all repair work and oil changes have been done by millennium kia in durham, nc, which also suggests where the vehicle has been driven since August 2000). Thus, the vehicle has not been exposed to salt or other elements which may lead to this type of damage. It currently has fewer than 55,000 miles on it, which further leads me to believe that this is not the direct consequence of over- or misuse. My father [xxx] and owner of the vehicle, contacted the kia corporation and spoke with tom morales (800-333-4542, ext: 45262) regarding this issue, and a case has been opened with regard to it (case #[xxx]). We believe this damage is not only extremely hazardous, but also premature and the result of a faulty product. Kia claims they can do nothing to resolve this issue, but because of its serious potential to cause injury, we believe the case merits further investigation. Updated 07/18/2012 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

33 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 04/15/2005

Contact states: fuel tank is leaking, the skid plate that protects the tank is conform the wrong shape therefore is to close in certain areas and it holds debrie and moisture.

34 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 02/16/2004

Problems with windows icing up during the cold seasons on 2000 kia Sportage. An air leak caused the windows to ice shut. The engine had multiple problems which caused the check engine light to illuminate. The dealer replaced several components but the problem recurred. The fuel tank, sender unit and pressure sensor had to be replaced.

35 Tank Assembly problem

Failure Date: 01/01/1901

2000 kia Sportage fuel tank leak. The consumer stated the vehicle had a fuel leak at the bottom of the tank due to rust/deterioration.



Safety Ratings of Sportage Cars
Fuel Economy of Sportage Vehicles
Sportage Defect Investigations