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Kia Fuel System Recalls Cover Leaks and Lost Drive Power
Fuel leaks and fire risk recur across these Kia notices, while the Stinger recalls concern insufficient fuel delivery or fuel pump over-pressurization and lost drive power. K5 and Carnival each appear in multiple notices: certain 2021-2022 K5s with 2.5L turbocharged engines have a fuel pipe connection issue, while certain 2021-2024 K5s have a check valve defect that can lead to tank melting. Carnival notices address a damaged rail tube on certain 2022 vehicles and a leaking pipe connection on certain 2022-2026 vehicles. Stinger coverage reaches 2018-2021. SC172 separately concerns specified Optima, Sorento and Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement.
Warning signs to watch for
- Stinger fuel pump may not supply enough fuel (SC198): insufficient fuel supply can result in loss of drive power.
- Stinger Fuel Pump Loss of Power (SC281): the notice describes a sudden loss of drive power while driving.
Can you keep driving? What the notices say
None of these fuel system notices tells owners to stop driving or instructs them to park outside. That applies to Carnival SC211 and SC368, the K5 and Sorento fuel pipe recall SC214, the K5 fuel tank damage recall dated November 17, 2025, and the fuel pipe recall SC172. The Stinger fuel pump notices SC198 and SC281 also do not tell owners to stop driving. These statements describe the notices' instructions and do not establish that continued driving is safe.
What the free repair involves
Remedies are free. Carnival SC211 specifies rail inspection and replacement if necessary; SC214 and SC368 specify fuel pipe inspection and tightening or replacement. The K5 tank recall replaces the check valve and inspects the tank, replacing it as necessary. SC172 inspects and replaces the pipe as necessary. Stinger SC198 addresses the jet nozzle housing; SC281 updates ECU software and inspects and replaces the pump as necessary.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 4 |
| high | 3 |
Models affected most
Where owners report fuel system, gasoline problems most
NHTSA owner complaints filed under fuel system, gasoline for the Kia models and years in this guide. Complaints are unverified reports and are not limited to the recalled defects.
| Vehicle | Fuel system, gasoline complaints |
|---|---|
| 2023 Kia K5 | 56 |
| 2021 Kia K5 | 54 |
| 2022 Kia K5 | 35 |
| 2018 Kia Stinger | 15 |
| 2022 Kia Carnival | 14 |
| 2018 Kia Sportage | 11 |
| 2025 Kia Carnival | 8 |
| 2020 Kia Stinger | 6 |
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 10, 2026 | Kia Carnival Fuel Pipe Connection May Leak | critical |
| Nov 17, 2025 | Kia K5 Fuel Tank Damage Risk of Fire | critical |
| Sep 13, 2023 | Kia Stinger Fuel Pump Loss of Power | high |
| Jul 8, 2021 | Kia K5 And Sorento Fuel Line Leak | critical |
| Apr 21, 2021 | Kia Carnival Fuel Rail May Leak | critical |
| Sep 16, 2020 | Kia Stinger fuel pump may not supply enough fuel | high |
| Dec 19, 2018 | Kia Sportage Fuel Pipe May Leak, Fire Risk | high |
Common questions
Why is the K5 fuel tank being inspected?
The November 17, 2025 notice for certain 2021-2024 K5s says a damaged check valve can let air expand the tank until it contacts hot exhaust components and melts. Dealers replace the valve and inspect the tank, replacing it as necessary.
What repairs do the two Carnival fuel recalls specify?
SC211 covers certain 2022 Carnivals and specifies inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the multi-port injection fuel rail. SC368 covers certain 2022-2026 Carnivals and specifies inspection and tightening or replacement of the fuel pipe as necessary. Both remedies are free.
Do the Stinger fuel pump recalls have the same repair?
SC198 covers certain 2020-2021 Stingers and specifies pump inspection and jet nozzle housing assembly replacement if necessary. SC281 covers certain 2018-2021 Stingers and specifies ECU software updating, inspection and pump replacement as necessary. Both remedies are free.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.