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Which Kia models have fuel leak and fuel pump recalls?
Kia's gasoline fuel-system recalls fall into two families. The larger one is leaks at high-pressure fuel pipe and fuel rail connections: 2018 Sportage (along with Optima and Sorento) that had an engine replaced under recall 17V-224, warranty, or the KSDS campaign; 2021 Sorento and 2021-2022 K5 with the 2.5L turbo; and Carnival minivans from 2022 through 2026, which appear twice, once for a damaged plastic fuel rail tube and again for the pipe-to-rail connection. A separate 2021-2024 K5 recall involves a check valve that lets the fuel tank expand until it contacts hot exhaust and melts. The second family is Stinger fuel pumps: a burred jet nozzle on 2020-2021 cars and a sticking fuel control valve plunger on 2018-2021 cars, both causing power loss.
Warning signs to watch for
- A gasoline smell around the engine bay or under the vehicle
- Visible fuel drips or a wet spot under the front of the car or van
- Engine hesitation, insufficient fuel supply, or a sudden loss of drive power on a Stinger
- For the leak recalls the notices describe no warning light or driver alert — a fuel smell or visible fuel may be the only clue
Is it safe to keep driving?
None of these seven recalls tells owners to stop driving, and none asks you to park outside. Kia treats the leak recalls on Sportage, Carnival, K5 and Sorento as serious fire risks to be inspected as soon as a dealer can take the vehicle, not as park-it-now orders. The 2022-2026 Carnival notice adds one condition: if you smell gasoline or see fuel under the van, stop driving and call a dealer right away. On the Stinger fuel-pump recalls you may keep driving while you arrange the free inspection.
What the free repair involves
Nearly every repair begins with an inspection. Dealers inspect and tighten or replace the high-pressure fuel pipe on Sportage, K5, Sorento and Carnival, and replace the multi-port injection fuel rail on the 2022 Carnival. The 2021-2024 K5 gets a new check valve, plus a fuel tank if it is damaged. Stingers get a jet nozzle housing assembly, or an engine control unit software update with fuel pump replacement as needed. All free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 5 |
| high | 2 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-10 | Kia Carnival Fuel Line Connection Can Leak Gasoline | critical |
| 2025-11-17 | Kia K5 fuel tank can melt and leak | critical |
| 2023-09-13 | Kia Stinger fuel pump can cause sudden power loss | high |
| 2021-07-08 | Kia K5 and Sorento fuel leak can cause fire | critical |
| 2021-04-21 | Kia Carnival fuel rail tube can leak gasoline | critical |
| 2020-09-16 | Kia Stinger fuel pump flaw can cut engine power | high |
| 2018-12-19 | Kia Sportage fuel pipe may leak after engine replacement | critical |
Common questions
My Kia had its engine replaced under an earlier recall. Does that matter here?
Yes. The 2018 fuel pipe recall applies specifically to Optima, Sorento and Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall 17V-224, under warranty, or through the Knock Sensor Detection System product improvement campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe can leak afterward.
The Carnival has two fuel recalls. Are they the same repair?
No. The 2021 recall covers 2022 Carnivals with a damaged plastic fuel rail tube, and dealers replace the multi-port injection fuel rail. The 2026 recall covers 2022-2026 Carnivals for a leak at the fuel pipe-to-fuel rail connection, which dealers tighten or replace.
What actually goes wrong with the K5 fuel tank?
A damaged check valve lets air enter the tank. The tank expands, contacts hot exhaust components and melts, which can leak fuel and start a fire. Dealers replace the check valve and inspect the tank, replacing it if it is damaged.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.