Hyundai Owners Report Expanding Gas Tanks, Conflicting Repair Information

Drivers say gas tanks on certain Hyundai and Kia models have expanded, causing issues, but the company's response has been unclear.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Drivers have reported that the gas tanks on certain Hyundai and Kia models have been expanding, in some cases causing the backseat to pop up. One driver, Amanda Wilson, says she brought her Hyundai Sonata to the dealership, but was told there was no fix available. However, the manufacturer later told an investigator that there is a fix. The issue has led to confusion and frustration for affected drivers, some of whom have had their cars at the dealership for over two months.

Why it matters

This issue highlights the importance of automakers being transparent and responsive to customer concerns, especially when it comes to potential safety issues. The conflicting information from Hyundai has left drivers uncertain about whether their vehicles can be repaired, raising questions about the company's handling of the problem.

The details

Drivers have reported that the gas tanks on certain Hyundai and Kia models have been expanding, in some cases causing the backseat to pop up. One driver, Amanda Wilson, says she brought her Hyundai Sonata to the dealership, but was told there was no fix available. However, the manufacturer later told an investigator that there is a fix, though they did not provide details on what the fix entails. The issue has led to confusion and frustration for affected drivers, some of whom have had their cars at the dealership for over two months.

  • In February 2026, drivers began reporting the issue of expanding gas tanks on certain Hyundai and Kia models.
  • In late 2021, Hyundai and Kia issued recalls related to the expanding gas tank issue.
  • On February 5, 2026, Hyundai told Amanda Wilson via email that there was no 'remedy available... as of now'.

The players

Amanda Wilson

A Hyundai Sonata owner who says the dealership told her there was no fix for the expanding gas tank issue, despite the manufacturer later telling an investigator that there is a fix.

Hyundai

The automaker that manufactures certain models affected by the expanding gas tank issue. The company's response to the problem has been unclear, with conflicting information provided to customers and investigators.

Jason Stoogenke

An attorney who has been investigating the expanding gas tank issue for nearly two years, and who reached out to Hyundai for clarification on the availability of a fix.

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What they’re saying

“I'm trying to be patient. It's sitting there, looking pretty, looking pretty.”

— Amanda Wilson, Hyundai Sonata owner (wsoctv.com)

“Yes, there is a fix.”

— Hyundai (wsoctv.com)

What’s next

Hyundai has been asked to clarify whether there is a fix available for the expanding gas tank issue, but the company has not responded in time for this report. Affected drivers are advised to continue pressing the automaker for a resolution and to consider requesting a loaner vehicle or a buyback of their affected car.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of automakers being transparent and responsive to customer concerns, especially when it comes to potential safety issues. The conflicting information from Hyundai has left drivers uncertain about whether their vehicles can be repaired, raising questions about the company's handling of the problem and the need for clearer communication and accountability from manufacturers.