2026 Kia Sportage Fuel System Problems

Shortly after purchase (9/20/25), I noticed that each trip showed much lower gas mileage than would be expected/reported via the vehicle sticker. Initially, these post-drive reports showed mileage around 17 mpg (city-equivalent). We noticed this quickly-- after the first few trips made. I calculated the mpg in early October & my calculations showed 16.7 mpg. Over the next few weeks, similar mpg was calculated/showing. I reported this finding to Kia St. Charles (point of purchase) early-to-mid October & was told to keep calculating mpg. I called again, indicating the problem continued &that we had a two occasions where we were unable to fill the car with gas-- a technician stated that the low MPG could be related to the long vehicle break-in period. We decided to take the car into the Naperville Kia dealership on 11/25 as this issue persisted. After nearly a week, we were ultimately told that without a check-engine warning, there wasn't much they could do to pinpoint or investigate. A check engine light then came on around 12/10 & we took the car back to Naperville Kia on 12/16 asking to look at the check-engine warning & continued gas mileage issues. We were told there was damage to the underside of the vehicle with the Evap Cannister split open & the under-shield smashed in. The technician, in the inspection video stated this would directly impact fuel economy. We were further told this was the result of damage to the vehicle caused by us, though we had not driven over anything, nor was there any other damage to underside, lower front of vehicle, etc. When I asked why gas mileage was impacted since the purchase in September & how this 'new' issue oddly happened to impact gas mileage, they had no answer. We were told this was outside of warranty & we'd be responsible for repairs. My concern is simple: there is a history of issues with the Evap cannister with Kias. And, the gas mileage issues was reported almost immediately. I feel the issue existed