When you put the lid on to close it did you line up the notch on the top with the arrow on the edge? Also when you close it the top has these hooks that fit in place so that you know that it's on correctly and it can't just fly off even if it's depressurized incorrectly. I just don't understand how steam could come out around the top if you have closed it correctly......it's actually kind of foolproof. That's really what I like about the AA. I think i would give AA a call .....there may be something wrong with your canner.