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1999 Kia Sephia

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sephia years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Kia Sephia are substantially higher than the model-year median of 107.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 41 of 428 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 169 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 88 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 71 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

50 crash reports42 fire reports27 injury reports

Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints

169 reports
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Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

BRAKES AND ROTORS (FRONT) HAVE BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES IN 18,000 MILES, THE FIRST TIME AT 3300 MILES. EXCESSIVE NOISE COMES FROM THE BRAKES UPON STOPPING. THE DEALERSHIP NOTED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE REPLACING THE BRAKES ANYMORE ALTHOUGH THEY DID INDICATE THAT THEY HAVE SEEN PROBLEMS WITH OTHER SEPHIA BRAKES. REPLACEMENT SO QUIC…

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BRAKES AND ROTORS (FRONT) HAVE BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES IN 18,000 MILES, THE FIRST TIME AT 3300 MILES. EXCESSIVE NOISE COMES FROM THE BRAKES UPON STOPPING. THE DEALERSHIP NOTED THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE REPLACING THE BRAKES ANYMORE ALTHOUGH THEY DID INDICATE THAT THEY HAVE SEEN PROBLEMS WITH OTHER SEPHIA BRAKES. REPLACEMENT SO QUICKLY IS NOT CONSISTENT W/ NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR.. YOUR WEBSITE INDICATES ABOUT 50% OF THE NOTED COMPLAINTS AS BRAKE RELATED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #756146

Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2001
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicTires

MY LEFT FRONT TIRE IS COMPLETELY THREAD BARE, AND MY MECHANIC TELLS ME THE REMAINING THREE ARE IN DIRE NEED OF REPLACEMENT AS WELL. THIS IS THE SECOND PAIR OF THESE TIRES TO BE REPLACED ON THIS CAR. THE FIRST PAIR WAS AT 2,000 MILES. I HAVE READ OF MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MANUFACTURER'S TIRES IN THE NHTSA DATA BASE. MOST …

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MY LEFT FRONT TIRE IS COMPLETELY THREAD BARE, AND MY MECHANIC TELLS ME THE REMAINING THREE ARE IN DIRE NEED OF REPLACEMENT AS WELL. THIS IS THE SECOND PAIR OF THESE TIRES TO BE REPLACED ON THIS CAR. THE FIRST PAIR WAS AT 2,000 MILES. I HAVE READ OF MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MANUFACTURER'S TIRES IN THE NHTSA DATA BASE. MOST OF THE REPORTS FOR THE KIA SEPHIA DID NOT MENTION THE MAKE AND MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRE. I WOULD LIKE FOR THIS TIRE TO BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. HAD I NOT HAD MY CAR IN TO HAVE IT SERVICED AND THE TIRES ROTATED I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE SEVERITY OF THE WARE PROBLEM AND COULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. IN REFERENCE TO THE TRANSMISSION ON THE KIA SEPHIA I HAVE HAD TWO TRANSMISSIONS INSTALLED IN THIS CAR SINCE APRIL OF THIS YEAR AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD RETURNED THE CAR TO THE MANUFACTURER TO HAVE A NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. WHY IS KIA PERMITTED TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE DEFECTIVE MATERIALS FOR THESE VEHICLES?*AK

NHTSA ODI #754251

Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER, WE HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED 5 TIMES DUE TO WEARING OF THE PADS, AND WARPING OF THE ROTORS. THE COMPANY HAS OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY IF WE SIGN A RELEASE FREEING THEM FROM ANY LIABILITY FOR THE CAR OTHER THAN WARRANTY REPLACEMENT PARTS AND LABOR …

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THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER, WE HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED 5 TIMES DUE TO WEARING OF THE PADS, AND WARPING OF THE ROTORS. THE COMPANY HAS OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY IF WE SIGN A RELEASE FREEING THEM FROM ANY LIABILITY FOR THE CAR OTHER THAN WARRANTY REPLACEMENT PARTS AND LABOR PAST, PRESENT OR FUTURE, OR RESPOSIBILITY FOR INJKURIES OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #754126

Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

I AM THE OWNER OF A 1999 KIA SEPHIA, WHICH I PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN AUGUST OF 99. AT 14,843 MILES, I EXPERIENCED SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT 35 MPH, THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE OUT OF CONTROL WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT 14,843…

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I AM THE OWNER OF A 1999 KIA SEPHIA, WHICH I PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN AUGUST OF 99. AT 14,843 MILES, I EXPERIENCED SERIOUS PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED AT 35 MPH, THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE OUT OF CONTROL WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED AT 14,843, BY A CERTIFIED KIA MECHANIC. SOON AFTER, ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, MY VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIRS TO THE SAME MECHANIC FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. IN JULY OF 2001, I EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM FOR THE 3RD TIME.THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN FOR REPAIRS TO THE SAME KIA MECHANIC AND THE PADS WERE REPLACED. ON 25 OCT 01, I BROUGHT MY CAR IN AGAIN TO THE SAME KIA MECHANIC TO TEND TO THE SAME BRAKE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE DIRECTOR, STATED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD BE ADJUSTED AND THAT THE ROTORS WOULD ONCE AGAIN BE REPALCED. THE GENERAL MANAGER, SERVICE DIRECTOR AND THE OWNER WERE ALL NOTIFIED, VIA CERTIFIED LETTERS, REGARDING THE DEFECTIVE BRAKE PROBLEM WHICH I HAVE EXPERIENCED FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. I ALSO CONTACTED KIA MOTORS OF AMERICA, CONSUMER AFFAIRS OFFICE, OF THE EXISTING PROBLEMS TO MY VEHICLE'S BRAKING SYSTEM. I WAS ASSURED BY ALL RELEVANT PARTIES INVOLVED, THAT THIS IS CONSIDERED NORMAL WEAR-AND-TEAR. THE BRAKE SYSTEM IN MY VEHICLE IS VERY UNRELIABLE AND DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER INSISTS THAT THE BRAKES IN MY VEHICLE ARE SAFE AND THAT MY CAR WOULD NOT BE REPURCHSED DUE TO MONAL WERE AND TEAR TO THE BRAKES. I AM THE OWNER OF ANOTHER MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE WHICH IS 12 YEARS OLD. THE 12 YEAR OLD VEHICLE HAS NOT REQUIRED A BRAKE REPAIR IN OVER 4 YEARS. MY KIA IS USED TO DRIVE TO-AND-FROM WORK APPROX. 4 MILES FROM HOME. OCCASOINALLY, THE CAR IS DRIVEN ON SHORT TRIPS, BUT IT IS EVIDENT FROM THE CURRENT MILEAGE THAT THE CAR IS NOT OVERDRIVEN. A RELIABLE BRAKE SYSTEM SHOULD, ON AVERAGE, LAST LONGER THAN 6-12 MONTHS AT A TIME. QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP WAS NOT A PRIMARY CONCERN OF KIA MOTORS WHEN DESINING THEIR VEHICLES.

NHTSA ODI #753745

Mileage unknown · Sep 25, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic

BATTERY FAILED. NLM

NHTSA ODI #563261

Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

CONSUMER IS REPLACING ROTORS AND PADS TOO OFTEN. MASTER CYLINDER HAS BEEN CHANGED, AND BRAKE FLUID IS LEAKING THROUGH CYLINDERS. EVERY 900 MILES THEY ARE BEING CHANGED. CONSUMER IS NOT SURE WHY THE BRAKES ARE HAVING SO MANY PROBLEMS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #896429

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

AT 17,000 MILES I HAD TO GET THE ROTORS AND BRAKES REPLACED. I'M NOW AT 29,000 MILES AND I HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR IN TO HAVE THEM REPLACED AGAIN. I KNOW MANY OTHER KIA SEPHIA OWNERS WITH THIS BRAKE PROBLEM. MY DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN VERY COOPERATIVE, BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY WARRANTY RUNS OUT AND I'M LEFT PAYING FOR DEFECTIVE BRAK…

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AT 17,000 MILES I HAD TO GET THE ROTORS AND BRAKES REPLACED. I'M NOW AT 29,000 MILES AND I HAVE TO TAKE THE CAR IN TO HAVE THEM REPLACED AGAIN. I KNOW MANY OTHER KIA SEPHIA OWNERS WITH THIS BRAKE PROBLEM. MY DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN VERY COOPERATIVE, BUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MY WARRANTY RUNS OUT AND I'M LEFT PAYING FOR DEFECTIVE BRAKES EVERY 10,000 MILES? THE ISSUE IS WIDESPREAD AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. MY CAR HAS HAD A FEW RECALLS, BUT OTHER THAN THAT IT'S BEEN FINE. BRAKES CAN MEAN LIFE OR DEATH, AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR.*AK

NHTSA ODI #752094

Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2001
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteering

I HAD TO GET NEW BRAKES PUT ON WITHIN ONE WEEK OF OWNING THE CAR 632 MILES, AND I'VE HAD A CRACKED BRAKE LINE, FUSE PROBLEMS WHICH THEY BLAME ON THE ALARM, BUT ANOTHER WOMEN HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH NO ALARM ATTACHED, I'VE BROUGHT MY CAR IN NUMEROUS TIMES REGARDING THE BRAKES, AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOTHING. I JUST B…

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I HAD TO GET NEW BRAKES PUT ON WITHIN ONE WEEK OF OWNING THE CAR 632 MILES, AND I'VE HAD A CRACKED BRAKE LINE, FUSE PROBLEMS WHICH THEY BLAME ON THE ALARM, BUT ANOTHER WOMEN HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH NO ALARM ATTACHED, I'VE BROUGHT MY CAR IN NUMEROUS TIMES REGARDING THE BRAKES, AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOTHING. I JUST BROUGHT MY CAR IN WITH 23580 MILES ON IT, AND I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS, BUT THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR. I HAVE FELT THE SAME KIND OF BRAKE PROBLEMS EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR, EVEN WHEN THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE CAR DRAGS FEELING LIKE IT'S NEVER GOING TO STOP, AND THEN THE BRAKES PUMP ALL THE TIME. I'VE CALLED KIA REGARDING THIS AND THE FUSE PROBLEM EXPLAINING, WHAT IF THIS CAUSES A FUSE TO BLOW WITH MY BRAKES, HEADLIGHTS, ETC....AND THEY DID NOTHING. I ALSO HAVE BUZZING COMING FROM MY ENGINE WITH THE IGNITION JUST SWITCHED TO ON. IT SOUNDS LIKE A WIRING PROBLEM, WHICH I'M AFRAID COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. YOU NAME IT, THIS CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS SAFETY PROBLEMS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #751442

Mileage unknown · Aug 17, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

EXCESSIVE WEAR OF BRAKE PADS AND FRONT BRAKE ROTORS. HAD TO REPLACE PADS AND FRONT ROTORS ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS BY DEALER. PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.*AK

NHTSA ODI #894591

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2001
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

I STARTED TAKING MY CAR IN TO THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR ABOUT THE CAR NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY AND BEING SO SLUGGISH. I'M NOT SURE ABOUT THE DATES I TOOK THE CAR IN BUT IT WAS SEVERAL TIMES. I WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG OR THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS. IT HAS JUST GOTTEN SO BAD THA…

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I STARTED TAKING MY CAR IN TO THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR ABOUT THE CAR NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY AND BEING SO SLUGGISH. I'M NOT SURE ABOUT THE DATES I TOOK THE CAR IN BUT IT WAS SEVERAL TIMES. I WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG OR THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS. IT HAS JUST GOTTEN SO BAD THAT I'M NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW. I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, THE AIR CONDITIONER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND STAYING ON AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHING ON AND OFF. I'M SURE THEY DON'T HAVE A RECORD OF THE MANY TIMES I'VE GONE BY BECAUSE THEY WOULD USUALLY JUST LOOK AT IT OR DRIVE IT AROUND THE BLOCK AND SAY THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. NOW THAT THE WARRANTY IS OUT , THEY HAVE COME UP WITH SOME SUGGESTIONS AT MY EXPENSE. THE CAR HAS NEVER PERFORMED PROPERLY AND THEY JUST KEPT PUTTING ME OFF UNTIL I FINALLY GAVE UP. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW BECAUSE IT WILL BARELY GET UP TO 35 MILES PER HOUR. I WILL GREATLY APPRECIATE ANYTHING YOU MAY BE ABLE TO DO TO ASSIST ME. THANKS

NHTSA ODI #749785

Official recalls

5

04V305000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Jun 24, 2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES MAY EMIT A "CLICK" SOUND DURING THE BUCKLING PROCESS THAT IS SIMILAR TO THE SOUND EMITTED WHEN A BUCKLE IS BEING LATCHED, WHEN IT IS NOT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE LATCH CAN THEN PULL OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN TENSION IS APPLIED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

00V175000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control

Jul 17, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. MANUFACTURING CHANGES WERE MADE TO THE ORVR SPRING FORCE AND FLOAT WIRE LENGTH REDUCING THE VALVE ANGLE. CERTAIN VALVES CAUSED FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS WOULD CAUSE CUSTOMERS TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK CAUSING FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORVR VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 13, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

99V317000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Nov 9, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE FUEL PUMP PASSES THROUGH THE C304 AND C305 CONNECTORS. IF EXPOSED TO MOISTURE, THESE CONNECTORS COULD CORRODE. OVER TIME, THE FUEL PUMP WILL NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH CURRENT TO OPERATE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING CONNECTORS AND REPOSITION THOSE CONNECTORS TO AN AREA WHERE THE PLACEMENT IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH MOISTURE.

99V318000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Nov 9, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FOR THE FUEL PUMP IS GROUNDED AT JUNCTION CONNECTOR G300. IF THE PIN TENSION IS POOR, OR THE BOLT SECURING THE CONNECTOR TO THE VEHICLE FLOOR IS NOT TIGHTENED SUFFICIENTLY, A POOR CONNECTION IS MADE. AS THE FUEL PUMP OPERATES, THE POOR CONNECTION CAN CREATE HEAT WHICH IN TURN INCREASES RESISTANCE. EVENTUALLY THE FUEL PUMP WILL NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH CURRENT TO OPERATE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: THIS CORRECTIVE ACTION IS BEING PERFORMED IN CONJUNCTION WITH RECALL NO. 99V317.

99V271000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

Oct 6, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BALL SOCKET ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINK MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE RESULTING IN THE LINK DISENGAGING FROM THE WIPER MOTOR DRIVE UNDER LOAD, SUCH AS PUSHING AGAINST ICE, SNOW OR OTHER RESISTANCE. ALSO THE WIPER ARM RETAINING NUT COULD BE INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED ALLOWING THE WIPER ARM TO SLIP AND/OR STOP FUNCTIONING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE IMPAIRMENT OF VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINK AND ALSO PROPERLY TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM RETAINING NUTS.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

12

EA04007 · Seat Belt Buckle False Latch/malfunction

Opened Feb 27, 2004 · Closed Jul 26, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

THE MANUFACTURER HAS INITIATED A SAFETY RELATED CAMPAIGN TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR CORRECTION OF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE DEFECT.THE CORRECTIVE ACTION IS TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELTS/BUCKLES.THIS SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM HAS BEEN ASSIGNED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO. 04V305.

EA04004 · Refueling Spit Back

Opened Feb 3, 2004 · Closed Jul 29, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap; Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:filling/charging

BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Additional source detail variants (7)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Fuel System, Gasoline

BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage

BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:filling/charging

BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly

BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

RQ03007 · Seat Belt Buckle False Latch/malfunction

Opened Oct 14, 2003 · Closed Feb 27, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

INFORMATION RECEIVED AND ANALYZED DURING THIS RQ DISCLOSED THAT MY 1999 AND 2000 KIA SEPHIA AND SPORTAGE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH MODIFIED VERSIONS OF THE SAME SAFETY BELT LATCH ASSEMBLY AS THOSE RECALLED IN CAMPAIGN NO. 02V-216.THESE LATCH ASSEMBLIES WERE IDENTIFIED AS TYPE A97. ODI ANALYSES INDICATE A CONTINUING TREND OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOLLOWING A SERIES OF DESIGN MODIFICATIONS MADE BY KIA TO IMPROVE THE A97 LATCH ASSEMBLY.MY 2001 AND 2002 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH DIFFERENT DESIGN LATCH ASSEMBLIES (TYPE DB-6 OR AUTOLIV) AND EXHIBIT A MUCH LOWER COMPLAINT COUNT.THIS RQ HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN EA IN ORDER TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TYPE A97 LATCH ASSEMBLIES.

RQ03006 · Refueling Spit Back

Opened Aug 15, 2003 · Closed Feb 3, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap; Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:filling/charging

IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR VALVES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED 16 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL SPIT BACK ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL AND 5 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 2 FUEL SPIT BACK COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND 8 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES NOT COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL RECALL.KIA HAS ALSO PROVIDED WARRANTY INFORMATION SHOWING 191 CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO FUEL SPITBACK ON NON-RECALLED VEHICLES. ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND TREND OF THE FUEL SPITBACK RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

Additional source detail variants (6)

Fuel System, Gasoline

IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR VALVES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED 16 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL SPIT BACK ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL AND 5 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 2 FUEL SPIT BACK COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND 8 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES NOT COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL RECALL.KIA HAS ALSO PROVIDED WARRANTY INFORMATION SHOWING 191 CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO FUEL SPITBACK ON NON-RECALLED VEHICLES. ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND TREND OF THE FUEL SPITBACK RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage

IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR VALVES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED 16 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL SPIT BACK ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL AND 5 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 2 FUEL SPIT BACK COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND 8 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES NOT COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL RECALL.KIA HAS ALSO PROVIDED WARRANTY INFORMATION SHOWING 191 CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO FUEL SPITBACK ON NON-RECALLED VEHICLES. ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND TREND OF THE FUEL SPITBACK RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR VALVES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED 16 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL SPIT BACK ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL AND 5 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 2 FUEL SPIT BACK COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND 8 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES NOT COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL RECALL.KIA HAS ALSO PROVIDED WARRANTY INFORMATION SHOWING 191 CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO FUEL SPITBACK ON NON-RECALLED VEHICLES. ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND TREND OF THE FUEL SPITBACK RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR VALVES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED 16 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL SPIT BACK ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL AND 5 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 2 FUEL SPIT BACK COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND 8 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES NOT COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL RECALL.KIA HAS ALSO PROVIDED WARRANTY INFORMATION SHOWING 191 CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO FUEL SPITBACK ON NON-RECALLED VEHICLES. ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND TREND OF THE FUEL SPITBACK RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:filling/charging

IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR VALVES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED 16 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL SPIT BACK ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL AND 5 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 2 FUEL SPIT BACK COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND 8 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES NOT COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL RECALL.KIA HAS ALSO PROVIDED WARRANTY INFORMATION SHOWING 191 CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO FUEL SPITBACK ON NON-RECALLED VEHICLES. ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND TREND OF THE FUEL SPITBACK RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly

IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR VALVES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED 16 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL SPIT BACK ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL AND 5 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 2 FUEL SPIT BACK COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND 8 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES NOT COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL RECALL.KIA HAS ALSO PROVIDED WARRANTY INFORMATION SHOWING 191 CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO FUEL SPITBACK ON NON-RECALLED VEHICLES. ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND TREND OF THE FUEL SPITBACK RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

EA02016 · NON-CRASH Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Aug 6, 2002 · Closed Oct 7, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

ODI GATHERED FIRE DATA FROM VARIOUS SOURCES AND INSPECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY STARTER CABLE CHAFING.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOUND THAT MOST OF THE SUSPECT FIRES OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD RECEIVED SERVICE REPAIRS IN THE AREA OF THE SUBJECT CABLE.CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA INDICATE THAT THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE HAS DECLINED SINCE A PEAK IN LATE 2001.THE MOST RECENT KNOWN EVENT OCCURRED IN NOVEMBER OF 2002. KIA WILL PERFORM A SERVICE CAMPAIGN BEGINNING IN LATE 2003 TO INSPECT SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO JANUARY 2000 FOR CABLE DAMAGE AND WILL REPLACE DAMAGED CABLES AS NECESSARY. GIVEN THE DECLINING FIRE RATE AND KIA?S SERVICE CAMPAIGN, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS UNJUSTIFIED IN THIS MATTER.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED. FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE FOUND IN THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

ODI GATHERED FIRE DATA FROM VARIOUS SOURCES AND INSPECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY STARTER CABLE CHAFING.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOUND THAT MOST OF THE SUSPECT FIRES OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD RECEIVED SERVICE REPAIRS IN THE AREA OF THE SUBJECT CABLE.CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA INDICATE THAT THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE HAS DECLINED SINCE A PEAK IN LATE 2001.THE MOST RECENT KNOWN EVENT OCCURRED IN NOVEMBER OF 2002. KIA WILL PERFORM A SERVICE CAMPAIGN BEGINNING IN LATE 2003 TO INSPECT SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO JANUARY 2000 FOR CABLE DAMAGE AND WILL REPLACE DAMAGED CABLES AS NECESSARY. GIVEN THE DECLINING FIRE RATE AND KIA?S SERVICE CAMPAIGN, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS UNJUSTIFIED IN THIS MATTER.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED. FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE FOUND IN THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

Electrical System

ODI GATHERED FIRE DATA FROM VARIOUS SOURCES AND INSPECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY STARTER CABLE CHAFING.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOUND THAT MOST OF THE SUSPECT FIRES OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD RECEIVED SERVICE REPAIRS IN THE AREA OF THE SUBJECT CABLE.CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA INDICATE THAT THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE HAS DECLINED SINCE A PEAK IN LATE 2001.THE MOST RECENT KNOWN EVENT OCCURRED IN NOVEMBER OF 2002. KIA WILL PERFORM A SERVICE CAMPAIGN BEGINNING IN LATE 2003 TO INSPECT SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO JANUARY 2000 FOR CABLE DAMAGE AND WILL REPLACE DAMAGED CABLES AS NECESSARY. GIVEN THE DECLINING FIRE RATE AND KIA?S SERVICE CAMPAIGN, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS UNJUSTIFIED IN THIS MATTER.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED. FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE FOUND IN THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.

PE02028 · Battery Cable Chafing

Opened Mar 6, 2002 · Closed Aug 6, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

No summary supplied.

PE00028 · Transmission Oil Cooler Line

Opened Jul 12, 2000 · Closed Nov 7, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train

THE OIL COOLER LINE ALLEGEDLY DEVELOPS LEAKS AT IT'S JUNCTION TO THE RADIATOR

EA00018 · Turn Sighal

Opened Jun 29, 2000 · Closed Jul 29, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting

There is no summary currently available

PE00004 · Turn Signal, Traffic Safety Hazard

Opened Jan 13, 2000 · Closed Jun 29, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting

ALLEGE THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE TRUN SIGNAL SWITCH FAILED.THIS FAILURE INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH DUE TO OPERATOR DISTRACTION AND DUE TO OTHER VEHICLES BEING UNINFORMED OF THE OPERATOR'S INTENTIONS.

EA99034 · Refueling Spit Back

Opened Dec 16, 1999 · Closed Jun 29, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

The number and dates of complaints and warrant claims reported by Kia indicates that fuel spit-back has been a serieous ongoing problem with the Sephia models.Kia has made changes in both the ORVR valve and in the installation process on the fuel tank check valve, in an attempt to correct the problem.The failure of the check valve, due to cracking during installation, could go undetected until problems develop with the ORVR valve.Should an ORVR valve malfunction, when the vehicle has a tank chech valve with a latent crack, significant fuel spitting out the fuel filler pipe during refueling is possible.Current owners of 1998 and 1999 models could still be driving vehicles with latent defects.

SQ99020 · Intermittent Stalling

Opened Jun 30, 1999 · Closed Jan 12, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

Kia issued a Kia Technical Times in October 1998 stating that, due to loose connections at the fuel pump ground at G300, the fuel pump may shut off intermittently.The corrective action is to solder the fuel pump ground terminals at the terminal connec

Additional source detail variants (2)

Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

Kia issued a Kia Technical Times in October 1998 stating that, due to loose connections at the fuel pump ground at G300, the fuel pump may shut off intermittently.The corrective action is to solder the fuel pump ground terminals at the terminal connec

Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

Kia issued a Kia Technical Times in October 1998 stating that, due to loose connections at the fuel pump ground at G300, the fuel pump may shut off intermittently.The corrective action is to solder the fuel pump ground terminals at the terminal connec

PE99042 · Refueling SPIT- Back

Opened Jun 24, 1999 · Closed Dec 16, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

The subject vehicles are equipped with Onboard Refueling Vapor Recover Systems.Owners report that, during the refueling process, fuel sprays out of the refueling opening and soaks the person refueling the vehicle with liquid gasoline