NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Visibility complaints
18 reportsClear category filter78,000 miles · Dec 27, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingLatches/locks/linkagesStructure
1) AIR CONDITIONER HOSES DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT HOLD CHARGE 2) CAR RATTLES AND MAKES NOISE COMING FROM TRUNK AREA, TAKEN TO DEALER REPEATEDLY WITHOUT ANY IDEA OF HOW TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM 3) CAR WOULD LOOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND AT DANGEROUS TIMES, TOOK TO DEALER 3 TIMES BEFORE THE CAR FAILED COMPLETELY AND THEY WERE FI…
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1) AIR CONDITIONER HOSES DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT HOLD CHARGE 2) CAR RATTLES AND MAKES NOISE COMING FROM TRUNK AREA, TAKEN TO DEALER REPEATEDLY WITHOUT ANY IDEA OF HOW TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM 3) CAR WOULD LOOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND AT DANGEROUS TIMES, TOOK TO DEALER 3 TIMES BEFORE THE CAR FAILED COMPLETELY AND THEY WERE FINALLY ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM 4) REAR DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW STICKS AND RATTLES, TAKEN TO DEALER UN-REPAIRABLE 5) REAR DOOR LOOK DOES NOT WORK, TAKEN TO DEALER REPAIRED BUT NOW IT DOESN'T WORK YET AGAIN 6) ENGINE LIGHT ON, TOLD BY DEALER THE GAS CAP WASN'T TIGHT ENOUGH 7) POWER LOCKS OPEN AND CLOSE AT INTERVALS WHILE DRIVING THE CAR 8) ENGINE LIGHT BLINKING, NO IDEA WHAT PROBLEM IS THIS TIME CONTACTED KIA AND ASKED TO SPEAK TO FIELD REPRESENTATIVE AND WAS TOLD THAT KIA COULD DO NOTHING TO ASSIST OWNER IN FIXING OWNER. THIS CAR IS A MONEY PIT AND DO NOT RECOMMEND TO ANYONE TO BUY A KIA UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10146137
61,500 miles · Jan 4, 2005
StructureVisibility
THE DASHBOARD IS SEPARATING FROM THE WINDSHIELD, PREVENTING THE DEFROSTER FROM CIRCULATING TO THE WINDSHIELD. MANUFACTURER STATES THEY CAN NOT ASSIST THE CONSUMER.*AK *TC
NHTSA ODI #10103664
15,000 miles · Oct 3, 2004
Electrical SystemExterior LightingPower Train
THE CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD REPEATEDLY. BATTERY LEAKED. BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR THE ENTIRE CAR AT 60,000 MILES. THE VENTS ON THE DASHBOARD HAVE POPPED UP AND BROKEN. NOW THE DEFROSTER DOES NOT BLOW THE AIR ON THE WINDSHIELD. THIS VEHICLE WAS STORED IN A GARAGE. THE SEAMS ON THE SEAT COME UNDONE. THE CIGARETTE…
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THE CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD REPEATEDLY. BATTERY LEAKED. BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR THE ENTIRE CAR AT 60,000 MILES. THE VENTS ON THE DASHBOARD HAVE POPPED UP AND BROKEN. NOW THE DEFROSTER DOES NOT BLOW THE AIR ON THE WINDSHIELD. THIS VEHICLE WAS STORED IN A GARAGE. THE SEAMS ON THE SEAT COME UNDONE. THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER BROKE AND FLOPS IN THE DASH. THE SWITCH TO OVERRIDE THE TRANSMISSION LOCK IS BROKEN. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT BROKE WHEN REPLACING THE STRUTS WHICH YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE BACK DASH TO GET TO. THE BOARD THAT IS UNDER THE CARPET IN THE TRUNK WARPED. THE CARPETS CAME UP FROM THE SIDES OF THE CAR. THE STORAGE BIN IN THE CENTER CONSOLE BROKE, TWICE. THE WIND SHIELD CHIPS AND ERRODES WHEN IN A CAR WASH. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A WINDSHIELD IN THIS BAD SHAPE BEFORE. THE BACK SEAT DOES NOT STAY DOWN. THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE A BAD SEAL AND THERE IS WATER NOW IN THEM. THE RUBBER AROUND THE DOORS COMES OUT REPEATEDLY. GEAR SHIFTER IS CONTINUALLY STUCK. BRAKES TAKE TWICE AS LONG TO STOP MY CAR AS ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. I HAVE TO DRIVE 2 & 1/2 HOURS TO GET REPAIRS. THE GAS MILAGE IS CLOSER TO 24 MPG THEN THE 35 THAT WAS MARKED ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. THERE ARE NOISES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT ARE LOUD AND UNPLEASANT. THERE IS A GROUND FAULT WIRE THAT IS BAD THEY WANT $75 AN HOUR MINIMUM OF 10 HOURS TO REPAIR IT. THE FUSE PANEL COVER BROKE. THE HEADLIGHTS CANNOT BE ALLIGNED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10093527
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2003
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolinePower Train
THE VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS RECALLS AND PROBLEMS. WHEN THE CONSUMER PUT FUEL IN THE VEHICLE IT LEAKED OUT. WHEN IT DID HIT SHE HAD TO PLAY AROUND WITH IT, UNTIL THE NOZZLE WAS IN THE TANK JUST RIGHT, THEN IT WOULD TAKE THE FUEL. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, AND ROTORS WEARING OUT TOO QUICKLY AND THE MASTER…
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THE VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS RECALLS AND PROBLEMS. WHEN THE CONSUMER PUT FUEL IN THE VEHICLE IT LEAKED OUT. WHEN IT DID HIT SHE HAD TO PLAY AROUND WITH IT, UNTIL THE NOZZLE WAS IN THE TANK JUST RIGHT, THEN IT WOULD TAKE THE FUEL. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, AND ROTORS WEARING OUT TOO QUICKLY AND THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS CRACKED AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE REPAIR SHOP AT LEAST 10 TIMES AND NEEDED TO BE RETURNED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. *AK THE FUEL TANK PROBLEM HAD BEEN WORKED ON FOUR TIMES AND STILL WAS NOT FIXED. THERE WERE GEAR SHIFT PROBLEMS WHERE THE SHIFTER WOULD STICK, MULTIPLE WIRING CONSOLE LIGHT PROBLEMS, THE WIPER BLADE LINKS WERE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED THE BLADE TO COME APART. *SCC *JB REFERENCED IN RQ03-006
NHTSA ODI #10024509
594 miles · Jul 4, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train
CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH 1999 KIA SEPHIA. NAR 07/21/2003.*MR TRANSMISSION, REAR BLINKERS, BRAKE PADS, FUEL PUMP AND VALVE. *CB
NHTSA ODI #10030046
Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2002
VisibilityCrashInjury
AT SLOW SPEED VEHICLE WAS SIDESWIPED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, DRIVERSIDE MIRROR WAS DESIGNED TO FOLD INWARD WHEN THIS HAPPENED; INSTEAD, MIRROR EXPLODED, AND DRIVER WAS HIT BY GLASS, WINDOW WAS DOWN. DRIVER SUFFERED MULTIPLE FACIAL CUTS. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8017315
Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
THE CAR WOULDN'T START SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT IT. IT TOOK SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE DEALER IN ORDER FOR THEM TO REPLACE THE STARTER. AFTER THE STARTER WAS REPLACED THE PROBLEM CONTINUED AND THE FLYWHEEL WAS FINALLY REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK PRIOR TO RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE ON THE WIPER BLADES THE WIPERS STOPPED WORKING DU…
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THE CAR WOULDN'T START SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT IT. IT TOOK SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE DEALER IN ORDER FOR THEM TO REPLACE THE STARTER. AFTER THE STARTER WAS REPLACED THE PROBLEM CONTINUED AND THE FLYWHEEL WAS FINALLY REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK PRIOR TO RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE ON THE WIPER BLADES THE WIPERS STOPPED WORKING DURING HEAVY RAIN ON A HIGHWAY WHICH ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE CEILING LIGHT GOING ON AND OFF WHENEVER I TURNED CORNERS. THE CAR BATTERY WAS EVEN REPLACED AFTER THE NEW STARTER AND FLYWHEEL WERE PUT IN BECAUSE THE CAR STILL HAD PROBLEMS STARTING. RECENTLY THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. A WEEK AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT AND THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING ON AND OFF. THE CAR FINALLY STALLED AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THE CAR WAS GIVEN BACK TO ME AND I WAS TOLD THAT A GASKET IN THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING. A WEEK AFTER THAT THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT AND THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AGAIN AND THE CAR STARTING DRIVING AS IF IT WAS STUCK IN FIRST GEAR. THE CAR FINALLY STALLED AGAIN AND WOULDN'T MOVE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #750368
Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2001
Service Brakes, HydraulicVisibility
WINDSHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO STRESS CRACKS. *AK ROTORS WERE REPLACED TWO TIMES. *SLC
NHTSA ODI #884480
Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2001
Visibility
INTERMITTENTLY WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME INOPERABLE, OBSTRUCTING VIEW OF DRIVER. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #880957
Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting
COMPLETE LEMON. NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. REPLACED BRAKES, TRANSMISSION, 2 AXLES, WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, FLYWHEEL, FAULTY WIRING IN DOOR, BATTERY, STARTING PROBLEMS, BLINKER SWITCH REPLACED, SEAT TORE UPON CAR PICK-UP, TOO MANY THINGS GONE WRONG TO LIST
NHTSA ODI #740062
NHTSA investigations
12EA04007 · 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
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