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2000 Kia Spectra

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2000 Kia Spectra do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 96.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 6 of 23 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.

  • Air Bags. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports0 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

23 reports
52,670 miles · Oct 4, 2005
Power Train

TRANSMISSION HOUSING EXPLODED,COMPANY REFUSES TO BACK WARRANTY. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10138590

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2005
Steering

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2000 KIA SPECTRA WHEN THE CLAM SHELL (STEERING COLUMN COVER) CAME APART WHILE SHE WAS MAKING A TURN. THE TOP PIECE PULL A WIRE LOOSE CAUSING THE AIR BAG INDICATOR TO COME ON, AND IT ALSO PREVENTED HER FROM COMPLETING THE TURN THAT SHE WAS TRYING TO MAKE. SHE EVENTUALLY HAD TO COME TO AN ABRUPT STOP IN T…

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MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2000 KIA SPECTRA WHEN THE CLAM SHELL (STEERING COLUMN COVER) CAME APART WHILE SHE WAS MAKING A TURN. THE TOP PIECE PULL A WIRE LOOSE CAUSING THE AIR BAG INDICATOR TO COME ON, AND IT ALSO PREVENTED HER FROM COMPLETING THE TURN THAT SHE WAS TRYING TO MAKE. SHE EVENTUALLY HAD TO COME TO AN ABRUPT STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. WE HAD JUST PICKED UP THE CAR THAT SAME DAY FROM HAVING THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT SERVICED AND THE RADIO REPLACED (2ND TIME FOR THE RADIO), AND THEN THE SERVICE MANAGER AND TECH CAME OUT TO OUR HOUSE AFTER MY WIFE FINALLY WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT HOME. WE WERE GOING TO HAVE IT TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER BUT IT WAS TOO LATE IN THE DAY SO THEY CAME OVER AND DROVE IT BACK THEMSELVES. SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR IT BECAUSE IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER OUR EXTENDED WARRENTEE WHICH WAS STILL IN FORCE AT THE TIME. I ALSO RENTED A CAR FOR THE 3 DAYS THAT THEY HAD OUR CAR, AND THAT TOO WAS NOT TO BE COVERED. HE SAID THAT I COULD TAPE IT UP AND IT SHOULD BE FINE IF I DID NOT WANT TO SPEND THE MONEY. THE SERVICE MANAGER ALSO SAID THAT MOST AUTOMOBILES HAD THIS PART ATTACHED WITH SCREWS HOLDING THE 2 PIECES TOGETHER, BUT THIS ONE HAD ONLY PUSH TABS AND THE SAME PROBLEM COULD EVENTUALLY HAPPEN WITH THE REPLACED PART. THAT IS A SAFETY CONCERN AND TO ME IS POOR WORKMANSHIP, AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO TAPE UP MY CAR AND OR PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS THE MANUFACTURERS FAULT. ALSO, IF THIS HAPPENED TO MY CAR, IT MIGHT HAPPEN TO THE OTHERS AS WELL, AT LEAST THE OTHER 2000 KIA SPECTRAS. RIGHT NOW, I DO HAVE TAPE HOLDING IT TOGETHER, AND I INTEND ON GETTING IT REPLACED, BUT ACTUALLY I DON'T WANT TO REPLACE IT WITH THE SAME THING IS IT COULD OCCUR AGAIN. (I'VE HAD THE CAR EXACTLY 5 YEARS WITH 50,000 MILE ON IT.)

NHTSA ODI #10127262

1,729 miles · Aug 23, 2004
Parking Brake

BRAKES MAKE NOISE AND FEEL LOW, CAR TOOK TIME TO STOP WHEN BRAKING. THE DEALER ADJUSTED THE BRAKE AT THE FIRST TIME. SECOND TIME THEY REPLACED THE SWITCH .STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THAT NOISE AT THE MOMENT. ON AUGUST 2000 I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 55MPH AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE WEATHERSTRIP JUST FEW INSIDE THE CAR AND …

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BRAKES MAKE NOISE AND FEEL LOW, CAR TOOK TIME TO STOP WHEN BRAKING. THE DEALER ADJUSTED THE BRAKE AT THE FIRST TIME. SECOND TIME THEY REPLACED THE SWITCH .STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THAT NOISE AT THE MOMENT. ON AUGUST 2000 I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 55MPH AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE WEATHERSTRIP JUST FEW INSIDE THE CAR AND IT LOOKS JUST LI A SNAKE AND I ALMOST CRASH. THE CAR HAD 1729 MILEAGE.FOLOWING WEEK THE REAR DOOR WINDSHIELD TRIM CAME OFF.THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WON'T WORK BECAUSE OF A CUT WIRE.EVERYTHING IN THIS CAR IS FALLING APART.I DIDN'T EXPECT A NEW CAR TO BE LIKE THAT.I FEEL SO UNSAFE IN THIS CAR SPECIALLY THE SMOKE THAT COMING FROM UNDER MY STEERING WHEEL AT TIMES.PLEAS HELP ME BEFOE I GET KILLED IN THIS UNSAFE CAR.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10088429

12,126 miles · Aug 23, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

PROBLEM WITH THE EXHAUST AND MUFFLER. LOTS OF NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE CAR.THEY REPLACED THE SILENCER THE FIRST TIME, GASKET-EXHAUST PIPE, THE SECOND TIME THEY REPLACED THE SILENNER,,GASKET-EXHAUST PIPE, NUTS

NHTSA ODI #10088426

29,284 miles · Aug 23, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingInjury

ENGINE OVERHEATS A LOT.WHEN I START THE CAR AT TIME SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER NEAT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. AC LINE FROZEN . COOLING FAN NOT WORKING. FIRST TIME THEY REPLACED JUNCTION BLOCK, SECOND TIME THEY REPLACED THE WATER PUMP,,,GASKET AND THIRD TIME THEY REPLACED THE RELAY....REPLACED COOLING FAN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10088423

Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingInjury

ENGINE OVERHEATS A LOT.WHEN I START THE CAR AT TIME SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER NEAT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. AC LINE FROZEN . COOLING FAN NOT WORKING. FIRST TIME THEY REPLACED JUNCTION BLOCK, SECOND TIME THEY REPLACED THE WATER PUMP,,,GASKET AND THIRD TIME THEY REPLACED THE RELAY....REPLACED COOLING FAN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10088421

1,819 miles · Aug 23, 2004
Air Bags

THE AIR BAG LIGHT KEEP COMING ON AFTER STARTING THE CAR. FIRST TIME I WAS TOLD IT'S THE CLOCK SPRING,SECOND TIME IT WAS THE AIR BAG MODULE ,THIRD TIME I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE CLOCKY SPRING MODULE AGAIN.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10088414

Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2004
Air BagsEngine And Engine Cooling

SILENCER PIPE SPLIT WHICH IS NO CAUSE OR DAMAGE FROM CONSUMER, THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE PART, MY CAR HAS MADE AN EXCESSIVE EXHAUST NOISE FOR QUITE SOME TIME, WHICH AT FIRST WAS DIAGNOSISED AS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, LATER TO DISCOVER FROM AN AUTHORIZED KIA DEALERSHIP THAT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE THE SILENCER PIPE HAD SPLIT DUE TO POO…

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SILENCER PIPE SPLIT WHICH IS NO CAUSE OR DAMAGE FROM CONSUMER, THIS WAS A DEFECTIVE PART, MY CAR HAS MADE AN EXCESSIVE EXHAUST NOISE FOR QUITE SOME TIME, WHICH AT FIRST WAS DIAGNOSISED AS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, LATER TO DISCOVER FROM AN AUTHORIZED KIA DEALERSHIP THAT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE THE SILENCER PIPE HAD SPLIT DUE TO POOR PRODUCTION. THIS I BELIEVE IN TURN ALSO HAS AFFECTED MY PERFORMANCE OF MY CAR AND CAUSED THE PURGE VALVE THAT I MUST ALSO REPLACE TO HAVE FAILED LEAVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND WHEN REGISTERATION COMES DUE MY CAR WILL NOT PASS SMOG. I HAVE HAD EVERY SCHEDULED MAINTANENCE OUTSIDE THE DEALERSHIP NO ONE COULD DIAGNOSIS THE PROBLEM. EVERYONE CAN NOT AFFORD TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THEIR OUTRAGEOUS CHARGES BUT I HAD TO BREAKDOWN AND GO TO PAY 82.00 FOR A DIAGNOSIS FOR AT LEAST 420.00 WORTH OF SERVICE THAT I MUST PAY TO GET THE PROBLEM CORRECTED 315.00 TO REPLACE SILENCER PIPE THAT WAS ALREADY DEFECTIVE FROM MANUFACTURER AND 90.00 FOR THE PURGE VALVE THESE CHARGES ACCORDING TO KIA DEALERSHIP INCLUDE LABOR. ALREADY LOSING THE 82.00 FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC. MY CAR HAS ONLY 57493 MILES WITHIN THE 4 YEARS I HAVE HAD IT. I HAVE HAD TO ALSO HAD THE AIR BAG MODULE CONTROL REPLACED THAT HAD BEEN DEFECTIVE FROM MANUFACTURER ON 6/21/01 AND CONTINUE TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY THUS I HAVE TO PAY FOR ANOTHER DEFECTIVE ISSUE FROM KIA, WHICH WAS OF NO CHARGE THE FIRST TIME BUT USED MY WARRANTY?*AK

NHTSA ODI #10063642

39,044 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE OIL PAN PLUG FELL OFF OF THE OIL PAN AND I WAS NOT AWARE OF IT UNTIL I HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE AT LEAST 20 MILES. I HAD TO PAY FOR A TOW TO THE KIA DEALER, EVENTHOUGH, I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY.(5 YRS OR 50,000 MILES) I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER TO COMPLAIN ABOUT IT STILL LEAKING OIL AND WAS TOLD…

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THE OIL PAN PLUG FELL OFF OF THE OIL PAN AND I WAS NOT AWARE OF IT UNTIL I HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE AT LEAST 20 MILES. I HAD TO PAY FOR A TOW TO THE KIA DEALER, EVENTHOUGH, I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY.(5 YRS OR 50,000 MILES) I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER TO COMPLAIN ABOUT IT STILL LEAKING OIL AND WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD NEED TO TAKE IT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I DID BUY THE VEHICLE USED THREE WEEKS AGO AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ODI #10071094

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE DASHBOARD. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *PH

NHTSA ODI #10032430

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

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

3

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.

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.