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1998 Kia Sportage

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sportage years

Owner complaints for the 1998 Kia Sportage are substantially higher than the model-year median of 122.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 34 of 303 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.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 79 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 63 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports5 fire reports7 injury reports

Power Train complaints

63 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2005
Power Train

THE 4WD SYSTEM ON THE 98 KIA SPORTAGE IS UNRELIABLE. THE VACUUM SYSTEM, WHICH ACTUATES THE FRONT HUBS DOES NOT WORK. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR THIS PROBLEM EVERY WINTER SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 1998. THE DEALERS REPAIR LASTS A WEEK OR SO AND THEN FAILS. UNEXPECTED LACK OF 4WD IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10107758

73,475 miles · Dec 26, 2004
Power TrainSuspensionCrash

DRIVING UPHILL IN ONE INCH OF SNOW THE AXEL HUBS ON THE FRONT OF VEHICLE DID NOT ENGAGE CAUSING THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE STEERING, SLIDING SIDEWAYS AND BACKWARDS TO A STOP. THE PARTS REPLACED WERE AS FOLLOWS: AXEL HUB SEALS, AXEL BEARINGS, UPPER BALL JOINT, VACUUM LINE AND REALIGNMENT OF FRONT END.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10104517

101,000 miles · Feb 19, 2004
Power Train

THE VEHICLES 4-WHEEL DRIVE ENGAGED SOMETIMES THEN POPPED OUT CAUSING A LOUD NOISE. THE CONSUMER FOUND OUT ABOUT A HUB SEAL RECALL AND INQUIRED ABOUT IT AT THE DEALER . THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONSUMER LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD FOR A RED MARK ON THE VACUUM CANISTER BRACKET BUT DID…

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THE VEHICLES 4-WHEEL DRIVE ENGAGED SOMETIMES THEN POPPED OUT CAUSING A LOUD NOISE. THE CONSUMER FOUND OUT ABOUT A HUB SEAL RECALL AND INQUIRED ABOUT IT AT THE DEALER . THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONSUMER LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD FOR A RED MARK ON THE VACUUM CANISTER BRACKET BUT DIDN'T SEE ONE. THE CONSUMER THEREFORE BELIEVES THAT THE RECALL HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED. *AK *NM

NHTSA ODI #10053707

Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2003
Air BagsElectrical SystemPower Train

VEHICLE HAD FOUR RECALLS AND AIRBAG LIGHT KEPT FLASHING. RECALLS WERE ON BRAKE HOSES, FRONT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, ELECTRICAL WIRING AND MISSING LABEL. *LA WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE HAD FAILED. WHILE DRIVING T…

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VEHICLE HAD FOUR RECALLS AND AIRBAG LIGHT KEPT FLASHING. RECALLS WERE ON BRAKE HOSES, FRONT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY, ELECTRICAL WIRING AND MISSING LABEL. *LA WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AIR BAG LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE HAD FAILED. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TOT HE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE COILS WERE CRACKED. TRANSMISSION LINE WAS LEAKING. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10051718

88,675 miles · Nov 4, 2003
Power Train

SUNDAY, 11-02-2003, WHILE DRIVING ON MAIN ST IN MESA, ARIZONA, OUR 1998 KIA SPORTAGE'S GEARSHIFT LEVER SNAPPED OFF IN MY HAND. I WAS SHIFTING FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR AT THE TIME. THE BREAK WAS ABOUT 1 1/2 INCHES FROM FLOOR LEVEL, DOWN INSIDE THE CONSOL. I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE MEDIAN WITHOUT CRASHING. MY P…

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SUNDAY, 11-02-2003, WHILE DRIVING ON MAIN ST IN MESA, ARIZONA, OUR 1998 KIA SPORTAGE'S GEARSHIFT LEVER SNAPPED OFF IN MY HAND. I WAS SHIFTING FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR AT THE TIME. THE BREAK WAS ABOUT 1 1/2 INCHES FROM FLOOR LEVEL, DOWN INSIDE THE CONSOL. I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE MEDIAN WITHOUT CRASHING. MY PREGNANT WIFE AND THREE-YEAR-OLD SON WERE WITH ME IN THE VEHICLE.I CONTACTED KIA AND THE SHORT OF IT IS THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY CLAIM THAT THEY DON'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A LIFE-THREATENING DEFECT. KIA SHOULD BE VERY INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT HOW OR WHY A VEHICLE WITH NO HISTORY OF ACCIDENTS COULD HAVE THIS CRITICAL PART BREAK OFF UNEXPECTEDLY! NOT GIVING THE BRUSH-OFF! I HAVE DIGITAL PHOTOS THAT I AM WILLING TO EMAIL.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10045439

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2003
Power TrainSuspension

CONSUMER HAD RECALL FOR THE REAR AXLE AND BEARINGS REMEDIED IN 08/99. ACCORDING TO DEALER'S DIAGNOSTIC, THE COMPONENTS HAVE FAILED AGAIN ,AND COULD CAUSE WHEELS TO BECOME DETACHED FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10027089

85,000 miles · May 19, 2003
Power Train

AFTER GETTING STUCK IN SNOW FOUND THAT 4 WHEEL DRIVE WASN'T ENGAGING - MECHANIC SAID DUE TO SOMEONE OVER PACKING COMPONENTS WITH GREASE AND A PART PUT IN BACKWARDS THERE WAS NO WAY THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS ENGAGING. SO ESSENTIALLY WE HAVEN'T HAD 4 WHEEL DRIVE SINCE WE PURCHASED OUR VEHICLE IN 2000. AFTER THE PART WAS INSTALLED PR…

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AFTER GETTING STUCK IN SNOW FOUND THAT 4 WHEEL DRIVE WASN'T ENGAGING - MECHANIC SAID DUE TO SOMEONE OVER PACKING COMPONENTS WITH GREASE AND A PART PUT IN BACKWARDS THERE WAS NO WAY THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS ENGAGING. SO ESSENTIALLY WE HAVEN'T HAD 4 WHEEL DRIVE SINCE WE PURCHASED OUR VEHICLE IN 2000. AFTER THE PART WAS INSTALLED PROPERLY 4WD WAS ENGAGING. MAY 16TH BROUGHT IN VEHICLE DUE TO GRINDING NOISE IN FRONT WHEEL HUB. MECHANIC FOUND 4WD HUB RUST FILLED AND BAD, BEARINGS ALL RUSTED OUT, VACUUM HOSES TO THE BACK OF THE SPINDLE BROKEN BOTH SIDES. BOTH FRONT WHEELS HAD SAME PROBLEM. IN CHECKING YOUR COMPLAINTS ON FILE THERE ARE MANY FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, SAME YEAR AND VEHICLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10018951

92,000 miles · Apr 1, 2003
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE DID WORK AND REAR THE BRAKES WERE NOT IN LINE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10014862

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2003
Power Train

THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE DID NOT HOLD WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SPIN. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10006912

Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2003
Power Train

THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE DOES NO ENGAGE WHEN PUT IN GEAR. TOOK TO DEALER WHO INSTALLED SOME TYPE OF CHILD SAFETY DEVICE UNDER THE CLUTCH. PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *NLM *DT

NHTSA ODI #10002439

Official recalls

3

02V216000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Aug 16, 2002

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 20, 2002. 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.

99V325000 · Electrical System:wiring

Nov 19, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE C123 AND C124 CONNECTORS CAN BE PUT UNDER TENSION BY MOVEMENT OF THE ENGINE, THUS PULLING THE WIRES AND CONNECTORS, LOOSENING THEM AND RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CIRCUIT CONTINUITY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE ENGINE STALLING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CLIPS TO LOCK THE CONNECTORS TOGETHER. IN ADDITION, THE DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO SOLDER A SPLICE IN THE WIRE HARNESS.

98V222000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Sep 15, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITHOUT AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING CAN CONTACT A HYDRAULIC BRAKE PIPE CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INCREASE THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE PIPE AND STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING.

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

6

EA06007 · Fuel Tank Leakage

Opened May 9, 2006 · Closed Nov 30, 2007

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.REVIEW OF THE WARRANTY DATA REVEALED ELEVATED TANK LEAKAGE EXPERIENCE IN VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JUNE 1999 TO OCTOBER 2000.ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS IDENTIFIED MULTIPLE CAUSES AND ORIGINS OF FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE.THE MAJORITY OF COMPLAINTS INVOLVE NON-SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS OF FUEL LEAKAGE WHERE MORE THAN ONE FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT WAS REPLACED.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOCUSED ON LEAKS OCCURRING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TANK DUE TO CORROSIVE FAILURE CAUSED BY DISRUPTION OF THE PROTECTIVE PVC COATING.THE ANALYSISINDICATES THAT SUCH LEAKS ARE RARE AND DO NOT SHOW EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASING TREND. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline

A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.REVIEW OF THE WARRANTY DATA REVEALED ELEVATED TANK LEAKAGE EXPERIENCE IN VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JUNE 1999 TO OCTOBER 2000.ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS IDENTIFIED MULTIPLE CAUSES AND ORIGINS OF FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE.THE MAJORITY OF COMPLAINTS INVOLVE NON-SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS OF FUEL LEAKAGE WHERE MORE THAN ONE FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT WAS REPLACED.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOCUSED ON LEAKS OCCURRING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TANK DUE TO CORROSIVE FAILURE CAUSED BY DISRUPTION OF THE PROTECTIVE PVC COATING.THE ANALYSISINDICATES THAT SUCH LEAKS ARE RARE AND DO NOT SHOW EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASING TREND. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage

A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.REVIEW OF THE WARRANTY DATA REVEALED ELEVATED TANK LEAKAGE EXPERIENCE IN VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JUNE 1999 TO OCTOBER 2000.ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS IDENTIFIED MULTIPLE CAUSES AND ORIGINS OF FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE.THE MAJORITY OF COMPLAINTS INVOLVE NON-SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS OF FUEL LEAKAGE WHERE MORE THAN ONE FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT WAS REPLACED.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOCUSED ON LEAKS OCCURRING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TANK DUE TO CORROSIVE FAILURE CAUSED BY DISRUPTION OF THE PROTECTIVE PVC COATING.THE ANALYSISINDICATES THAT SUCH LEAKS ARE RARE AND DO NOT SHOW EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASING TREND. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.REVIEW OF THE WARRANTY DATA REVEALED ELEVATED TANK LEAKAGE EXPERIENCE IN VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JUNE 1999 TO OCTOBER 2000.ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS IDENTIFIED MULTIPLE CAUSES AND ORIGINS OF FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE.THE MAJORITY OF COMPLAINTS INVOLVE NON-SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS OF FUEL LEAKAGE WHERE MORE THAN ONE FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT WAS REPLACED.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOCUSED ON LEAKS OCCURRING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TANK DUE TO CORROSIVE FAILURE CAUSED BY DISRUPTION OF THE PROTECTIVE PVC COATING.THE ANALYSISINDICATES THAT SUCH LEAKS ARE RARE AND DO NOT SHOW EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASING TREND. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

RQ02013 · Engine Stalling POST-RECALL

Opened Oct 18, 2002 · Closed Sep 2, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:wiring; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Engine And Engine Cooling

RQ02-013 WAS OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND ADEQUACY OF RECALL 99V-325, WHICH INVOLVED MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS (HARNESS).VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL POPULATION HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNS OF A DEFECT TREND.THE MAJORITY OF RECALL REMEDY FAILURES IDENTIFIED WERE REPAIRED WITHIN ONE DAY OF THE INITIAL WORK.SUBSEQUENT FAILURE EXPERIENCE IS MINIMAL (249/55,548 VEHICLES REMEDIED).FIELD DATA SHOW NO INDICATION OF AN ONGOING CONCERN: OF 627 POST-RECALL STALLING-RELATED WIRE HARNESS WARRANTY REPAIRS, ONLY SEVEN OCCURRED IN 2003.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS SALESHAVE DECLINED SINCE 2001.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF TWELVE POTENTIALLY RELEVANT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS SINCE 2001.UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED.THE RECALL QUERY 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 CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

RQ02-013 WAS OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND ADEQUACY OF RECALL 99V-325, WHICH INVOLVED MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS (HARNESS).VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL POPULATION HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNS OF A DEFECT TREND.THE MAJORITY OF RECALL REMEDY FAILURES IDENTIFIED WERE REPAIRED WITHIN ONE DAY OF THE INITIAL WORK.SUBSEQUENT FAILURE EXPERIENCE IS MINIMAL (249/55,548 VEHICLES REMEDIED).FIELD DATA SHOW NO INDICATION OF AN ONGOING CONCERN: OF 627 POST-RECALL STALLING-RELATED WIRE HARNESS WARRANTY REPAIRS, ONLY SEVEN OCCURRED IN 2003.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS SALESHAVE DECLINED SINCE 2001.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF TWELVE POTENTIALLY RELEVANT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS SINCE 2001.UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED.THE RECALL QUERY 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 CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.

Electrical System:wiring

RQ02-013 WAS OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND ADEQUACY OF RECALL 99V-325, WHICH INVOLVED MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS (HARNESS).VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL POPULATION HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNS OF A DEFECT TREND.THE MAJORITY OF RECALL REMEDY FAILURES IDENTIFIED WERE REPAIRED WITHIN ONE DAY OF THE INITIAL WORK.SUBSEQUENT FAILURE EXPERIENCE IS MINIMAL (249/55,548 VEHICLES REMEDIED).FIELD DATA SHOW NO INDICATION OF AN ONGOING CONCERN: OF 627 POST-RECALL STALLING-RELATED WIRE HARNESS WARRANTY REPAIRS, ONLY SEVEN OCCURRED IN 2003.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS SALESHAVE DECLINED SINCE 2001.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF TWELVE POTENTIALLY RELEVANT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS SINCE 2001.UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED.THE RECALL QUERY 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 CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.

Engine And Engine Cooling

RQ02-013 WAS OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND ADEQUACY OF RECALL 99V-325, WHICH INVOLVED MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS (HARNESS).VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL POPULATION HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNS OF A DEFECT TREND.THE MAJORITY OF RECALL REMEDY FAILURES IDENTIFIED WERE REPAIRED WITHIN ONE DAY OF THE INITIAL WORK.SUBSEQUENT FAILURE EXPERIENCE IS MINIMAL (249/55,548 VEHICLES REMEDIED).FIELD DATA SHOW NO INDICATION OF AN ONGOING CONCERN: OF 627 POST-RECALL STALLING-RELATED WIRE HARNESS WARRANTY REPAIRS, ONLY SEVEN OCCURRED IN 2003.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS SALESHAVE DECLINED SINCE 2001.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF TWELVE POTENTIALLY RELEVANT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS SINCE 2001.UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED.THE RECALL QUERY 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 CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.

PE02051 · Safety Belt Buckle Malfunction

Opened Jun 17, 2002 · Closed Sep 20, 2002

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

BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 25, 2002, KIA ADVISED NHTSA THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED.SPECIFIC CORRECTIVE ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY KIA HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA AT THIS TIME.THE SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM HAS BEEN ASSIGNED CAMPAIGN NO. 02V-216.

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.

PE99033 · Windshield Wiper

Opened May 6, 1999 · Closed Oct 21, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility

ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPER BECOMES INOPERATIVE WHEN THE WIPER ARM AND PIVOT SEPARATE

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