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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

What owners actually said

303 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 1999
EquipmentService Brakes, Hydraulic

THIS VEHICLE HAS MANY PROBLEMS THE CONSUMER SHOULD BE MADE AWARE OF. NO SAFETY DEFECTS LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK

NHTSA ODI #707391

Mileage unknown · May 27, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicVisibility

POWER MIRRORS FAILED. MJS

NHTSA ODI #545825

Mileage unknown · May 24, 1999
Visibility

REGARDLESS OF THE SETTING ON THE AIR FLOW MODE SELECTION KNOB, HOT DRY AIR IS ALWAYS DIRECTED INTO THE FACE OF DRIVER AND PASSENGER, RESULTING IN VISION PROBLEMS. ALSO, DUST, DIRT AND POLLENS ARE BLOWN INTO DRIVER'S EYES WHEN DRIVING ON DIRT AND GRAVEL ROADS HERE AT THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS . KIA REPRESENTATIVES HAVE RESPONDED …

Read full complaint

REGARDLESS OF THE SETTING ON THE AIR FLOW MODE SELECTION KNOB, HOT DRY AIR IS ALWAYS DIRECTED INTO THE FACE OF DRIVER AND PASSENGER, RESULTING IN VISION PROBLEMS. ALSO, DUST, DIRT AND POLLENS ARE BLOWN INTO DRIVER'S EYES WHEN DRIVING ON DIRT AND GRAVEL ROADS HERE AT THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS . KIA REPRESENTATIVES HAVE RESPONDED THAT ALL KIAS HAVE THIS DEFECT, THAT IT IS A DESIGN PROBLEM AND WILL NOT BE CORRECTED UNDER THE VEHICLE WARRANTY. WE BELEIVE THIS DEFECT, DESIGN OR OTHERWISE, IS A HEALTH AND SAFETY MATTER AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BY KIA. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #706814

Mileage unknown · May 21, 1999
Power Train

TRANSMISSION WILL ABRUPTLEY SHIFT INTO TO A LOW GEAR ON ITS OWN AT 65 MPH. MANUFATURER HAS BEN CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #838309

Mileage unknown · May 20, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainStructure

THERE ARE MANY OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE AS OF TODAY THER ARE ONLY 1700 MILE ON THE VEHICLEAS WHERE MOR THAN 1/2 THOSE MILES ARE FROM GOING BACK AND FORTH TO THE SERVICE DEPT AS IT IS AN 80 MILE TRIP TO THE SERVICE DEPT. AS FOR KIA THEY ARE TOTALLY IGNORANT AS THEY DO NOT EVER RETURN ANY OF MY PHONE CALLS. THIS SUVIS A LEM…

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THERE ARE MANY OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE AS OF TODAY THER ARE ONLY 1700 MILE ON THE VEHICLEAS WHERE MOR THAN 1/2 THOSE MILES ARE FROM GOING BACK AND FORTH TO THE SERVICE DEPT AS IT IS AN 80 MILE TRIP TO THE SERVICE DEPT. AS FOR KIA THEY ARE TOTALLY IGNORANT AS THEY DO NOT EVER RETURN ANY OF MY PHONE CALLS. THIS SUVIS A LEMON IF I EVER SAW ONE . YOU WOULD THIN. NO SAFET DEFECT (S) LISTED IN THE SUMMARY. *AK

NHTSA ODI #706700

Mileage unknown · May 18, 1999
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

WHEEL BEARING AND HUBS CRACKED, CAUSING THE METAL TO GRIND WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN. ALSO WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, CAUSE UNKNOWN. WAS ADVISED BY MIDAS NOT TO DRIVE VEHICLE- WHEELE COULD COME OFF. *AK

NHTSA ODI #838104

Mileage unknown · May 18, 1999
Power Train

AFTER BEING STUCK IN A SNOW STORM CONSUMER DISCOVERED THAT VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE 4-WHEEL DRIVE, EVENTHOUGH THE SYSTEM WAS ENGAGED IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE. THE DEALER/MANUFACTURER ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN CORRECTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #838068

Mileage unknown · May 18, 1999
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicWheelsCrash

THE HUBS WERE CRACKED AND WHEEL BEARING WAS GONE, CAUSING A TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. KIA HAS DONE NOTHING TO HELP. *AK *ML

NHTSA ODI #838052

Mileage unknown · May 17, 1999
Suspension

I PURCHASED A LEFTOVER NEW 1998 SPORTAGE 4X4 ON 4/12/99. THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED ON 3/31/98. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE FOR AUTOBODY REPAIRS ON THURSDAY 5/13/99 WITH 592 MILES ON IT. WHEN I PICKED UP MY VEHICLE ON MODAY 5/17/99 WITH 594 MILES ON IT THE LIFTERS WERE MAKING A HORRIBLE TAPPING NOISE. I WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE MA…

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I PURCHASED A LEFTOVER NEW 1998 SPORTAGE 4X4 ON 4/12/99. THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED ON 3/31/98. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE FOR AUTOBODY REPAIRS ON THURSDAY 5/13/99 WITH 592 MILES ON IT. WHEN I PICKED UP MY VEHICLE ON MODAY 5/17/99 WITH 594 MILES ON IT THE LIFTERS WERE MAKING A HORRIBLE TAPPING NOISE. I WAS INFORMED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT THE NOISE WAS DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING IN STORAGE FOR OVER A YEAR AND WHEN PURCHASED BY MYSELF THAT A NEW OIL FILTER AND OIL CHANGE SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS I FINALLY GOT HIM TO PUT IT IN WRITING AND I NOW HAVE THE DOCUMENT AS PROOF. MY QUESTION IS HOW DOES A LIFTER GO BAD AT 594 MILES AND WHY DIDN'T A LARGE COMPANY SUCH AS KIA HAVE THE INSIGHT TO PROVIDE BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE UPON PURCHASE OF A VEHICLE. I HAVE ACESSED YOUR COMPLAINT FILES FOR THE 1998 SPORTAGE AND IT PRINTED 21 PAGES. CAN ALL THOSE CONSUMERS BE WRONG? I DO NOT THINK SO, I FEEL MY SUV IS ON ITS WAY TO BEING THE LEMON THAT ATTACKED NEW YORK. IF I WAS ADVISED OF YOUR WEBSITE PRIOR TO MY PURCHASE I WOULD HAVE DEFINITELY LOOKED TO OTHER AUTO MAKERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INFORMATIVE SITE, BUT I FEEL THAT THIS PROBLEM IS JUST THE BEGINNING!!!( DOT NUMBER: )

NHTSA ODI #706599

Mileage unknown · May 7, 1999
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THIS IS THE THIRD TIME I HAVE HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS AND THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 8300 MILES ON IT. THE FIRST TIME THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON AND THEY CHANGE THE ENG BRAKE SOLENOID. THE SECONED TIME THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED AND ALL FOUR BRAKES PARCIALLY LOCKED UP. THIS TIME I WAS DONIG 68 ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LOCKED …

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THIS IS THE THIRD TIME I HAVE HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS AND THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 8300 MILES ON IT. THE FIRST TIME THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON AND THEY CHANGE THE ENG BRAKE SOLENOID. THE SECONED TIME THE MASTER CYLINDER FAILED AND ALL FOUR BRAKES PARCIALLY LOCKED UP. THIS TIME I WAS DONIG 68 ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LOCKED UP. I MISSED HITTING ANOTHER CAR BY LESS THAN AN INCH WHEN IT MADE MY VEHICLE SWERVE INSTANTLY. I AM GETTING SCARED TO DRIVE IT AT ALL!! WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT? "I DON'T WANT TO DIE OR KILL MY FAMILY OR SOMEONE ELSE'S!!!!"

NHTSA ODI #706310

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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