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1999 Kia Sportage

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sportage years

Owner complaints for the 1999 Kia Sportage are substantially higher than the model-year median of 122.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

71 reports with mileage · 213 unknown

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 →
  • Power Train. Review the 57 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

27 crash reports3 fire reports12 injury reports

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

34 reports
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124,971 miles · Mar 14, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

I HAD JUST FILLED GAS TANK WITH UNLEADED GAS. WHEN I NOTICED A STRONG GAS SMELL. THE CAR SITS ALL DAY. I ONLY MOVE IT FOR EMISSIONS EACH YEAR I WORK FROM HOME. THEY TESTED AND TOLD ME EVAP EMISSION CONTROL SYS MALF. THE GUY SAID HE COULD SEE GAS LEAKING FROM MY FUEL LINE. HE SAID IT WAS A RECALL ON THIS TO CHECK WITH KIA. KIA TO…

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I HAD JUST FILLED GAS TANK WITH UNLEADED GAS. WHEN I NOTICED A STRONG GAS SMELL. THE CAR SITS ALL DAY. I ONLY MOVE IT FOR EMISSIONS EACH YEAR I WORK FROM HOME. THEY TESTED AND TOLD ME EVAP EMISSION CONTROL SYS MALF. THE GUY SAID HE COULD SEE GAS LEAKING FROM MY FUEL LINE. HE SAID IT WAS A RECALL ON THIS TO CHECK WITH KIA. KIA TOLD ME MY VIN NUMBER DID NOT MATCH THE RECALL. THIS CAR DOES NOT SEE ALOT OF ACTION THERE IS NO REASON OTHER THAN A FEW GOOD SNOWS THAT MAY HAVE RUSTED THE TANK OTHER WISE WHY WOULD MY TANK ALL OF A SUDDEN LEAK GAS. THIS IS A HAZARD THAT I THINK KIA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE CAR AND HAVE HAD IT LONGER THAN THE FIRST. I HAVE EXPERIENCED FIRST HAND SOME ISSUES THIS MODEL HAS HAD WHICH KIA TOOK CARE OF. BUT THEY REFUSE THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10569244

160,000 miles · Feb 3, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineStructure

1995 TO 2002 KIA SPORTAGES FRAMES ARE ROTTING OUT AND GAS TANKS LEAKING ALSO. KIA REFUSES TO REPAIR OR PUT OUT A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. VEHICLES ARE A SAFETY ISSUE TO THE PUBLIC. FORD WINDSTARS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS FROM 1998 TO 2003 BACK AXLE ROTTING OUT, THEY ARE TAKING ACTION AND OWNING UP TO THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN A STATE IN…

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1995 TO 2002 KIA SPORTAGES FRAMES ARE ROTTING OUT AND GAS TANKS LEAKING ALSO. KIA REFUSES TO REPAIR OR PUT OUT A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. VEHICLES ARE A SAFETY ISSUE TO THE PUBLIC. FORD WINDSTARS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS FROM 1998 TO 2003 BACK AXLE ROTTING OUT, THEY ARE TAKING ACTION AND OWNING UP TO THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN A STATE INSPECTION MECHANIC FOR THE STATE OF PA. FOR 35YRS THIS DEFECT IS GOING TO CAUSE SEVERAL CRASHES, MAYBE DEATHS. KIA IS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THIS MATTER ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT. THANKS *TR

NHTSA ODI #10380152

105,000 miles · Oct 29, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SHORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER DISPENSING FUEL INTO THE FULL TANK, HE WOULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURE VOLUNTARY RECALL PERTAINING TO THE FU…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SHORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER DISPENSING FUEL INTO THE FULL TANK, HE WOULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURE VOLUNTARY RECALL PERTAINING TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED THAT SAFETY RECALL EXPIRED. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT IN STOCK. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000. UPDATED 2/23/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP HAD RUST PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE PURCHASED ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPDATED 02/28/11

NHTSA ODI #10362934

100,198 miles · Aug 16, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineStructure

I OWN A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE AND RECENTLY HAD IT RACKED TO SEE WHAT THE NOISE WAS THAT WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH MY CAR. THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE FAME IS SEPARATING FROM EACH OTHER, LEANING ON THE SHOCK ABSORBERS ON BOTH SIDES, THERE ARE LARGE HOLES IN THE FAME WHERE THEY HAVE RUSTED THROUGH, THE FUEL TANK A…

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I OWN A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE AND RECENTLY HAD IT RACKED TO SEE WHAT THE NOISE WAS THAT WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH MY CAR. THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE FAME IS SEPARATING FROM EACH OTHER, LEANING ON THE SHOCK ABSORBERS ON BOTH SIDES, THERE ARE LARGE HOLES IN THE FAME WHERE THEY HAVE RUSTED THROUGH, THE FUEL TANK AND SHIELD IS RUSTED OUT AND THIS CAR IS A TICKING TIME BOMB, READY TO FALL APART, AND OR IF ANYTHING HITS THE FUEL TANK IT WILL DISINTEGRATE AND POSSIBLY EXPLODE. THIS CAR IS LITERALLY COMING APART UNDERNEATH.TWO OF THE DOORS PANELS UNDERNEATH HAVE RUSTED AWAY. EVERYTHING IS RUSTED AND IT SCARES ME TO DEATH TO BE DRIVING IT NOW THAT I HAVE SEEN THE UNDERCARRIAGE. I HAVE MANY PHOTOS TO SUBMIT FOR PROOF OF THE PROBLEM.APPARENTLY THIS CAR HAS BEEN RUSTING FOR SOME TIME AND I HAVE NEVER NOTICED IT. I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN SEPTEMBER OF 1999. IT HAS PREMATURELY RUSTED OUT UNLIKE MOST VEHICLES WHICH LAST FOR MANY YEARS. I WAS INFORMED BY MY BROTHER THIS PAST SUMMER AND HE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE CAMPAIGN ON THE FUEL TANK BUT WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID IT WAS PAST THE 10 YEAR MARK BY A FEW MONTHS AND THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH KIA TO GATHER INFORMATION ABOUT RECALLS AND SERVICE CAMPAIGN NOTICES OF WHICH I ONLY WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT 3 OR 4 OF THEM SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10349703

120,000 miles · Jul 6, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

1999 KIA SPORTAGE GAS TANK ROTTED AND LEAKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10341655

Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE CHASSIS OF MY 1999 KIA SPORTAGE IS ROTTING OUT. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE RAILINGS WELDED TOGETHER, ONE RAILING HAS A HOLE ABOUT 6 IN LONG ON THE SIDE OF THE RAILING AND THE GAS TANK HAS TO BE REPLACE. BUT IF THE TANK IS REMOVED THE PART OF THE CHASSIS IT IS ATTACHED TO WILL COME OFF AND THERE WILL BE NO WAY TO ATTACH A NEW O…

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THE CHASSIS OF MY 1999 KIA SPORTAGE IS ROTTING OUT. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE RAILINGS WELDED TOGETHER, ONE RAILING HAS A HOLE ABOUT 6 IN LONG ON THE SIDE OF THE RAILING AND THE GAS TANK HAS TO BE REPLACE. BUT IF THE TANK IS REMOVED THE PART OF THE CHASSIS IT IS ATTACHED TO WILL COME OFF AND THERE WILL BE NO WAY TO ATTACH A NEW ONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10324750

Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL TANK LEAK. SMELL OF GASOLINE WHEN CAR IS PUT IN GARAGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10324728

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL TANK LEAKING EVERY TIME WHEN FILLING TANK. FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, PROBLEM WITH GASOLINE LEAKAGE WHEN FILLING TANK IS STILL A PROBLEM. NO REPAIRS AS OF YET. I'M ON DISABILITY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10313472

112,307 miles · Jun 29, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

I OWN A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN I FILED TANK, GAS LEAKED. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT I HAVE A LEAK IN MY GAS TANK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10275250

89,000 miles · Jun 20, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

1999 KIA SPORTAGE, HAD A GAS LEAK GOT IT REPAIRED WITH A NEW TANK LAST YEAR, STILL HAVE A GAS SMELL. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE SMELL THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM, OF COURSE THIS IS MY REGULAR MECHANIC NOT A KIA DEALER. NOW THE FRAME IS BUSTED FROM PREMATURE RUSTING AND DISINTEGRATION WHICH IS HOLDING UP THE GAS…

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1999 KIA SPORTAGE, HAD A GAS LEAK GOT IT REPAIRED WITH A NEW TANK LAST YEAR, STILL HAVE A GAS SMELL. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE SMELL THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM, OF COURSE THIS IS MY REGULAR MECHANIC NOT A KIA DEALER. NOW THE FRAME IS BUSTED FROM PREMATURE RUSTING AND DISINTEGRATION WHICH IS HOLDING UP THE GAS TANK. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON FOR "EVAP LEAK" . NO POWER WHEN A/C IS RUNNING. A/C NOW HAS LEAK. CONSTANTLY SMELL A BURNING SMELL JUST BEFORE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. ALSO CONSTANTLY BLOWS FUSES FOR POWER WINDOWS ETC. THIS IS A DEATH TRAP FOR SURE, YOU CAN IMAGINE MY SURPRISE WHEN I WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE MY GRANDBABIES IN THIS CAR IT IS UNSAFE...AND WHEN THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT AS THEY COULDN'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TRYING TO FIX A FRAMING PROBLEM. THIS CAR HAS HAD VERY GOOD MAINTENANCE, OIL CHANGES, TIRES ETC. AND ONLY HAS 114,000 MILES , I NEVER DREAMED I WOULD HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER CAR SO SOON. I REALLY THOUGHT I SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST ANOTHER 100,000 TO GO! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10274436

Official recalls

3

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.

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

8

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.

PE06002 · Fuel Tank Leakage

Opened Jan 4, 2006 · Closed May 9, 2006

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

ON JANUARY 4, 2006, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE STEEL FUEL STORAGE TANK IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2000 KIA SPORTAGE VEHICLES.ODI SENT A LETTER TO THE MANUFACTURER ON JANUARY 25, 2006 REQUESTING INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER KIA SPORTAGE VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF 40 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS THAT ALLEGE FUEL STORAGE TANK LEAKAGE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ANALYSIS OF MANUFACTURER DATA INDICATES THAT ALLEGED FUEL LEAKAGE AT OR NEAR THE STORAGE TANK MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT FAILURE MODES INVOLVING THE FUEL CONTAINMENT AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED CORROSION AS A PRIMARY CAUSAL FACTOR RELATED TO FUEL STORAGE TANK COMPLAINTS AND CONTINUED FUEL SYSTEM PART SALES.ACCORDING TO KIA, FUEL TANK CORROSION CLAIMS RELATED TO LEAKAGE CAN BE DIVIDED INTO TWO CATEGORIES: LOWER TANK CLAIMS ASSOCIATED WITH EXTERIOR CORROSION DUE TO DISRUPTION OF THE POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) PROTECTIVE COATING AND UPPER TANK CLAIMS ASSOCIATED WITH CORROSION AT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT MOUNTING PLATE AREA.THE MANUFACTURER'S INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED FUEL TANK CORROSION RESULTING IN LEAKAGE IS ONGOING.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA06-007) TO FURTHER STUDY THE FREQUENCY, SCOPE, AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

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.

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.

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.

PE02002 · Windshield Wiper

Opened Jan 9, 2002 · Closed Aug 7, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility

No summary supplied.

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.

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