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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

Structure complaints

29 reports
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160,000 miles · Feb 3, 2014
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND CAUSED THAT CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE AFTER HE REGAINED CONTROL, STOPPED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND CAUSED THAT CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE AFTER HE REGAINED CONTROL, STOPPED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ODI #10562740

161,000 miles · Dec 24, 2013
Power TrainStructureSuspension

REAR FRAME OF MY 1999 KIA SPORTAGE ROTTED, AND CAUSING THE WHOLE REAREND TO SHIFT SEVERELY. AT 30MPH. CAUSING ME TO PARK MY SPORTAGE. REST OF THE FRAME IN GOOD SHAPE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10557195

94,000 miles · Dec 16, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN A LARGER TRUCK PASSED HIM ON THE ROADWAY AND CAUSED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO SWERVE INTO ANOTHER LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN A LARGER TRUCK PASSED HIM ON THE ROADWAY AND CAUSED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO SWERVE INTO ANOTHER LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.

NHTSA ODI #10556230

122,000 miles · Oct 20, 2013
Structure

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND HIT A BUMP WHEN MY CAR BEGAN SWAYING BACK AND FORTH FROM SIDE TO SIDE. I HAD A VERY HARD TIME MAINTAINING CONTROL. I SLOWLY DROVE HOME AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION UNDERNEATH MY 1999 KIA SPORTAGE I DISCOVER THE FRAME IS TOTALLY RUSTED TO THE POINT OF FALLING APART. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRA…

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I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND HIT A BUMP WHEN MY CAR BEGAN SWAYING BACK AND FORTH FROM SIDE TO SIDE. I HAD A VERY HARD TIME MAINTAINING CONTROL. I SLOWLY DROVE HOME AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION UNDERNEATH MY 1999 KIA SPORTAGE I DISCOVER THE FRAME IS TOTALLY RUSTED TO THE POINT OF FALLING APART. THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME IS ALMOST NON EXISTENT AND THE DRIVERS SIDE ISN'T MUCH BETTER THERE ARE HOLES AND PIECES OF THE FRAME GONE. I HAVE BEEN READING ON LINE THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM MY 11 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER OR MYSELF COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT, PLEASE DO SOMETHING SO OTHERS WILL NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10548641

72,083 miles · Oct 26, 2011
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE AN ENGINEER FOR THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED AND DETERMINED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND COULD NOT BE REPLACED. …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE AN ENGINEER FOR THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED AND DETERMINED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND COULD NOT BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,083.

NHTSA ODI #10432924

88,000 miles · Jun 23, 2011
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD RUSTED FROM THE CHASSIS ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE MECHANIC ALSO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NON-REPAIRABLE. THE VE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD RUSTED FROM THE CHASSIS ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE MECHANIC ALSO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NON-REPAIRABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000. UPDATED 9/16/11 *CN UPDATED 2/9/12 *CN

NHTSA ODI #10408646

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

55,000 miles · Oct 6, 2010
Structure

I HAVE A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 55,000 MILES ON IT. THE ENTIRE FRAME IS ROTTED AND RUSTED OUT. CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN SAFETY. WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE 6 MORE MONTHS OF PAYMENTS I WANT TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT THIS? THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. 3 DEALERSHIPS WOULD NOT EVEN TAKE IT AS A TRADE! I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIV…

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I HAVE A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 55,000 MILES ON IT. THE ENTIRE FRAME IS ROTTED AND RUSTED OUT. CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN SAFETY. WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE 6 MORE MONTHS OF PAYMENTS I WANT TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT THIS? THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. 3 DEALERSHIPS WOULD NOT EVEN TAKE IT AS A TRADE! I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE GASTANK COULD FALL DOWN IF I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE COULD EXPLODE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10359438

139,000 miles · Sep 22, 2010
Structure

1999 KIA SPORTAGE. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE 2008. I HAVE HAD THE GAS TANK PATCHED 3 TIMES, THEN COMPLETELY REPLACED COST OF OVER 400 DOLLARS. MY MECHANIC SAID THE TANK KEPT RUSTING NO MATTER WHAT HE TRIED AND IT WAS DEFECTIVE. ALL REAR BRAKES TWICE AND NOW WITH EVEN NEW LEVER AND OTHER PARTS 420 DOLLARS. NOW THE CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE …

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1999 KIA SPORTAGE. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE 2008. I HAVE HAD THE GAS TANK PATCHED 3 TIMES, THEN COMPLETELY REPLACED COST OF OVER 400 DOLLARS. MY MECHANIC SAID THE TANK KEPT RUSTING NO MATTER WHAT HE TRIED AND IT WAS DEFECTIVE. ALL REAR BRAKES TWICE AND NOW WITH EVEN NEW LEVER AND OTHER PARTS 420 DOLLARS. NOW THE CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE DUE TO THE REAR FRAME WHICH HAS CRACKED AND SEPARATED CAUSING THE CAR TO SWAY AND MAKING STEERING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. I THOUGHT IT WAS A SHOCK THAT BROKE WHEN I HEARD THE CLUNKING SOUND, TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THE CAR WAS TO UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE FRAME IS SWINGING ALL AROUND. I HAVE NO OTHER VEHICLE AND TWO CHILDREN AM A SINGLE PARENT. NOW I CAN'T GET TO WORK, APPOINTMENTS, SCHOOLS ECT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10356953

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

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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