IllustrationFUEL TANK LEAK. SMELL OF GASOLINE WHEN CAR IS PUT IN GARAGE. *TR
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Sportage years →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
30–25K
1025–50K
2150–75K
1375–100K
17100–150K
7150K+
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
What owners actually said
284 reportsKEYWAY ON CRANKSHAFT WHERE TIMING GEAR ATTACHES WEARS OUT PREMATURELY AND CAN RESULT IN HAVING TO REPLACE ENGINE! I HAVE REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, FUEL FILTER, AND KNOCK SENSOR ALSO THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR AND TIMING BELT WERE REPLACED AS THERE APPEARED TO BE A TIMING ISSUE COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM SO TOOK TO KIA DEALER TO…
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KEYWAY ON CRANKSHAFT WHERE TIMING GEAR ATTACHES WEARS OUT PREMATURELY AND CAN RESULT IN HAVING TO REPLACE ENGINE! I HAVE REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, FUEL FILTER, AND KNOCK SENSOR ALSO THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR AND TIMING BELT WERE REPLACED AS THERE APPEARED TO BE A TIMING ISSUE COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM SO TOOK TO KIA DEALER TO FIND THE KEYWAY ON CRANKSHAFT TO BE SO WORN YOU COULD ALMOST TURN GEAR ALL THE WAY AROUND! IN ALL THE YEARS I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON VEHICLES THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER SEEN THIS AND IS VERY OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT! *TR
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
THE FRAME IS ALL RUST. I HAD TO HAVE THE STABILIZER BAR WELDED WHERE IT COME LOSE FROM THE FRAME FROM RUST. THE BAR WAS ON THE REAR OF THE CAR WITCH MAID IT GO ALL OVER THE ROAD. *TR
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
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
I HAVE A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE THAT HAS 114,000 MILES ON IT. I NOTICED A COUPLE WEEKS AGO IT WAS MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE IN THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CAR, TOOK IT IN THINKING IT NEEDED SHOCKS AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT BECAUSE THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKEN JUST BEHIND THE GAS TANK (WHICH IS NEW). THEY INFORMED ME THIS CAR WAS…
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I HAVE A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE THAT HAS 114,000 MILES ON IT. I NOTICED A COUPLE WEEKS AGO IT WAS MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE IN THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CAR, TOOK IT IN THINKING IT NEEDED SHOCKS AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT BECAUSE THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKEN JUST BEHIND THE GAS TANK (WHICH IS NEW). THEY INFORMED ME THIS CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE MY LITTLE GRANDBABIES IN ANY LONGER AND WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REPAIRS THAT COULDN'T GUARANTEE OUR SAFETY. NOW I AM FORCED TO GET ANOTHER CAR THAT IS SAFE TO DRIVE MYSELF AND MY GRANDKIDS I AM THEIR CAREGIVER MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. I DON'T THINK THIS CAR IS OLD ENOUGH FOR THIS KIND OF PROBLEM TO OCCUR. I HAVE KEPT IT IN GOOD MECHANICAL SHAPE SO I DON'T APPRECIATE BEING FORCED TO FIND ANOTHER CAR RIGHT NOW, I ALREADY WORK 2 JOBS AND THIS PUTS A STRAIN ON ME. *TR
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON I-80 WHEN THE VEHICLE SWAYED VERY BADLY AND ALMOST HIT A ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE IMMEDIATELY SLOWED AND EXITED THE HIGHWAY. UPON INSPECTION THE FRAME SEVERED AND BROKE WHERE THE SUSPENSION ATTACHES TO THE FRAME RIGHT BEHIND THE REAR TIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP...…
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MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON I-80 WHEN THE VEHICLE SWAYED VERY BADLY AND ALMOST HIT A ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE IMMEDIATELY SLOWED AND EXITED THE HIGHWAY. UPON INSPECTION THE FRAME SEVERED AND BROKE WHERE THE SUSPENSION ATTACHES TO THE FRAME RIGHT BEHIND THE REAR TIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP... THE MECHANIC AND MY INSURANCE ADJUSTED SAID MY WIFE MUST HAVE AN ANGEL WATCHING OVER HER. *TR
ON DECEMBER 22, 2008, DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION, FOUND GAS SMELL AND POSSIBLE LEAK IN GAS TANK. PHONE KIA DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, AND TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR A FUEL TANK INSPECTION (ALONG WITH SOME OTHER RECALL REPAIRS). ON 1/2/2009, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE KIA DEALERSHIP,…
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ON DECEMBER 22, 2008, DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION, FOUND GAS SMELL AND POSSIBLE LEAK IN GAS TANK. PHONE KIA DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, AND TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR A FUEL TANK INSPECTION (ALONG WITH SOME OTHER RECALL REPAIRS). ON 1/2/2009, THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE KIA DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INDICATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK, AND THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND MAY BE COVERED BY A SERVICE CAMPAIGN. HOWEVER, THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 137,700 MILES, AND THE LIMIT WAS 130,000 FOR KIA TO REIMBURSE. I INDICATED THAT I HAD NEVER RECEIVED AN NOTICE OF THIS PROBLEM. FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THERE WERE AT LEAST TWO (2) SERVICE CAMPAIGNS (SC059 AND RB001) WHICH DATED BACK TO MAY 2006, AND JANUARY 2008. HAD I BEEN NOTIFIED, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE HAD MUCH LESS THAN THE LIMIT OF 130,000 MILES. I PHONED AND E-MAILED CUSTOMER SUPPORT (NO MAILING ADDRESS LISTED). DURING THE PHONE CONVERSATION WITH STEVE, I WAS INFORMED "TOO BAD, BUT IT IS OUT OF THE MILEAGE LIMIT AND THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO. NOT SURE WHY YOU NEVER GOT A NOTICE". WHEN I E-MAILED, I RECEIVED A PHONE REPLY (AFTER THE SECOND E-MAIL) FROM STEVE STATING "WE ALREADY DISCUSSED THIS. NOT SURE WHY YOU E-MAILED SINCE THIS WAS ALREADY ADDRESSED". I FEEL THAT A PROBLEM AS IMPORTANT AS A LEAKING FUEL TANK SHOULD NOT BE LEFT TO CHANCE, WAITING FOR A REGULAR INSPECTION OR AN ACTUAL LEAK TO DETECT IT. I FEEL THAT KIA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A RECALL, AND SHOULD ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR. CURRENTLY I HAVE REPAIRED THE TANK, WHILE LOOKING FOR A REPLACEMENT TANK. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE FRAME BEHIND THE TIRES WAS BEGINNING TO RUST AND DISINTEGRATE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE PARTICULAR COMPONENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,000. UPDATED 01-26-09 *BF UPDATED 01/27/09. *JB
Official recalls
304V305000 · 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
8EA06007 · 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.