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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

What owners actually said

284 reports
118,000 miles · Sep 10, 2007
Visibility

LOUD NOISES FROM THE A/C & HEATER UNDER THE GLOVE BOXES FINAL CONCLUSION THE UNIT STOPPED BLOWING AND MAKES A LOUD NOISES WHEN SWITCH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10202420

85,000 miles · Aug 31, 2007
Fuel System, Gasoline

I OWN A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. IT HAS DEVELOPED A LEAK IN THE GAS TANK. IT HAS CORRODED PREMATURELY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10201585

100,000 miles · Aug 20, 2007
Fuel System, GasolineFuel System, Other

VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SHOP / NO START FUEL PUMP INOPERATIVE, RUST FOUND IN FUEL FILTER, FUEL TANK LEAKING EXTERNALLY ( RUSTED THROUGH ). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10200185

42,000 miles · Jun 15, 2007
Seat Belts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC HOUSING SPRING FALLS OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT. HE STATED THAT IT APPEARS TO BE DECOMPOSING AND IS UNABLE TO SNAP THE SHAFT OF THE PLASTIC HOUSING BACK TOGETHER. THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT HAS HAD THE SAME FAILURE. THE FAILURE PREVENTS THE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC HOUSING SPRING FALLS OFF ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT. HE STATED THAT IT APPEARS TO BE DECOMPOSING AND IS UNABLE TO SNAP THE SHAFT OF THE PLASTIC HOUSING BACK TOGETHER. THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT HAS HAD THE SAME FAILURE. THE FAILURE PREVENTS THE SEAT BELT FROM RETRACTING AND CAUSES IT TO BE VERY LOOSE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING UNLESS INSTRUCTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. KIA STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO AS WELL. THE PURCHASE DATE AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 62,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

NHTSA ODI #10193413

76,000 miles · May 23, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingSeat Belts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE HAS FAILED. THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ALSO LEAKING INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 80,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

NHTSA ODI #10191567

157,000 miles · Jan 29, 2007
Air BagsCrash

DURING SNOW/ICE WEATHER CONDITIONS I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE ON 01/11/07 GOING STRAIGHT ON RT.380 IN STOCKTON, NY. MY VEHICLE ROLLED OVER, AND LANDED FRONT END DOWN, UPSIDE DOWN IN A DITCH. DURING THE CRASH, NONE OF THE THREE AIR BAGS ENGAGED/RELEASED. BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT ON THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE, THINK THEY SHOULD…

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DURING SNOW/ICE WEATHER CONDITIONS I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE ON 01/11/07 GOING STRAIGHT ON RT.380 IN STOCKTON, NY. MY VEHICLE ROLLED OVER, AND LANDED FRONT END DOWN, UPSIDE DOWN IN A DITCH. DURING THE CRASH, NONE OF THE THREE AIR BAGS ENGAGED/RELEASED. BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT ON THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE, THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE RELEASED. NO INJURY WAS DONE TO MYSELF, AND NO ONE WAS IN MY VEHICLE, BUT I WAS VERY LUCKY. NOTHING NEEDED TO BE DONE TO CORRECT THIS FAILURE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10181038

Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipmentCrash

THIS KIA WAS PURCHASED NEW AND IS A ONE OWNER CAR. IT HAS HAD 2 MASTER CYLINDERS, AND 4 SETS OF BRAKE PADS. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 50,000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR SLIDES TO THE RIGHT ON WET ROADS AND DOES NOT STOP UNTIL IT HITS SOMETHING OR SLOWS TO A STOP. I HAVE SLID 2 TIMES, REAR ENDED SOMEONE THE 3RD, AND MY SON HIT A LIGHT P…

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THIS KIA WAS PURCHASED NEW AND IS A ONE OWNER CAR. IT HAS HAD 2 MASTER CYLINDERS, AND 4 SETS OF BRAKE PADS. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 50,000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR SLIDES TO THE RIGHT ON WET ROADS AND DOES NOT STOP UNTIL IT HITS SOMETHING OR SLOWS TO A STOP. I HAVE SLID 2 TIMES, REAR ENDED SOMEONE THE 3RD, AND MY SON HIT A LIGHT POLE. THE OTHER TIMES THE BRAKES MAY OR MAY NOT WORK. THE PROBLEM IS WORSE DURING RAINY WEATHER. THE BRAKES GO TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DOES NOT STOP. AT TIMES THE BRAKES VIBRATE. THIS CAR HAS HAD A NEW CLOTH TOP, NEW AIR CONDITIONING 2X, 5 CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, NEW CARPET FROM THE AIR LEAKING AND MOLDING, NEW SEAT COVERS AS THEY RIPPED, NEW BRAKES, ROTORS, PADS SEVERAL ITEMS I HAVE LOST COUNT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, THE CAR HAS BEEN RE-WIRED, AT TIMES THE CAR WON'T ACCELERATE IF THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ON. LAST NIGHT THE HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICE WANTED TO KNOW WHY I WOULD ENDANGER MY SON'S LIFE IN A CAR THAT WON'T STOP OR SLIDES. THAT IS A GOOD QUESTION. WHY ARE ANY OF THESE MODELS STILL ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS WRONG WITH THEM. IN LOOKING AT THE COMPLAINTS THERE WERE MANY THAT DEALT WITH THE BRAKES. AT THIS POINT IS THERE ANY RECOURSE WITH THE CAR? I DON'T FEEL THAT I CAN SELL IT OUTRIGHT HONESTLY AND PUT SOMEONES LIFE IN DANGER. THE HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER MADE ME FEEL LIKE A NEGLECTFUL PARENT BY EVEN LETTING MY SON DRIVE THE CAR. WE EVEN PARKED IT FOR 6 MONTHS TRYING TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH THE CAR. MY SON'S CAR WAS IN THE REPAIR SHOP, SO HE TOOK THE KIA. I FEEL THAT THE CAR IS A DEATH TRAP. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10166674

65,000 miles · Aug 21, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSteering

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT START. AFTER SITTING FOR A WHILE THE VEHICLE WILL RESTART. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN INFORMED. THERE ARE NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE STALLING. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS ACTING ERRATIC. THE POWER STEERING BELT WAS…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT START. AFTER SITTING FOR A WHILE THE VEHICLE WILL RESTART. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN INFORMED. THERE ARE NO LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE STALLING. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS ACTING ERRATIC. THE POWER STEERING BELT WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 09/13/06. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10166087

57,546 miles · Aug 18, 2006
Fuel System, Gasoline

DEFECTIVE GAS TANK AND FUEL LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE OF $836.54 MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE DEFECT AND PAY FOR REPAIRS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. FORTUNATELY, PROBLEM WAS DISCOVERED BEFORE PERSONAL INJURY. OCCURRED BY FIRE OR EXPLOSION! *NM

NHTSA ODI #10165908

63,559 miles · Aug 8, 2006
Fuel System, GasolineLatches/locks/linkagesPower Train

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY DEVELOPED A HOLE CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL TANK AND DETERMINED THE STORAGE ASSEMBLY ALSO HAD A LEAK WHICH COULD NO LONGER BE SEEN. GAS TOTALLY COVERED THAT AREA WHERE THE HOLE WAS LOCATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS LOCK…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY DEVELOPED A HOLE CAUSING A FUEL LEAK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL TANK AND DETERMINED THE STORAGE ASSEMBLY ALSO HAD A LEAK WHICH COULD NO LONGER BE SEEN. GAS TOTALLY COVERED THAT AREA WHERE THE HOLE WAS LOCATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR WAS LOCKED, THE DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE WITH THE KEY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER REGARDING THE LOCK. UPDATED 10/4/2006 - THE DEALER FAILED TO FIX THE DOOR WHILE IT WAS THERE FOR SERVICE. THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE WAS NOT ACTIVATED ALTHOUGH THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE DEALER REPLACED THE VACUUM LINES. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10164972

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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