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2000 Kia Sportage

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sportage years

Owner complaints for the 2000 Kia Sportage are substantially higher than the model-year median of 122.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

154 reports with mileage · 150 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.

  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 75 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

23 crash reports7 fire reports13 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

45 reports
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114,000 miles · Oct 9, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineService Brakes, Hydraulic

BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY.,WHEN YOU STEP ON BRAKE YOU CAN FEEL THE BRAKE OR TIRE SPENDING AND YOUR CAR IS STILL ROLLING WHEN YOUR ARE STEPPING ON THE BRAKE. ENGINE, TURNING THE CAR ENGINE ON AND OFF. WHEN YOU START THE ENGINE THE ENGINES CLICKS BUT DOES NOT START. ITS NOT THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY SEVER…

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BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY.,WHEN YOU STEP ON BRAKE YOU CAN FEEL THE BRAKE OR TIRE SPENDING AND YOUR CAR IS STILL ROLLING WHEN YOUR ARE STEPPING ON THE BRAKE. ENGINE, TURNING THE CAR ENGINE ON AND OFF. WHEN YOU START THE ENGINE THE ENGINES CLICKS BUT DOES NOT START. ITS NOT THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY SEVERAL TIMES BUT STILL THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10429244

80,000 miles · Jan 28, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineLatches/locks/linkages

MY 2000 KIA SPORTAGE HAS BEEN LEAKING GAS. WE HAVEN'T HAD IT REPAIRED, AS WE CANT AFFORD IT. SOMEONE SUGGESTED LOOKING FOR RECALLS, THAT'S WHEN I FOUND THIS SITE. THE "HEAT SHIELD" (?) HAS ALWAYS RATTLED BADLY. IN ADDITION TO THE RATTLING AND BAD GAS LEAK, THE MOTOR BLOWER FAN IS NOT WORKING, MY 4WHEEL DRIVE ISN'T WORKING. UNDER…

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MY 2000 KIA SPORTAGE HAS BEEN LEAKING GAS. WE HAVEN'T HAD IT REPAIRED, AS WE CANT AFFORD IT. SOMEONE SUGGESTED LOOKING FOR RECALLS, THAT'S WHEN I FOUND THIS SITE. THE "HEAT SHIELD" (?) HAS ALWAYS RATTLED BADLY. IN ADDITION TO THE RATTLING AND BAD GAS LEAK, THE MOTOR BLOWER FAN IS NOT WORKING, MY 4WHEEL DRIVE ISN'T WORKING. UNDERNEATH IT IS A RUST BUCKET! THE BACK DOORS WONT LOCK/UNLOCK. SOMETHING REALLY NEEDS TO BE DONE!!! PLEASE, SOMEONE STAND UP FOR THE LITTLE GUY AND MAKE KIA FIX THESE PROBLEMS!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10256646

86,000 miles · Nov 10, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAS PAID FOR NUMEROUS REPAIRS. BEFORE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE LOT, SHE NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE. THE FOLLOWING WEEK, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE SEVERELY. T…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HAS PAID FOR NUMEROUS REPAIRS. BEFORE DRIVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE LOT, SHE NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE. THE FOLLOWING WEEK, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE SEVERELY. THE DEALER ROTATED THE TIRES, BUT THE SHAKING PERSISTED. THIRDLY, A TIRE BLEW OUT AND HAD TO BE CHANGED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE BEGAN LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID AND A NEW TRANSMISSION LINE WAS INSTALLED. LASTLY, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR STOPPED WORKING AND THE ENTIRE DRIVER'S SIDE GLASS CAVED IN ON THE CONTACT, BUT DID NOT BREAK. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. CURRENTLY, THE GLASS WILL NOT ROLL UP OR DOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. UPDATED 1/5/09 *CN THE GAS TANK WAS FALLING APART. A SHIELD WAS NEEDED TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE DRIVERS WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE. THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF ALIGNMENT. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONSUMER DISCOVERED THE CABLE HAD MELTED. UPDATED 01/09/09*JB

NHTSA ODI #10248252

11,000 miles · Sep 9, 2008
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A REPORT AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING AND WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER TOOK A REPORT AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 11,000.

NHTSA ODI #10241573

64,708 miles · Jul 25, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, TWO OF HIS FAN BLADES FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT BOUGHT NEW PARTS TO PERFORM THE REPAIR HIMSELF. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 64,708. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD VIB…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, TWO OF HIS FAN BLADES FELL OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT BOUGHT NEW PARTS TO PERFORM THE REPAIR HIMSELF. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 64,708. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING. THE COOLING FAN WAS BENT, BUT THERE WERE NO LEAKS.

NHTSA ODI #10197469

42,000 miles · Jan 2, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Other

TL* - THE CONTACT PURCHASED A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. ON 1/1/2007, AFTER DRIVING 1.5 MILES THE CONTACT'S SMELLED GAS. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ,AND WHEN THE CONTACT CHECKED THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING. THE CONTACT FOUND A SIGNIFICANT FUEL LEAK ,AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE D…

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TL* - THE CONTACT PURCHASED A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. ON 1/1/2007, AFTER DRIVING 1.5 MILES THE CONTACT'S SMELLED GAS. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ,AND WHEN THE CONTACT CHECKED THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING. THE CONTACT FOUND A SIGNIFICANT FUEL LEAK ,AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE LEAK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT GAS WAS LEAKING ON THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE SCREWS THAT HELD THE FUEL PUMP IN THE GAS TASK RUSTED , AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE PUMP WHICH FITTED INTO THE FUEL TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED KIA, AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE THE CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS STALLING ,AND WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT A WIRE WAS LO0SE AND IT WAS REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATED DUE TO AN OXYGEN SENSOR FAILURE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10177557

Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

ROTORS WERE BAD UPON PURCHASE, DEALER REPLACED THEM FOR FREE ONLY BECAUSE THE SERVICE REP. KNEW MY DECEASED HUSBAND. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 65 MPH, WHEN THE TRUCK DIED AT 87,000 MILES. I WAS ALMOST HIT SEVERAL TIMES. THE TIMING BELT BROKE-SOMETHING THAT WAS REPLACED A COUPLE MONTHS PRIOR BY THE DEALE…

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ROTORS WERE BAD UPON PURCHASE, DEALER REPLACED THEM FOR FREE ONLY BECAUSE THE SERVICE REP. KNEW MY DECEASED HUSBAND. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 65 MPH, WHEN THE TRUCK DIED AT 87,000 MILES. I WAS ALMOST HIT SEVERAL TIMES. THE TIMING BELT BROKE-SOMETHING THAT WAS REPLACED A COUPLE MONTHS PRIOR BY THE DEALER. MY WATER PUMP AND PULLEYS AND BELT WERE REPLACED FOR ABOUT 700 DOLLARS LESS THEN DEALER ORIGINALLY CHARGED ME. THE DEALER SINCE HAS REPAID FOR THEIR INCORRECT BELT SIZE--BELT WAS INCORRECT FOR MY TRUCK. DEALER INSTALLED STRUTS BROKE AFTER ABOUT 25 MILES OF USAGE--DEALER CLAIMED THAT I DROVE MY TRUCK OVER SPEED BUMPS ROUGH--HAHAHA. THAN, I GUESS IS SUCH A BAD CA SMOG LAW, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FOR 2 YEARS PLUS STILL WILL NOT GO OFF. I PASSED ALL EMISSIONS FOR MY SMOG CHECK, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS FAILING ME. I HAD THE HEAT PLATE REMOVED AND THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED AND IT FROZE MY UPPER O2 SENSOR--REPAIR DONE BY PERSONAL MECHANIC WITH PARTS THAT I PURCHASED ONLINE FOR ABOUT 1/3 THE PRICE OF THE DEALER PARTS AND WORK DONE. OK, I THOUGHT THE LIGHT WOULD COME OFF..IT DIDN'T. I HAVE TO CHANGE THE OTHER O2 SENSOR. ALSO MY BRAKE SENSOR FOR ABS BRAKES--THAT I DON'T HAVE--WENT OUT AND NOW I HAVE TO OVERRIDE THE SYSTEM WITH AN ICE-PICK. YOU WOULD THINK THAT WOULD BE A PROBLEM BUT IT ISN'T. THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE SENSOR CAUSES NOT ONLY FOR THE GEAR BOX TO LOCK, IT IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TURN SIGNALS--THEY ARE ON THE SAME FUSE SYSTEM. MY TRUCK HAS ABOUT 135K MILES AND FOR THE MOST PART RUNS GREAT, JUST MINOR ISSUES THAT MY PERSONAL MECHANIC HAS FIXED AND REPAIRED FOR FREE BECAUSE MY TRUCK IS A TEST TRUCK FOR THE OTHER KIA'S THAT COME IN FOR WORK AND THE DEALER CAN OR WILL NOT TROUBLE SHOOT. OH AND GET THIS, I TAKE THE TRUCK IN FOR THE SEAT-BELT REPLACEMENT DURING THE RECALL, DEALER TOLD ME THAT I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE WORK AND THE PARTS ARE FREE. THAT WAS NOT PART OF THE PAPERWORK I GOT IN THE MAIL. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10172452

5,400 miles · Dec 13, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

TIRES BECAME BALD THREE MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR, BRAKE PADS AND ROTOR NEEDED REPLACING. THE GAS LEVER HAS BEEN AND IS BROKE AGAIN. HUBS WERE REPLACED THE FIRST TIME, SEALS WERE REPLACED SECOND TIME. THE HEAT SHIELD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED RIGHT NOW. PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MOVES VERY SLOW. TIMING BELT REPLACED EARLY. BRAKE LIG…

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TIRES BECAME BALD THREE MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR, BRAKE PADS AND ROTOR NEEDED REPLACING. THE GAS LEVER HAS BEEN AND IS BROKE AGAIN. HUBS WERE REPLACED THE FIRST TIME, SEALS WERE REPLACED SECOND TIME. THE HEAT SHIELD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED RIGHT NOW. PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW MOVES VERY SLOW. TIMING BELT REPLACED EARLY. BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON WHENEVER I APPLIED THE BRAKES. I WENT TO AN AUTO DEALER AND HAD THEM CHECK OUT THE BRAKES. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER WAS LEAKING BADLY. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10145064

44,615 miles · Oct 6, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HAS A RUSTED GAS TANK AND A BAD FUEL PUMP. *TS THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE MANAGER STATED THAT TOYOTA NO LONGER DOES REPAIR ON KIA VEHICLE. THE OIL PAN RUSTED CAUSING AN OIL LEAK. OIL LEAKED FROM THE SPEED SENSOR AND OIL SEAL. THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS INOPERATIVE DUE TO AN OUTDATED HUB KIT. …

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CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HAS A RUSTED GAS TANK AND A BAD FUEL PUMP. *TS THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE MANAGER STATED THAT TOYOTA NO LONGER DOES REPAIR ON KIA VEHICLE. THE OIL PAN RUSTED CAUSING AN OIL LEAK. OIL LEAKED FROM THE SPEED SENSOR AND OIL SEAL. THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS INOPERATIVE DUE TO AN OUTDATED HUB KIT. THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE TECHNICIAN FOUND THAT THE #3 CYLINDER WAS MISFIRING. *NM PHONE INTERVIEW UPDATE (OCT 31, 2005): THE REPAIR SHOP PERSONNEL (DAVE @ THETFORD'S AUTO CENTER @ 607-433-0319) INDICATED THAT THE TANK WAS RUSTED AND WAS LEAKING FROM THE SEAM. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL SUPPLY OR RETURN LINE WAS ROTTED AT THE FUEL TANK CONNECTION; FUEL WAS LEAKING WHE THE FUEL PUMP WAS TURNED ON.

NHTSA ODI #10139901

72,000 miles · Jun 28, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

HEAT SHIELD BROKE AWAY, MUFFLER AFFECTED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT DUE TO HEAT SHIELD. I CONTACTED THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN RENO, NV AND THE ATTENDANT STATED MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I INFORMED HIM OF MY CAR, DAUGHTER'S AND FRIENDS VEHICLES ALL HAVING HEAT SHIELD/MUFFLER ISSUE. I ASKED WHO I SHOULD INFORM OF THE POSSIBLE …

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HEAT SHIELD BROKE AWAY, MUFFLER AFFECTED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT DUE TO HEAT SHIELD. I CONTACTED THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN RENO, NV AND THE ATTENDANT STATED MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I INFORMED HIM OF MY CAR, DAUGHTER'S AND FRIENDS VEHICLES ALL HAVING HEAT SHIELD/MUFFLER ISSUE. I ASKED WHO I SHOULD INFORM OF THE POSSIBLE ASSEMBLY LINE ISSUE? HE STATED "THE DEALERSHIP". MY DAUGHTER HAS A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE AND A FRIEND HAS A 2002 KIA SPORTAGE (ALL 4X4). WITHIN 5 MONTHS ALL THREE VEHICLES HAVE HAD THE IDENTICLE FAILURE. AM CONCERNED THE MUFFLER AND/OR HEAT SHIELD CAN HARM OCCUPANTS IN OR OUT OF VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY ON HIGHWAY WHILE TRAVELING IN THE EVENT ANY PARTS SHOULD DROP OFF.

NHTSA ODI #10126922

Official recalls

2

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.

00V205000 · Electrical System

Jul 27, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLE. THESE VEHICLES WERE DISTRIBUTED WITH OWNERS MANUALS WITH AN INCORRECT JUMP START DIAGRAM. THE WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS FOR JUMP STARTING ARE ACCURATE. HOWEVER, THE DIAGRAM DEPICTS THE JUMPER CABLES ATTACHED TO THE WRONG POLARITY TERMINALS. IF THE DIAGRAM WERE FOLLOWED WITHOUT REFERENCE TO THE INSTRUCTIONS, THE RESULTING IMPROPER CONNECTIONS COULD CAUSE THE BATTERY TO RUPTURE AGGRESSIVELY DUE TO INCREASED INTERNAL PRESSURES.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE POTENTIAL SERIOUS INJURY TO BYSTANDERS.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH AN ADHESIVE LABEL WITH THE CORRECT ILLUSTRATION TO PERMANENTLY AFFIX TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS MANUALS.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

6

EA06007 · Fuel Tank Leakage

Opened May 9, 2006 · Closed Nov 30, 2007

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

A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.REVIEW OF THE WARRANTY DATA REVEALED ELEVATED TANK LEAKAGE EXPERIENCE IN VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JUNE 1999 TO OCTOBER 2000.ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS IDENTIFIED MULTIPLE CAUSES AND ORIGINS OF FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE.THE MAJORITY OF COMPLAINTS INVOLVE NON-SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS OF FUEL LEAKAGE WHERE MORE THAN ONE FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT WAS REPLACED.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOCUSED ON LEAKS OCCURRING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TANK DUE TO CORROSIVE FAILURE CAUSED BY DISRUPTION OF THE PROTECTIVE PVC COATING.THE ANALYSISINDICATES THAT SUCH LEAKS ARE RARE AND DO NOT SHOW EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASING TREND. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline

A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.REVIEW OF THE WARRANTY DATA REVEALED ELEVATED TANK LEAKAGE EXPERIENCE IN VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JUNE 1999 TO OCTOBER 2000.ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS IDENTIFIED MULTIPLE CAUSES AND ORIGINS OF FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE.THE MAJORITY OF COMPLAINTS INVOLVE NON-SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS OF FUEL LEAKAGE WHERE MORE THAN ONE FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT WAS REPLACED.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOCUSED ON LEAKS OCCURRING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TANK DUE TO CORROSIVE FAILURE CAUSED BY DISRUPTION OF THE PROTECTIVE PVC COATING.THE ANALYSISINDICATES THAT SUCH LEAKS ARE RARE AND DO NOT SHOW EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASING TREND. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage

A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.REVIEW OF THE WARRANTY DATA REVEALED ELEVATED TANK LEAKAGE EXPERIENCE IN VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JUNE 1999 TO OCTOBER 2000.ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS IDENTIFIED MULTIPLE CAUSES AND ORIGINS OF FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE.THE MAJORITY OF COMPLAINTS INVOLVE NON-SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS OF FUEL LEAKAGE WHERE MORE THAN ONE FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT WAS REPLACED.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOCUSED ON LEAKS OCCURRING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TANK DUE TO CORROSIVE FAILURE CAUSED BY DISRUPTION OF THE PROTECTIVE PVC COATING.THE ANALYSISINDICATES THAT SUCH LEAKS ARE RARE AND DO NOT SHOW EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASING TREND. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.REVIEW OF THE WARRANTY DATA REVEALED ELEVATED TANK LEAKAGE EXPERIENCE IN VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JUNE 1999 TO OCTOBER 2000.ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS IDENTIFIED MULTIPLE CAUSES AND ORIGINS OF FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE.THE MAJORITY OF COMPLAINTS INVOLVE NON-SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS OF FUEL LEAKAGE WHERE MORE THAN ONE FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT WAS REPLACED.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOCUSED ON LEAKS OCCURRING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TANK DUE TO CORROSIVE FAILURE CAUSED BY DISRUPTION OF THE PROTECTIVE PVC COATING.THE ANALYSISINDICATES THAT SUCH LEAKS ARE RARE AND DO NOT SHOW EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASING TREND. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

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.

DP02006 · Vehicle Rollover

Opened Jun 5, 2002 · Closed Sep 23, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension

There is no summary currently available

PE00026 · Incorrect Battery JUMP-START

Opened Jul 10, 2000 · Closed Jul 31, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

ALLEGE BATTETY MAY EXPLODE IF OWNER'S ATTEMPT TO JUMP-STATE THE VEHICLE BY FOLLOWING THE OWNER'S MANUAL DIAGRAM

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