Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
240–25K
2325–50K
3650–75K
2975–100K
35100–150K
7150K+
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
What owners actually said
304 reports
83,774 miles · Sep 9, 2012
StructureSuspension
THE FRAME WHERE THE REAR STABILIZER ARM CONNECTS HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED ALLOWING THE ARM TO FALL AWAY. THE ONLY THING SUPPORTING THE ARM NOW APPEARS TO BE THE FUEL LINE WHICH IS ATTACHED TO IT. THE REST OF THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AS WELL. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH METAL LEFT TO WELD OR REPAIR. HAD THE ARM BROKEN THE FUEL LINE AND SPARK…
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THE FRAME WHERE THE REAR STABILIZER ARM CONNECTS HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED ALLOWING THE ARM TO FALL AWAY. THE ONLY THING SUPPORTING THE ARM NOW APPEARS TO BE THE FUEL LINE WHICH IS ATTACHED TO IT. THE REST OF THE FRAME IS RUSTED OUT AS WELL. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH METAL LEFT TO WELD OR REPAIR. HAD THE ARM BROKEN THE FUEL LINE AND SPARKED WHEN IT DRAGGED ON THE ROAD, THIS PROBLEM COULD HAVE TURNED DEADLY. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR A VEHICLE WITH ONLY TWELVE YEARS AND 84K MILES ON THE ROAD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10474388
80,048 miles · Sep 7, 2012
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR MUFFLER REPAIRS WHEN THE MECHANIC ADVISED HER THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE FRAME WAS RUSTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, PROVIDING NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR MUFFLER REPAIRS WHEN THE MECHANIC ADVISED HER THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE FRAME WAS RUSTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, PROVIDING NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,048.
NHTSA ODI #10474265
101,835 miles · Aug 30, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CORRODED CAUSING A FUEL LEAK . THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO VERIFIED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS IN FACT CORRODED AND CAUSED THE FUEL LEAK. AS A RESULT, THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS CORRODED CAUSING A FUEL LEAK . THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTED AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO VERIFIED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS IN FACT CORRODED AND CAUSED THE FUEL LEAK. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,835.
NHTSA ODI #10473078
100,000 miles · Jul 13, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING FUEL SMELL. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A FUEL LEAK COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING FUEL SMELL. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A FUEL LEAK COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10465565
120,000 miles · Jun 25, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NOTIFIED BY A CONCERNED CITIZEN THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDERNEATH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A DEFE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS NOTIFIED BY A CONCERNED CITIZEN THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF FUEL UNDERNEATH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS, BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT A DEFECT AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS JUST OLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE PARKED ON RENTAL PROPERTY DUE TO THE HAZARD AND POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE. THE FUEL FUMES ALSO MADE THE DRIVER FEEL DIZZY, CONTRIBUTING TO UNSAFE DRIVING. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10462945
Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2012
SteeringCrash
THE STEERING GEAR SECTOR SHAFT HAD BROKEN ENTIRELY THROUGH.THE WHEEL AND INNER AND OUTER STEERING TIE RODS DID NOT SUFFER SIGNIFICANT IMPACT. WHEEL AND STEERING TIE RODS DO NOT APPEAR TO BE BENT. FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS DO NOT APPEAR TO HAVE PHYSICAL DAMAGE. IT IS UNCOMMON FOR THE STEERING GEAR SECTOR SHAFT TO BREAK AND MAY …
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THE STEERING GEAR SECTOR SHAFT HAD BROKEN ENTIRELY THROUGH.THE WHEEL AND INNER AND OUTER STEERING TIE RODS DID NOT SUFFER SIGNIFICANT IMPACT. WHEEL AND STEERING TIE RODS DO NOT APPEAR TO BE BENT. FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS DO NOT APPEAR TO HAVE PHYSICAL DAMAGE. IT IS UNCOMMON FOR THE STEERING GEAR SECTOR SHAFT TO BREAK AND MAY INDICATE POSSIBLE FLAW IN THE MECHANICAL COMPONENT. EVIDENCE SUPPORTS POSSIBLE FLAW AND POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10454916
144 miles · Feb 4, 2012
Structure
I NOTICE THERE WAS SOMETHING GOING ON WITH THE WAY I WAS TURNING THE WHEEL OF MY CAR I TOOK IT TO MY GARAGE AND MY MECHANIC TOLD ME TO TAKE THE CAR HOME AND CALL KIA THE PERSON THAT MADE CAR STATED THE WHOLE FRAME WAS ROTTEN OUT AND CRACK IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED THE CAR SHOULD OF NOT BEEN ON THE ROAD WHEN SPOKE TO KIA THEY STAT…
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I NOTICE THERE WAS SOMETHING GOING ON WITH THE WAY I WAS TURNING THE WHEEL OF MY CAR I TOOK IT TO MY GARAGE AND MY MECHANIC TOLD ME TO TAKE THE CAR HOME AND CALL KIA THE PERSON THAT MADE CAR STATED THE WHOLE FRAME WAS ROTTEN OUT AND CRACK IT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED THE CAR SHOULD OF NOT BEEN ON THE ROAD WHEN SPOKE TO KIA THEY STATED I NEEDED TO BRING THE CAR TO THE SERVICE CENTER TO LOOK AT IT TOLD THEM THE SAME THING THAT MY GARAGE TOLD THEM THAT THE FRAME WAS CRACK AND WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE KIA CORP MADE ME PAID THEM $100 DOLLARS TO LOOK AT IT AND THERE MECHANIC DID NOT WANT TO PUT IT ON LIFT BECAUSE HE FELT THAT IS WAS GOING TO FALL APART HE EVEN ADVISE ME NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR OUT THEY SAID THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE THE CAR HAD OVER 100,000 HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES ON IT. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 10 YRS OLD WHEN THIS HAPPEN I FEEL THAT THIS KIA PROBLEM MY FRIEND ALSO HAS KIA SPORTAGE AND THE SAME THING HAPPEN TO HIS CAR IS THAT WHY KIA IS SO CHEAP ON THERE MOTORS FOR SALE BECAUSE OF THE PARTS THAT THEY SELL. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10446656
113,000 miles · Jan 4, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I TOOK MY 2000 KIA SPORTAGE IN TO MY MECHANIC TO HAVE THE BRAKES REDONE. AS HE WAS OUT TESTING TO MAKE SURE THE BRAKES WORKED HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR END WAS MOVING AROUND QUITE A BIT. HE TAKES IT BACK TO THE SHOP TO LOOK UP UNDERNEATH AND NOTICED THAT THE CHASSIS WAS RUSTED AWAY SO BAD THAT THERE WAS S FIST SIZED HOLE IN IT. H…
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I TOOK MY 2000 KIA SPORTAGE IN TO MY MECHANIC TO HAVE THE BRAKES REDONE. AS HE WAS OUT TESTING TO MAKE SURE THE BRAKES WORKED HE NOTICED THAT THE REAR END WAS MOVING AROUND QUITE A BIT. HE TAKES IT BACK TO THE SHOP TO LOOK UP UNDERNEATH AND NOTICED THAT THE CHASSIS WAS RUSTED AWAY SO BAD THAT THERE WAS S FIST SIZED HOLE IN IT. HE TOLD ME THIS NEEDED TO BE FIXED ASAP! THIS IS A SERIOUS CONCERN NOT ONLY FOR ME BUT FOR EVERYONE ELSE WHO OWNS THE VEHICLE. ITS A SCARY THOUGHT TO KNOW THAT AT ANY GIVEN TIME MY CHASSIS CAN LITERALLY FALL APART ON ME. WE NEED THIS TO BE RECALLED DUE TO THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS THAT IT ALREADY AS AND THE EXTREMELY POOR DESIGN OF THIS CHASSIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10442324
74,680 miles · Nov 10, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineService Brakes, Hydraulic
SOME OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING;FUEL TANK LEAK, HEAVY RUST, FRAME RUSTED OUT. TOOK IT TO A KIA DEALERSHIP & WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO HAVE THE FUEL PUMP, TANK&SENSOR REPLACED. PER THE ADVISOR AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP, MY CAR DID PASS INSPECTION IN REGARDS TO THE"EXTENDED WARRANTY"ON THE FUEL TANK.I WAS CHARGED APPROX.$8…
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SOME OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING;FUEL TANK LEAK, HEAVY RUST, FRAME RUSTED OUT. TOOK IT TO A KIA DEALERSHIP & WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO HAVE THE FUEL PUMP, TANK&SENSOR REPLACED. PER THE ADVISOR AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP, MY CAR DID PASS INSPECTION IN REGARDS TO THE"EXTENDED WARRANTY"ON THE FUEL TANK.I WAS CHARGED APPROX.$800 FOR THE REPAIRS DUE TO IT BEING ONLY 1 YR PAST THE TIME FOR KIA TO COVER THE REPAIR.I AM UNDER THE MILEAGE.THE KIA DEALERSHIP GAVE ME A LIST OF ADDITIONAL REPAIRS NEEDED. ONE OF THEM BEING"FRAME RUSTED OUT IN REAR REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION"THEY DID NO EXPLAIN ANY OF THIS TO ME! MY CAR STARTED TO JERK&SHAKE WHILE SLOWLY STEPPING ON THE BRAKES AS I PREPARED TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT,IT WAS DIFFICULT TO BRING THE CAR TO A COMPLETE STOP:'( IT MADE A LOUD NOISE AS IF SOMETHING HAD FALLEN OF MY CAR. PER THE MECHANIC THAT I HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED TO, I NEED TO FIND A GOOD WELDER TO REPAIR ALL OF THIS RUST ASAP. HE STATED THAT THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AND THIS CAUSES ME TO HAVE NO CONTROL OF MY CAR. THE KIA DEALERSHIP SOLD ME $800 WORTH OF WORK WHILE KNOWING/NOT TELLING ME THAT MY CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE:( WHO DOES THAT?! I HAVE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR:( I DIDN'T LIST ALL OF THEM. FROM LITTLE THINGS TO MAJOR. I FEEL SO UNSAFE DRIVING IT. I ONLY WISH THAT PEOPLE TRULY CARED & TRIED TO PICTURE HOW THEY WOULD FEEL IF THIS HAD HAPPENED TO THEM OR THEIR FAMILY/FRIENDS. I AM CURRENTLY LAID OFF AND SEARCHING FOR WORK . I HAVE BEEN LAID OFF 2X WITHIN THE PAST 2 YRS, FIRST TIME WAS RIGHT AFTER I PURCHASED MY CONDO. I'M TRYING TO TELL MYSELF TO JUST BREATHE AND KEEP THE FAITH. IT IS GOING TO BE A MUCH MORE DIFFICULT ROAD TO FACE NOW WITHOUT A CAR:'( I TRIED TO EXPLAIN MY SITUATION,SAFETY/CONCERN ISSUES AND HARDSHIP TO KIA CUSTOMER CARE, BUT THEY WILL NOT HELP WITH ANYTHING NOR WILL THE DEALERSHIP. TOYOTA STEPPED UP, WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR KIA TO?? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10435203
Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
I OWN A 2000 KIA SPORTAGE AND I HAVE BEEN SMELLING GAS OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THAT MY CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST, DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS? *TT
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.
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 ↗
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.
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