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2001 Kia Rio

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Rio years

Owner complaints for the 2001 Kia Rio are substantially higher than the model-year median of 38.5.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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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

75 reports with mileage · 148 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 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Wheels. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

21 crash reports14 fire reports8 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

25 reports
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140,000 miles · Sep 24, 2013
Electrical SystemEquipmentLatches/locks/linkages

IT IS DIFFICULT TO ENTER THE CAR WITH THE KEY AND WHEN I PULL THE DOOR HANDLE THE LOCK DROPS DOWN TO THE CLOSE POSITION AND I CAN'T GET OUT THIS HAPPENS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE,I HAVE TO HOLD THE LOCK ON THE UP POSITION WITH A PIECE OF METAL OR LEAVE THE REAR DOORS UNLOCKED IN CASE I HAVE TO JUMP OUT..…

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IT IS DIFFICULT TO ENTER THE CAR WITH THE KEY AND WHEN I PULL THE DOOR HANDLE THE LOCK DROPS DOWN TO THE CLOSE POSITION AND I CAN'T GET OUT THIS HAPPENS ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE,I HAVE TO HOLD THE LOCK ON THE UP POSITION WITH A PIECE OF METAL OR LEAVE THE REAR DOORS UNLOCKED IN CASE I HAVE TO JUMP OUT..THIS CAR IS A LEMON I HAVE REPLACED SENSORS ALTERNATOR, STARTER, AC PARTS AND MANY OTHER PARTS THE ONLY THING GOOD IS THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ENGINE... *JS

NHTSA ODI #10545123

Mileage unknown · Aug 17, 2012
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineSteeringCrashFireInjury

CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10136024 COMPONENT: WHEELS GAS IGNITION? YOU TELL ME? WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LEMONS KIA-2001 DETAILS: DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST…

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CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI CASE NUMBER: 10136024 COMPONENT: WHEELS GAS IGNITION? YOU TELL ME? WHEN ARE THESE PEOPLE GOING TO BE COMPENSATED FOR THEIR LEMONS KIA-2001 DETAILS: DT: THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID FIRE STARTED FROM HEAT OF POWER EQUIPMENT AND THE IGNITION BURNED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL REGARDING THE WHEELS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE SAME TIRE THAT THE BLEW OUT WAS THE SAME ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB OCCURRENCES: 1 INJURIES: 0 FAIL DATE: 08/06/2005 DEATHS: 0 DATE ADDED TO DATABASE: 9/9/2005 [FILE] YOUR OWN COMPLAINT ON THIS MODEL CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10471283

13,007 miles · Aug 12, 2009
Electrical System

THIS IS A KIA RIO 4 DR. 2001 ..WITH 12,000 APROX MILES WHEN THE ECU FUSE BROKE, ON HWY 127 NEAR DEATH VALLEY ..HAD TO GET TOWED INTO MY DESTINATION.IT TOOK ABOUT 5 DAYS TO GET A PART FROM CALIF,UPS TO ME FROM A FRIEND, I CHANGED THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR,,WHICH I THOUGHT WAS THE PROBLEM...THE NEAREST KIA DEALER WAS 80 MILES AWAY IN …

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THIS IS A KIA RIO 4 DR. 2001 ..WITH 12,000 APROX MILES WHEN THE ECU FUSE BROKE, ON HWY 127 NEAR DEATH VALLEY ..HAD TO GET TOWED INTO MY DESTINATION.IT TOOK ABOUT 5 DAYS TO GET A PART FROM CALIF,UPS TO ME FROM A FRIEND, I CHANGED THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR,,WHICH I THOUGHT WAS THE PROBLEM...THE NEAREST KIA DEALER WAS 80 MILES AWAY IN LAS VEGAS,,,I LATER DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS A BLOWN ECU FUSE..NOT A SENSOR..I THEN DROVE THE CAR APTROX 500 MILES BACK TO CALOIF,WHEN IT BLEW AGAIN ON THE HWY 15 NEAR FONTANA,...I TOOK THE CAR TO KIA DEALER IN ONTARIO CALIF, THEY ONLY DID 2 WARRANTY ITEMS ON THE CAR.#1 WAS AN UPGRADE OF THE ECM.AND #2 REPLACED A FUEL DIST SENSOR////THE DEALER SAID IT WOULD FIX THE FUSE ISSUE,,,WHICH I TOLD THEM UP FRONT. THEY RETURNED THE CAR I WAS GOING BACK TO NEVADA IT BLEW A FUSE ECU ON HWY 15 HAD IT TOWED HOME AGAIN,,,,THE DEALER PICKED UP THE CAR FROM RIALTO 10 MILES AWAY FROM MY PARENTS....THEY HAD THE CAR 4 DAYS AND TOLD ME IT WOULD TAKE APROX 600$ TO GET UNDER THE DASH WHERE THEY BELIEVE THERE IS A SHORT THAT IS CAUSING THIS ECU TO BLOW,,I HAD THE CAR RETURNED ON MY AAA AGAIN TOOK IT FOR A SECOND OPINION,,,AGAIN THEY ALSO SAID IT COULD BE UNDER THE DASH AND THE AMOUNT THEY WANTED TO FIX IT AND KEEP THE CAR FOR ABOUT 3 OR 4 DAYS TO MAKE SURE THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. THE DEALER NEVER TEST DROVE THE CAR AFTER THE WARRANTY WORK..AS PER THE INVOICE MILEAGE IN AND MILEAGE OUT...THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM...AGAIN...AFTER THE 2ND OPINION..I HAD TO TOW IT AGAIN WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT HOME ON THE STREETS..THAT WAS 55 MILES FROM MY PARENTS HOUSE... I HAVE ALL THE AAA RECORDS ON TOWING ...I'M OUT OF TOWS... THIS CAR COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT ....ONLY BECAUSE THE CAR WILL STOP RUNNING WITH OUT ANY NOTICE AND SO FAR I WAS LUCKY THAT NOTHING WENT WRONG. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10280212

118,000 miles · Jan 28, 2008
Electrical System

DASH LIGHTS WILL NOT WORK. COME OFF AND ON. CHECK ENGINE ALSO COMES OFF AND ON. REPAIRED TWICE, STILL COMES ON AFTER SHORT DRIVE. WARNED BY POLICE FOR DASH LIGHTS. CAR WILL BE TOWED BECAUSE UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. CAN NOT AFFORD COSTLY REPAIR TO WIRING SYSTEM AT THIS TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10216287

Mileage unknown · Nov 28, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

01 RIO IS A LEMON & SAFETY HAZARD. MANY MAJOR REPAIRS DONE INCLUDING THE TIMING BELT & VALVES REBUILT, NEW COOLING SYSTEM, BOTH CONTROL ARMS & BOOTS. WHEEL DEFECT RECENTLY RECALLED CAUSED EXCESS WEAR/ TEAR ON CONTROL ARMS, BOOTS, ALIGNMENT, TIRES, COSTING THOUSANDS OF AVOIDABLE REPAIRS. FUEL INTAKE DID COME LOSE, NEARLY CAUSIN…

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01 RIO IS A LEMON & SAFETY HAZARD. MANY MAJOR REPAIRS DONE INCLUDING THE TIMING BELT & VALVES REBUILT, NEW COOLING SYSTEM, BOTH CONTROL ARMS & BOOTS. WHEEL DEFECT RECENTLY RECALLED CAUSED EXCESS WEAR/ TEAR ON CONTROL ARMS, BOOTS, ALIGNMENT, TIRES, COSTING THOUSANDS OF AVOIDABLE REPAIRS. FUEL INTAKE DID COME LOSE, NEARLY CAUSING AN ENGINE FIRE DUE TO DEFECTIVE PART WHICH WAS RECALLED. IT CONTINUOUSLY MISFIRES, ENGINE KNOCKS, STALLS. ECM WAS RECALLED BUT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. REPLACED SPARK PLUGS & WIRES (3 TIMES IN 6 MONTHS), IGNITION COIL, SENSORS (OXYGEN, KNOCK, CRANKSHAFT, TEMP). IT STOPS FOR A 1-2 DAYS, THEN COMES BACK. ANNOYING & DANGEROUS. ALSO HAS ACCELERATION PROBLEM. AT TIMES, IT WON'T GO OVER 40 MPH & ALSO ACCELERATES BY ITSELF. BRAKES HAVE COMPLETELY FAILED, THOUGH THERE'S NO CRACK IN THE LINE, NO LEAKING FLUID. THE CAR IS A COMPLETE LEMON. ONLINE, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. DEALERS ARE AWARE BUT CONVENIENTLY CAN'T SEEM TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEMS ESPECIALLY MISFIRING. CONSUMERS GET NICKEL & DIMED DOING NEEDLESS REPAIRS THAT DON'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THE OPTIMA HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS W/CRANKSHAFT POS. SENSOR WHICH WAS RECALLED, BUT DEALER DENIES ANY RELATION TO PROBLEMS WITH THE RIO. ANOTHER PROBLEM - LACK OF AVAILABILITY & HIGH COST OF PARTS. ITS BAIT/SWITCH TO SELL A CAR WITH KNOWN PROBLEMS, THEN GUESS AT NEEDLESS REPAIRS & SELL PARTS AT AN ASTRONOMICAL MARKUP. IT'S CHEAP TO BUY, BUT REPAIR COSTS MAKE IT VERY EXPENSIVE. RESEARCH SHOWS MISFIRING/ENGINE KNOCK HAS ALSO LED TO ENGINE FIRES. ALSO PROBLEMS WITH AIR BAGS. MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE PURCHASED, BUT DEALER HAS YET TO FIX IT. ALSO DOOR LOCKING PROBLEMS, PEOPLE BEING LOCKED IN VEHICLES. MY DRIVERS DOOR LOCKS BY ITSELF (MANUAL LOCKS). IN CASE OF ENGINE FIRE OR ACCIDENT, A LOCK MALFUNCTION COULD CAUSE UNNECESSARY DEATH/INJURY. THESE ARE KNOWN PROBLEMS WITH HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS, YET KIA HAS DONE NOTHING TO ADDRESS THEM. THE 01 RIO IS A LEMON AND SAFETY HAZARD. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10174560

Mileage unknown · Dec 5, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

2 YEARS AGO I NOTICED THAT THE CAR DOES NOT WANT TO START WHEN IT HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME (12 HRS). I TOOK THE ENGINE COVER OFF AND TRIED TO START THE CAR WITH THE REMOTE STARTER. I NOTICED THAT THERE WERE SPARKS COMING FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR AND THE SPARK PLUG WIRES. TOOK CAR IN TO DEALER AND ALL WAS DONE…

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2 YEARS AGO I NOTICED THAT THE CAR DOES NOT WANT TO START WHEN IT HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME (12 HRS). I TOOK THE ENGINE COVER OFF AND TRIED TO START THE CAR WITH THE REMOTE STARTER. I NOTICED THAT THERE WERE SPARKS COMING FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR AND THE SPARK PLUG WIRES. TOOK CAR IN TO DEALER AND ALL WAS DONE WAS CHANGED SPARK PLUG WIRE AND PROBLEM STILL HAPPENS. DEALER JUST WANTS TO CHANGE THE WIRE AND PLUGS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10144508

58,000 miles · Oct 6, 2005
Electrical SystemWheelsCrashFire

DT: THE CONCUSMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID FIRE STARTED FROM HEAT OF POWER EQUIPMENT AND THE IGNITION BURNED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005. *AK THE CONSUMER S…

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DT: THE CONCUSMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPPED SPINNING, THE CONSUMER GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND IT BURST INTO FLAMES, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND THEY SAID FIRE STARTED FROM HEAT OF POWER EQUIPMENT AND THE IGNITION BURNED. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 6, 2005. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS NOT INFORMED ABOUT THE RECALL REGARDING THE WHEELS. THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER COMPLAINED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED FROM THE TIME THE VEHICLE WAS PURCAHSED. THE SAME TIRE THAT THE BLEW OUT WAS THE SAME ONE THAT HAD BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10136024

1,300 miles · Sep 13, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

DT: THE CALLER SAID THE DEALER MADE NEW HOLES IN THE FRAME TO PUT THE BOLTS IN. THE DEALER CUT THE FRAME TO PUT SMALLER BOLTS AND NUTS IN. ANOTHER DEALER SAID DOING THAT RUINED THE INTEGRITY OF THE FRAME. ALSO, THERE WAS AN EXHAUST LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION BRACKET WAS BENT AND IT WOULD NOT HOLD THE TRANSMISSI…

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DT: THE CALLER SAID THE DEALER MADE NEW HOLES IN THE FRAME TO PUT THE BOLTS IN. THE DEALER CUT THE FRAME TO PUT SMALLER BOLTS AND NUTS IN. ANOTHER DEALER SAID DOING THAT RUINED THE INTEGRITY OF THE FRAME. ALSO, THERE WAS AN EXHAUST LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION BRACKET WAS BENT AND IT WOULD NOT HOLD THE TRANSMISSION IN PLACE. WHEN THE DEALER FIXED IT THE BOLTS FELL OUT. THE CALLER HAD TO TAKE VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON CONSTANTLY. VEHICLE WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION WITH THE LIGHT ON. DEALER SAID IT WILL PASS INSPECTION WITH THE LIGHT ON. MANUFACTURER SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO HELP THE CALLER BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE CALLER SAID FUSES BLEW OUT. HE REPLACED THE FUSES OVER 200 TIMES. THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS,HEADLIGHTS AND OTHER EXTERIOR LIGHTS WENT OUT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10136333

36,279 miles · Jul 23, 2004
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineSuspension

PROBLEMS WITH 2001 KIA RIO.*MR THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN REFERENCE TO THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR AND MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEMS WERE NOT RELATED. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD OTHER PROBLEMS. THE…

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PROBLEMS WITH 2001 KIA RIO.*MR THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN REFERENCE TO THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR AND MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEMS WERE NOT RELATED. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD OTHER PROBLEMS. THE ENGINE WOULD HESITATE WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES. THE REAR END VIBRATED. THE DEALER REPLACED BOTH REAR DAMPERS. THE CONSUMER HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE DURING ACCELERATION. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT HE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE CRACKED. THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS WERE WORN EXCESSIVELY. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10083897

Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2004
Electrical SystemFire

WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ON AN INCLINE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING ROUGHLY. CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, AND WITHIN A HALF A MINUTE,IT WAS ON FIRE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10080154

Official recalls

3

05V159000 · Wheels

Apr 20, 2005

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE A MANUFACTURING FLAW THAT COULD CAUSE THE WHEELS TO CRACK UNDER LONG TERM DRIVING FATIGUE. IF CRACKS OCCUR, WHEEL NOISE AND VIBRATION WILL RESULT AND BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE CRACK IS SEVERE, THE WHEEL COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FOUR WHEELS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

04V179000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

Apr 9, 2004

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE OF THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE OR CRACKING DURING REMOVAL OF THE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING SECURING THE MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY TO THE FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE, OR WHEN FORCE IS ACCIDENTALLY APPLIED TO THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR DURING ENGINE COMPARTMENT REPAIRS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR AND MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLIES. THE RECALL BEGAN JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

03V352000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

Sep 24, 2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, FUEL LEAKS MAY DEVELOP AT THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY BECAUSE OF QUALITY DEVIATIONS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE FUEL DISTRIBUTOR AND FUEL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

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

EA04020 · Steel Wheel Fracture

Opened Jul 22, 2004 · Closed Apr 28, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Wheels; Wheels:hubcap/cover

ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-030) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 12 THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2000.WHEELS WERE MANUFACTURED DURING THIS PERIOD USING A TOOL (RING DIE) THAT HAD IMPROPER SURFACE TREATMENT.THIS ALLOWED TOOL DAMAGE TO DEVELOP WITH ACCUMULATED USE AND RESULTED IN AN IRREGULAR SHAPED STAMPING ON THE WHEEL DISC AT THE HAT AREA.THE IRREGULAR SHAPED HAT AREA CREATES A STRESS RISER THAT MAY LEAD TO THE FORMATION OF CRACKS.ODI IS AWARE OF 40 NON-DUPLICATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING WHEEL FRACTURE, 6 OF WHICH ALLEGED WHEEL SEPARATION INCIDENTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.AS OF MARCH 31, 2005, KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) HAS PAID 535 WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF ONE OR MORE WHEELS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DUE TO FRACTURE.BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2005, KIA HAS NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NTHSA RECALL NO. 05V-159) TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE WHEELS IN APPROXIMATELY 24,119 SUBJECT VEHICLES.KIA WILL REPLACE ALL FOUR STEEL WHEELS FREE OF CHARGE.THE ACTION TAKEN BY KIA IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Wheels:hubcap/cover

ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-030) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 12 THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2000.WHEELS WERE MANUFACTURED DURING THIS PERIOD USING A TOOL (RING DIE) THAT HAD IMPROPER SURFACE TREATMENT.THIS ALLOWED TOOL DAMAGE TO DEVELOP WITH ACCUMULATED USE AND RESULTED IN AN IRREGULAR SHAPED STAMPING ON THE WHEEL DISC AT THE HAT AREA.THE IRREGULAR SHAPED HAT AREA CREATES A STRESS RISER THAT MAY LEAD TO THE FORMATION OF CRACKS.ODI IS AWARE OF 40 NON-DUPLICATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING WHEEL FRACTURE, 6 OF WHICH ALLEGED WHEEL SEPARATION INCIDENTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.AS OF MARCH 31, 2005, KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) HAS PAID 535 WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF ONE OR MORE WHEELS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DUE TO FRACTURE.BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2005, KIA HAS NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NTHSA RECALL NO. 05V-159) TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE WHEELS IN APPROXIMATELY 24,119 SUBJECT VEHICLES.KIA WILL REPLACE ALL FOUR STEEL WHEELS FREE OF CHARGE.THE ACTION TAKEN BY KIA IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Wheels

ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-030) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 12 THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2000.WHEELS WERE MANUFACTURED DURING THIS PERIOD USING A TOOL (RING DIE) THAT HAD IMPROPER SURFACE TREATMENT.THIS ALLOWED TOOL DAMAGE TO DEVELOP WITH ACCUMULATED USE AND RESULTED IN AN IRREGULAR SHAPED STAMPING ON THE WHEEL DISC AT THE HAT AREA.THE IRREGULAR SHAPED HAT AREA CREATES A STRESS RISER THAT MAY LEAD TO THE FORMATION OF CRACKS.ODI IS AWARE OF 40 NON-DUPLICATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING WHEEL FRACTURE, 6 OF WHICH ALLEGED WHEEL SEPARATION INCIDENTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.AS OF MARCH 31, 2005, KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) HAS PAID 535 WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF ONE OR MORE WHEELS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DUE TO FRACTURE.BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2005, KIA HAS NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NTHSA RECALL NO. 05V-159) TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE WHEELS IN APPROXIMATELY 24,119 SUBJECT VEHICLES.KIA WILL REPLACE ALL FOUR STEEL WHEELS FREE OF CHARGE.THE ACTION TAKEN BY KIA IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

PE04030 · Steel Wheel Fracture

Opened Mar 24, 2004 · Closed Jul 22, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Wheels; Wheels:hubcap/cover

ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MAY 12 AND OCTOBER 18, 2000.WHEELS WERE MANUFACTURED DURING THIS PERIOD USING A TOOL (RING DIE) THAT HAD IMPROPER SURFACE TREATMENT.THIS ALLOWED TOOL DAMAGE TO DEVELOP WITH ACCUMULATED USE AND RESULTED IN AN IRREGULAR SHAPED STAMPING ON THE WHEEL DISC AT THE HAT AREA.THE IRREGULAR SHAPED HAT AREA CREATES A STRESS RISER THAT MAY LEAD TO THE FORMATION OF CRACKS.ODI IS AWARE OF 30 NON-DUPLICATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING WHEEL FRACTURE AND 3 ALLEGED WHEEL SEPARATION INCIDENTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.KIA HAS PAID 576 WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR WHEEL REPLACEMENT ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-020) TO FURTHER STUDY THE SCOPE AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THIS ISSUE.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Wheels:hubcap/cover

ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MAY 12 AND OCTOBER 18, 2000.WHEELS WERE MANUFACTURED DURING THIS PERIOD USING A TOOL (RING DIE) THAT HAD IMPROPER SURFACE TREATMENT.THIS ALLOWED TOOL DAMAGE TO DEVELOP WITH ACCUMULATED USE AND RESULTED IN AN IRREGULAR SHAPED STAMPING ON THE WHEEL DISC AT THE HAT AREA.THE IRREGULAR SHAPED HAT AREA CREATES A STRESS RISER THAT MAY LEAD TO THE FORMATION OF CRACKS.ODI IS AWARE OF 30 NON-DUPLICATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING WHEEL FRACTURE AND 3 ALLEGED WHEEL SEPARATION INCIDENTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.KIA HAS PAID 576 WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR WHEEL REPLACEMENT ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-020) TO FURTHER STUDY THE SCOPE AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THIS ISSUE.

Wheels

ON MARCH 24, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STEEL WHEEL FRACTURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH WHEELS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MAY 12 AND OCTOBER 18, 2000.WHEELS WERE MANUFACTURED DURING THIS PERIOD USING A TOOL (RING DIE) THAT HAD IMPROPER SURFACE TREATMENT.THIS ALLOWED TOOL DAMAGE TO DEVELOP WITH ACCUMULATED USE AND RESULTED IN AN IRREGULAR SHAPED STAMPING ON THE WHEEL DISC AT THE HAT AREA.THE IRREGULAR SHAPED HAT AREA CREATES A STRESS RISER THAT MAY LEAD TO THE FORMATION OF CRACKS.ODI IS AWARE OF 30 NON-DUPLICATIVE CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING WHEEL FRACTURE AND 3 ALLEGED WHEEL SEPARATION INCIDENTS ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.KIA HAS PAID 576 WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR WHEEL REPLACEMENT ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-020) TO FURTHER STUDY THE SCOPE AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THIS ISSUE.

EA03015 · Fuel Rail Leakage

Opened Aug 28, 2003 · Closed Apr 30, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail

ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003.ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003, THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (03V-352) TO INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR FUEL LEAKS.AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER WAS SUBMITTED TO THE MANUFACTURER ON NOVEMBER 17, 2003 TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SO THAT THE OFFICE COULD EVALUATE THE DEFECT AS REPORTED BY KIA.THE IR LETTER ALSO ADDRESSED OTHER KIA VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO THIS INVESTIGATION THAT USE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPONENTS IDENTICAL TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 03V-352.KIA?S SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 DEFECT NOTIFICATION LETTER IDENTIFIED QUALITY DEVIATIONS IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.DURING MY 2001 PRODUCTION, THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL RAIL (FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY) IDENTIFIED QUALITY ISSUES THAT AFFECTED THE INTEGRITY OF PLASTIC WELDS AT THE SERVICE PORT AND/OR FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE.FUEL LEAKAGE COULD ALSO OCCUR IF THE BRASS SERVICE PORT (SCHRADER) VALVE WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED INTO THE VALVE RECEPTACLE.THE SUPPLIER ADOPTED CHANGES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND INSTITUTED A 100% INSPECTION PROCEDURE.SUBSEQUENT TO THIS INVESTIGATION, KIA ALSO CONDUCTED PERFORMANCE TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA.KIA DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RAIL IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE AT THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR VEHICLE SERVICING.DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN THE FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE (MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY) QUICK CONNECT COUPLING IS IMPROPERLY ATTACHED OR REMOVED FROM THE FUEL RAIL, OR WHEN EXCESSIVE FORCE IS OTHERWISE APPLIED.ODI IS AWARE OF 9 NON-DUPLICATE, NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS AND AN ADDITIONAL 14 FIRES OF UNKNOWN CAUSE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI IS ALSO AWARE 6 FIRES IN MY 2002 AND 3 FIRES IN MY 2003 RIO/RIO CINCO VEHICLES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT.TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL RAIL DAMAGE, KIA HAS REDESIGNED THE FUEL RAIL TO INCLUDE A STEEL INTAKE NIPPLE, AND THE ATTACHING FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FACILITATE EASIER SERVICING.ON APRIL 7, 2004, KIA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-179) TO REPLACE THESE TWO COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE FOR OWNERS OF ALL MY 2001-2004 KIA RIO AND RIO CINCO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM MAY 4, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2004.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Additional source detail variants (10)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003.ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003, THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (03V-352) TO INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR FUEL LEAKS.AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER WAS SUBMITTED TO THE MANUFACTURER ON NOVEMBER 17, 2003 TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SO THAT THE OFFICE COULD EVALUATE THE DEFECT AS REPORTED BY KIA.THE IR LETTER ALSO ADDRESSED OTHER KIA VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO THIS INVESTIGATION THAT USE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPONENTS IDENTICAL TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 03V-352.KIA?S SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 DEFECT NOTIFICATION LETTER IDENTIFIED QUALITY DEVIATIONS IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.DURING MY 2001 PRODUCTION, THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL RAIL (FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY) IDENTIFIED QUALITY ISSUES THAT AFFECTED THE INTEGRITY OF PLASTIC WELDS AT THE SERVICE PORT AND/OR FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE.FUEL LEAKAGE COULD ALSO OCCUR IF THE BRASS SERVICE PORT (SCHRADER) VALVE WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED INTO THE VALVE RECEPTACLE.THE SUPPLIER ADOPTED CHANGES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND INSTITUTED A 100% INSPECTION PROCEDURE.SUBSEQUENT TO THIS INVESTIGATION, KIA ALSO CONDUCTED PERFORMANCE TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA.KIA DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RAIL IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE AT THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR VEHICLE SERVICING.DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN THE FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE (MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY) QUICK CONNECT COUPLING IS IMPROPERLY ATTACHED OR REMOVED FROM THE FUEL RAIL, OR WHEN EXCESSIVE FORCE IS OTHERWISE APPLIED.ODI IS AWARE OF 9 NON-DUPLICATE, NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS AND AN ADDITIONAL 14 FIRES OF UNKNOWN CAUSE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI IS ALSO AWARE 6 FIRES IN MY 2002 AND 3 FIRES IN MY 2003 RIO/RIO CINCO VEHICLES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT.TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL RAIL DAMAGE, KIA HAS REDESIGNED THE FUEL RAIL TO INCLUDE A STEEL INTAKE NIPPLE, AND THE ATTACHING FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FACILITATE EASIER SERVICING.ON APRIL 7, 2004, KIA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-179) TO REPLACE THESE TWO COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE FOR OWNERS OF ALL MY 2001-2004 KIA RIO AND RIO CINCO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM MAY 4, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2004.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003.ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003, THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (03V-352) TO INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR FUEL LEAKS.AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER WAS SUBMITTED TO THE MANUFACTURER ON NOVEMBER 17, 2003 TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SO THAT THE OFFICE COULD EVALUATE THE DEFECT AS REPORTED BY KIA.THE IR LETTER ALSO ADDRESSED OTHER KIA VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO THIS INVESTIGATION THAT USE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPONENTS IDENTICAL TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 03V-352.KIA?S SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 DEFECT NOTIFICATION LETTER IDENTIFIED QUALITY DEVIATIONS IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.DURING MY 2001 PRODUCTION, THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL RAIL (FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY) IDENTIFIED QUALITY ISSUES THAT AFFECTED THE INTEGRITY OF PLASTIC WELDS AT THE SERVICE PORT AND/OR FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE.FUEL LEAKAGE COULD ALSO OCCUR IF THE BRASS SERVICE PORT (SCHRADER) VALVE WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED INTO THE VALVE RECEPTACLE.THE SUPPLIER ADOPTED CHANGES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND INSTITUTED A 100% INSPECTION PROCEDURE.SUBSEQUENT TO THIS INVESTIGATION, KIA ALSO CONDUCTED PERFORMANCE TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA.KIA DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RAIL IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE AT THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR VEHICLE SERVICING.DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN THE FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE (MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY) QUICK CONNECT COUPLING IS IMPROPERLY ATTACHED OR REMOVED FROM THE FUEL RAIL, OR WHEN EXCESSIVE FORCE IS OTHERWISE APPLIED.ODI IS AWARE OF 9 NON-DUPLICATE, NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS AND AN ADDITIONAL 14 FIRES OF UNKNOWN CAUSE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI IS ALSO AWARE 6 FIRES IN MY 2002 AND 3 FIRES IN MY 2003 RIO/RIO CINCO VEHICLES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT.TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL RAIL DAMAGE, KIA HAS REDESIGNED THE FUEL RAIL TO INCLUDE A STEEL INTAKE NIPPLE, AND THE ATTACHING FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FACILITATE EASIER SERVICING.ON APRIL 7, 2004, KIA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-179) TO REPLACE THESE TWO COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE FOR OWNERS OF ALL MY 2001-2004 KIA RIO AND RIO CINCO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM MAY 4, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2004.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003.ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003, THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (03V-352) TO INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR FUEL LEAKS.AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER WAS SUBMITTED TO THE MANUFACTURER ON NOVEMBER 17, 2003 TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SO THAT THE OFFICE COULD EVALUATE THE DEFECT AS REPORTED BY KIA.THE IR LETTER ALSO ADDRESSED OTHER KIA VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO THIS INVESTIGATION THAT USE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPONENTS IDENTICAL TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 03V-352.KIA?S SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 DEFECT NOTIFICATION LETTER IDENTIFIED QUALITY DEVIATIONS IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.DURING MY 2001 PRODUCTION, THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL RAIL (FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY) IDENTIFIED QUALITY ISSUES THAT AFFECTED THE INTEGRITY OF PLASTIC WELDS AT THE SERVICE PORT AND/OR FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE.FUEL LEAKAGE COULD ALSO OCCUR IF THE BRASS SERVICE PORT (SCHRADER) VALVE WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED INTO THE VALVE RECEPTACLE.THE SUPPLIER ADOPTED CHANGES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND INSTITUTED A 100% INSPECTION PROCEDURE.SUBSEQUENT TO THIS INVESTIGATION, KIA ALSO CONDUCTED PERFORMANCE TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA.KIA DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RAIL IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE AT THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR VEHICLE SERVICING.DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN THE FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE (MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY) QUICK CONNECT COUPLING IS IMPROPERLY ATTACHED OR REMOVED FROM THE FUEL RAIL, OR WHEN EXCESSIVE FORCE IS OTHERWISE APPLIED.ODI IS AWARE OF 9 NON-DUPLICATE, NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS AND AN ADDITIONAL 14 FIRES OF UNKNOWN CAUSE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI IS ALSO AWARE 6 FIRES IN MY 2002 AND 3 FIRES IN MY 2003 RIO/RIO CINCO VEHICLES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT.TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL RAIL DAMAGE, KIA HAS REDESIGNED THE FUEL RAIL TO INCLUDE A STEEL INTAKE NIPPLE, AND THE ATTACHING FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FACILITATE EASIER SERVICING.ON APRIL 7, 2004, KIA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-179) TO REPLACE THESE TWO COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE FOR OWNERS OF ALL MY 2001-2004 KIA RIO AND RIO CINCO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM MAY 4, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2004.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003.ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003, THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (03V-352) TO INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR FUEL LEAKS.AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER WAS SUBMITTED TO THE MANUFACTURER ON NOVEMBER 17, 2003 TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SO THAT THE OFFICE COULD EVALUATE THE DEFECT AS REPORTED BY KIA.THE IR LETTER ALSO ADDRESSED OTHER KIA VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO THIS INVESTIGATION THAT USE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPONENTS IDENTICAL TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 03V-352.KIA?S SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 DEFECT NOTIFICATION LETTER IDENTIFIED QUALITY DEVIATIONS IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.DURING MY 2001 PRODUCTION, THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL RAIL (FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY) IDENTIFIED QUALITY ISSUES THAT AFFECTED THE INTEGRITY OF PLASTIC WELDS AT THE SERVICE PORT AND/OR FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE.FUEL LEAKAGE COULD ALSO OCCUR IF THE BRASS SERVICE PORT (SCHRADER) VALVE WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED INTO THE VALVE RECEPTACLE.THE SUPPLIER ADOPTED CHANGES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND INSTITUTED A 100% INSPECTION PROCEDURE.SUBSEQUENT TO THIS INVESTIGATION, KIA ALSO CONDUCTED PERFORMANCE TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA.KIA DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RAIL IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE AT THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR VEHICLE SERVICING.DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN THE FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE (MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY) QUICK CONNECT COUPLING IS IMPROPERLY ATTACHED OR REMOVED FROM THE FUEL RAIL, OR WHEN EXCESSIVE FORCE IS OTHERWISE APPLIED.ODI IS AWARE OF 9 NON-DUPLICATE, NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS AND AN ADDITIONAL 14 FIRES OF UNKNOWN CAUSE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI IS ALSO AWARE 6 FIRES IN MY 2002 AND 3 FIRES IN MY 2003 RIO/RIO CINCO VEHICLES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT.TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL RAIL DAMAGE, KIA HAS REDESIGNED THE FUEL RAIL TO INCLUDE A STEEL INTAKE NIPPLE, AND THE ATTACHING FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FACILITATE EASIER SERVICING.ON APRIL 7, 2004, KIA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-179) TO REPLACE THESE TWO COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE FOR OWNERS OF ALL MY 2001-2004 KIA RIO AND RIO CINCO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM MAY 4, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2004.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail

ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003.ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003, THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (03V-352) TO INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR FUEL LEAKS.AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER WAS SUBMITTED TO THE MANUFACTURER ON NOVEMBER 17, 2003 TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SO THAT THE OFFICE COULD EVALUATE THE DEFECT AS REPORTED BY KIA.THE IR LETTER ALSO ADDRESSED OTHER KIA VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO THIS INVESTIGATION THAT USE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPONENTS IDENTICAL TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 03V-352.KIA?S SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 DEFECT NOTIFICATION LETTER IDENTIFIED QUALITY DEVIATIONS IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.DURING MY 2001 PRODUCTION, THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL RAIL (FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY) IDENTIFIED QUALITY ISSUES THAT AFFECTED THE INTEGRITY OF PLASTIC WELDS AT THE SERVICE PORT AND/OR FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE.FUEL LEAKAGE COULD ALSO OCCUR IF THE BRASS SERVICE PORT (SCHRADER) VALVE WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED INTO THE VALVE RECEPTACLE.THE SUPPLIER ADOPTED CHANGES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND INSTITUTED A 100% INSPECTION PROCEDURE.SUBSEQUENT TO THIS INVESTIGATION, KIA ALSO CONDUCTED PERFORMANCE TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA.KIA DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RAIL IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE AT THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR VEHICLE SERVICING.DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN THE FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE (MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY) QUICK CONNECT COUPLING IS IMPROPERLY ATTACHED OR REMOVED FROM THE FUEL RAIL, OR WHEN EXCESSIVE FORCE IS OTHERWISE APPLIED.ODI IS AWARE OF 9 NON-DUPLICATE, NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS AND AN ADDITIONAL 14 FIRES OF UNKNOWN CAUSE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI IS ALSO AWARE 6 FIRES IN MY 2002 AND 3 FIRES IN MY 2003 RIO/RIO CINCO VEHICLES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT.TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL RAIL DAMAGE, KIA HAS REDESIGNED THE FUEL RAIL TO INCLUDE A STEEL INTAKE NIPPLE, AND THE ATTACHING FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FACILITATE EASIER SERVICING.ON APRIL 7, 2004, KIA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-179) TO REPLACE THESE TWO COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE FOR OWNERS OF ALL MY 2001-2004 KIA RIO AND RIO CINCO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM MAY 4, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2004.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail

ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003.ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003, THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (03V-352) TO INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR FUEL LEAKS.AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER WAS SUBMITTED TO THE MANUFACTURER ON NOVEMBER 17, 2003 TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SO THAT THE OFFICE COULD EVALUATE THE DEFECT AS REPORTED BY KIA.THE IR LETTER ALSO ADDRESSED OTHER KIA VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO THIS INVESTIGATION THAT USE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPONENTS IDENTICAL TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 03V-352.KIA?S SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 DEFECT NOTIFICATION LETTER IDENTIFIED QUALITY DEVIATIONS IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.DURING MY 2001 PRODUCTION, THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL RAIL (FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY) IDENTIFIED QUALITY ISSUES THAT AFFECTED THE INTEGRITY OF PLASTIC WELDS AT THE SERVICE PORT AND/OR FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE.FUEL LEAKAGE COULD ALSO OCCUR IF THE BRASS SERVICE PORT (SCHRADER) VALVE WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED INTO THE VALVE RECEPTACLE.THE SUPPLIER ADOPTED CHANGES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND INSTITUTED A 100% INSPECTION PROCEDURE.SUBSEQUENT TO THIS INVESTIGATION, KIA ALSO CONDUCTED PERFORMANCE TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA.KIA DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RAIL IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE AT THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR VEHICLE SERVICING.DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN THE FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE (MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY) QUICK CONNECT COUPLING IS IMPROPERLY ATTACHED OR REMOVED FROM THE FUEL RAIL, OR WHEN EXCESSIVE FORCE IS OTHERWISE APPLIED.ODI IS AWARE OF 9 NON-DUPLICATE, NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS AND AN ADDITIONAL 14 FIRES OF UNKNOWN CAUSE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI IS ALSO AWARE 6 FIRES IN MY 2002 AND 3 FIRES IN MY 2003 RIO/RIO CINCO VEHICLES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT.TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL RAIL DAMAGE, KIA HAS REDESIGNED THE FUEL RAIL TO INCLUDE A STEEL INTAKE NIPPLE, AND THE ATTACHING FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FACILITATE EASIER SERVICING.ON APRIL 7, 2004, KIA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-179) TO REPLACE THESE TWO COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE FOR OWNERS OF ALL MY 2001-2004 KIA RIO AND RIO CINCO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM MAY 4, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2004.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System

ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003.ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003, THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (03V-352) TO INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR FUEL LEAKS.AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER WAS SUBMITTED TO THE MANUFACTURER ON NOVEMBER 17, 2003 TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SO THAT THE OFFICE COULD EVALUATE THE DEFECT AS REPORTED BY KIA.THE IR LETTER ALSO ADDRESSED OTHER KIA VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO THIS INVESTIGATION THAT USE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPONENTS IDENTICAL TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 03V-352.KIA?S SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 DEFECT NOTIFICATION LETTER IDENTIFIED QUALITY DEVIATIONS IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.DURING MY 2001 PRODUCTION, THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL RAIL (FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY) IDENTIFIED QUALITY ISSUES THAT AFFECTED THE INTEGRITY OF PLASTIC WELDS AT THE SERVICE PORT AND/OR FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE.FUEL LEAKAGE COULD ALSO OCCUR IF THE BRASS SERVICE PORT (SCHRADER) VALVE WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED INTO THE VALVE RECEPTACLE.THE SUPPLIER ADOPTED CHANGES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND INSTITUTED A 100% INSPECTION PROCEDURE.SUBSEQUENT TO THIS INVESTIGATION, KIA ALSO CONDUCTED PERFORMANCE TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA.KIA DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RAIL IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE AT THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR VEHICLE SERVICING.DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN THE FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE (MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY) QUICK CONNECT COUPLING IS IMPROPERLY ATTACHED OR REMOVED FROM THE FUEL RAIL, OR WHEN EXCESSIVE FORCE IS OTHERWISE APPLIED.ODI IS AWARE OF 9 NON-DUPLICATE, NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS AND AN ADDITIONAL 14 FIRES OF UNKNOWN CAUSE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI IS ALSO AWARE 6 FIRES IN MY 2002 AND 3 FIRES IN MY 2003 RIO/RIO CINCO VEHICLES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT.TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL RAIL DAMAGE, KIA HAS REDESIGNED THE FUEL RAIL TO INCLUDE A STEEL INTAKE NIPPLE, AND THE ATTACHING FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FACILITATE EASIER SERVICING.ON APRIL 7, 2004, KIA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-179) TO REPLACE THESE TWO COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE FOR OWNERS OF ALL MY 2001-2004 KIA RIO AND RIO CINCO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM MAY 4, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2004.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System

ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003.ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003, THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (03V-352) TO INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR FUEL LEAKS.AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER WAS SUBMITTED TO THE MANUFACTURER ON NOVEMBER 17, 2003 TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SO THAT THE OFFICE COULD EVALUATE THE DEFECT AS REPORTED BY KIA.THE IR LETTER ALSO ADDRESSED OTHER KIA VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO THIS INVESTIGATION THAT USE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPONENTS IDENTICAL TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 03V-352.KIA?S SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 DEFECT NOTIFICATION LETTER IDENTIFIED QUALITY DEVIATIONS IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.DURING MY 2001 PRODUCTION, THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL RAIL (FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY) IDENTIFIED QUALITY ISSUES THAT AFFECTED THE INTEGRITY OF PLASTIC WELDS AT THE SERVICE PORT AND/OR FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE.FUEL LEAKAGE COULD ALSO OCCUR IF THE BRASS SERVICE PORT (SCHRADER) VALVE WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED INTO THE VALVE RECEPTACLE.THE SUPPLIER ADOPTED CHANGES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND INSTITUTED A 100% INSPECTION PROCEDURE.SUBSEQUENT TO THIS INVESTIGATION, KIA ALSO CONDUCTED PERFORMANCE TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA.KIA DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RAIL IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE AT THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR VEHICLE SERVICING.DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN THE FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE (MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY) QUICK CONNECT COUPLING IS IMPROPERLY ATTACHED OR REMOVED FROM THE FUEL RAIL, OR WHEN EXCESSIVE FORCE IS OTHERWISE APPLIED.ODI IS AWARE OF 9 NON-DUPLICATE, NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS AND AN ADDITIONAL 14 FIRES OF UNKNOWN CAUSE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI IS ALSO AWARE 6 FIRES IN MY 2002 AND 3 FIRES IN MY 2003 RIO/RIO CINCO VEHICLES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT.TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL RAIL DAMAGE, KIA HAS REDESIGNED THE FUEL RAIL TO INCLUDE A STEEL INTAKE NIPPLE, AND THE ATTACHING FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FACILITATE EASIER SERVICING.ON APRIL 7, 2004, KIA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-179) TO REPLACE THESE TWO COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE FOR OWNERS OF ALL MY 2001-2004 KIA RIO AND RIO CINCO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM MAY 4, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2004.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003.ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003, THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (03V-352) TO INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR FUEL LEAKS.AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER WAS SUBMITTED TO THE MANUFACTURER ON NOVEMBER 17, 2003 TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SO THAT THE OFFICE COULD EVALUATE THE DEFECT AS REPORTED BY KIA.THE IR LETTER ALSO ADDRESSED OTHER KIA VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO THIS INVESTIGATION THAT USE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPONENTS IDENTICAL TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 03V-352.KIA?S SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 DEFECT NOTIFICATION LETTER IDENTIFIED QUALITY DEVIATIONS IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.DURING MY 2001 PRODUCTION, THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL RAIL (FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY) IDENTIFIED QUALITY ISSUES THAT AFFECTED THE INTEGRITY OF PLASTIC WELDS AT THE SERVICE PORT AND/OR FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE.FUEL LEAKAGE COULD ALSO OCCUR IF THE BRASS SERVICE PORT (SCHRADER) VALVE WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED INTO THE VALVE RECEPTACLE.THE SUPPLIER ADOPTED CHANGES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND INSTITUTED A 100% INSPECTION PROCEDURE.SUBSEQUENT TO THIS INVESTIGATION, KIA ALSO CONDUCTED PERFORMANCE TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA.KIA DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RAIL IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE AT THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR VEHICLE SERVICING.DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN THE FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE (MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY) QUICK CONNECT COUPLING IS IMPROPERLY ATTACHED OR REMOVED FROM THE FUEL RAIL, OR WHEN EXCESSIVE FORCE IS OTHERWISE APPLIED.ODI IS AWARE OF 9 NON-DUPLICATE, NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS AND AN ADDITIONAL 14 FIRES OF UNKNOWN CAUSE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI IS ALSO AWARE 6 FIRES IN MY 2002 AND 3 FIRES IN MY 2003 RIO/RIO CINCO VEHICLES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT.TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL RAIL DAMAGE, KIA HAS REDESIGNED THE FUEL RAIL TO INCLUDE A STEEL INTAKE NIPPLE, AND THE ATTACHING FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FACILITATE EASIER SERVICING.ON APRIL 7, 2004, KIA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-179) TO REPLACE THESE TWO COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE FOR OWNERS OF ALL MY 2001-2004 KIA RIO AND RIO CINCO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM MAY 4, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2004.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Fuel System, Gasoline

ON APRIL 15, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-016) TO INVESTIGATE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES DUE TO ALLEGED FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001 KIA RIO VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON AUGUST 28, 2003.ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2003, THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (03V-352) TO INSPECT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR FUEL LEAKS.AN INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) LETTER WAS SUBMITTED TO THE MANUFACTURER ON NOVEMBER 17, 2003 TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SO THAT THE OFFICE COULD EVALUATE THE DEFECT AS REPORTED BY KIA.THE IR LETTER ALSO ADDRESSED OTHER KIA VEHICLES NOT SUBJECT TO THIS INVESTIGATION THAT USE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPONENTS IDENTICAL TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL 03V-352.KIA?S SEPTEMBER 22, 2003 DEFECT NOTIFICATION LETTER IDENTIFIED QUALITY DEVIATIONS IN THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE.DURING MY 2001 PRODUCTION, THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL RAIL (FUEL DISTRIBUTOR ASSEMBLY) IDENTIFIED QUALITY ISSUES THAT AFFECTED THE INTEGRITY OF PLASTIC WELDS AT THE SERVICE PORT AND/OR FUEL INTAKE NIPPLE.FUEL LEAKAGE COULD ALSO OCCUR IF THE BRASS SERVICE PORT (SCHRADER) VALVE WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED INTO THE VALVE RECEPTACLE.THE SUPPLIER ADOPTED CHANGES TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM AND INSTITUTED A 100% INSPECTION PROCEDURE.SUBSEQUENT TO THIS INVESTIGATION, KIA ALSO CONDUCTED PERFORMANCE TESTING AND ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY AND COMPLAINT DATA.KIA DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL RAIL IS SUBJECT TO FRACTURE AT THE INTAKE NIPPLE DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS OR VEHICLE SERVICING.DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHEN THE FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE (MAIN FUEL TUBE ASSEMBLY) QUICK CONNECT COUPLING IS IMPROPERLY ATTACHED OR REMOVED FROM THE FUEL RAIL, OR WHEN EXCESSIVE FORCE IS OTHERWISE APPLIED.ODI IS AWARE OF 9 NON-DUPLICATE, NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY FUEL SYSTEM LEAKS AND AN ADDITIONAL 14 FIRES OF UNKNOWN CAUSE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI IS ALSO AWARE 6 FIRES IN MY 2002 AND 3 FIRES IN MY 2003 RIO/RIO CINCO VEHICLES THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THE DEFECT.TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF FUEL RAIL DAMAGE, KIA HAS REDESIGNED THE FUEL RAIL TO INCLUDE A STEEL INTAKE NIPPLE, AND THE ATTACHING FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECT COUPLING HAS BEEN CHANGED TO FACILITATE EASIER SERVICING.ON APRIL 7, 2004, KIA NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT WOULD CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (04V-179) TO REPLACE THESE TWO COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE FOR OWNERS OF ALL MY 2001-2004 KIA RIO AND RIO CINCO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM MAY 4, 2000 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2004.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

PE03016 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Apr 15, 2003 · Closed Aug 28, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors

KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 22 NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES OF ANY OR UNSPECIFIED CAUSE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NINE FIRES (OF WHICH 4 WERE ALSO REPORTED TO ODI) ARE IDENTIFIED AS BEING DUE TO A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK ORIGINATING BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL (P/N 0K30E 13 150) IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AREA OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.THE REMAINING FIRES WERE DUE TO VARIED OR UNKNOWN CAUSES.ALL 9 FIRES CAUSED BY A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK SUSTAINED SEVERE AND TOTAL DAMAGE.ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT 1 FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A FAILED QUICK CONNECT BETWEEN THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE (P/N 0K32A 13 49XB) AND THE RIGID LINE MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL; 5 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY A FAILURE OF THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE ITSELF OR ITS RELATED CONNECTORS; THE REMAINING 3 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY UNSPECIFIED FUEL LEAKS IN THE VICINITY OF THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL, FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE, AND THE RIGID LINE MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL.KIA REPORTS THAT NEITHER THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL NOR THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE HAS BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY MODIFIED SINCE THEIR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2001 MODEL YEAR.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-015) SO THAT ODI MAY COLLECT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND CONDUCT FURTHER STUDY OF THIS ISSUE.

Additional source detail variants (6)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 22 NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES OF ANY OR UNSPECIFIED CAUSE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NINE FIRES (OF WHICH 4 WERE ALSO REPORTED TO ODI) ARE IDENTIFIED AS BEING DUE TO A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK ORIGINATING BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL (P/N 0K30E 13 150) IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AREA OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.THE REMAINING FIRES WERE DUE TO VARIED OR UNKNOWN CAUSES.ALL 9 FIRES CAUSED BY A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK SUSTAINED SEVERE AND TOTAL DAMAGE.ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT 1 FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A FAILED QUICK CONNECT BETWEEN THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE (P/N 0K32A 13 49XB) AND THE RIGID LINE MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL; 5 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY A FAILURE OF THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE ITSELF OR ITS RELATED CONNECTORS; THE REMAINING 3 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY UNSPECIFIED FUEL LEAKS IN THE VICINITY OF THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL, FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE, AND THE RIGID LINE MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL.KIA REPORTS THAT NEITHER THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL NOR THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE HAS BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY MODIFIED SINCE THEIR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2001 MODEL YEAR.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-015) SO THAT ODI MAY COLLECT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND CONDUCT FURTHER STUDY OF THIS ISSUE.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 22 NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES OF ANY OR UNSPECIFIED CAUSE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NINE FIRES (OF WHICH 4 WERE ALSO REPORTED TO ODI) ARE IDENTIFIED AS BEING DUE TO A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK ORIGINATING BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL (P/N 0K30E 13 150) IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AREA OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.THE REMAINING FIRES WERE DUE TO VARIED OR UNKNOWN CAUSES.ALL 9 FIRES CAUSED BY A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK SUSTAINED SEVERE AND TOTAL DAMAGE.ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT 1 FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A FAILED QUICK CONNECT BETWEEN THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE (P/N 0K32A 13 49XB) AND THE RIGID LINE MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL; 5 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY A FAILURE OF THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE ITSELF OR ITS RELATED CONNECTORS; THE REMAINING 3 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY UNSPECIFIED FUEL LEAKS IN THE VICINITY OF THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL, FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE, AND THE RIGID LINE MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL.KIA REPORTS THAT NEITHER THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL NOR THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE HAS BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY MODIFIED SINCE THEIR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2001 MODEL YEAR.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-015) SO THAT ODI MAY COLLECT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND CONDUCT FURTHER STUDY OF THIS ISSUE.

Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail

KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 22 NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES OF ANY OR UNSPECIFIED CAUSE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NINE FIRES (OF WHICH 4 WERE ALSO REPORTED TO ODI) ARE IDENTIFIED AS BEING DUE TO A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK ORIGINATING BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL (P/N 0K30E 13 150) IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AREA OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.THE REMAINING FIRES WERE DUE TO VARIED OR UNKNOWN CAUSES.ALL 9 FIRES CAUSED BY A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK SUSTAINED SEVERE AND TOTAL DAMAGE.ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT 1 FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A FAILED QUICK CONNECT BETWEEN THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE (P/N 0K32A 13 49XB) AND THE RIGID LINE MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL; 5 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY A FAILURE OF THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE ITSELF OR ITS RELATED CONNECTORS; THE REMAINING 3 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY UNSPECIFIED FUEL LEAKS IN THE VICINITY OF THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL, FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE, AND THE RIGID LINE MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL.KIA REPORTS THAT NEITHER THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL NOR THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE HAS BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY MODIFIED SINCE THEIR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2001 MODEL YEAR.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-015) SO THAT ODI MAY COLLECT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND CONDUCT FURTHER STUDY OF THIS ISSUE.

Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:injectors

KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 22 NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES OF ANY OR UNSPECIFIED CAUSE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NINE FIRES (OF WHICH 4 WERE ALSO REPORTED TO ODI) ARE IDENTIFIED AS BEING DUE TO A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK ORIGINATING BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL (P/N 0K30E 13 150) IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AREA OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.THE REMAINING FIRES WERE DUE TO VARIED OR UNKNOWN CAUSES.ALL 9 FIRES CAUSED BY A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK SUSTAINED SEVERE AND TOTAL DAMAGE.ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT 1 FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A FAILED QUICK CONNECT BETWEEN THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE (P/N 0K32A 13 49XB) AND THE RIGID LINE MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL; 5 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY A FAILURE OF THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE ITSELF OR ITS RELATED CONNECTORS; THE REMAINING 3 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY UNSPECIFIED FUEL LEAKS IN THE VICINITY OF THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL, FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE, AND THE RIGID LINE MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL.KIA REPORTS THAT NEITHER THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL NOR THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE HAS BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY MODIFIED SINCE THEIR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2001 MODEL YEAR.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-015) SO THAT ODI MAY COLLECT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND CONDUCT FURTHER STUDY OF THIS ISSUE.

Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System

KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 22 NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES OF ANY OR UNSPECIFIED CAUSE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NINE FIRES (OF WHICH 4 WERE ALSO REPORTED TO ODI) ARE IDENTIFIED AS BEING DUE TO A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK ORIGINATING BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL (P/N 0K30E 13 150) IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AREA OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.THE REMAINING FIRES WERE DUE TO VARIED OR UNKNOWN CAUSES.ALL 9 FIRES CAUSED BY A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK SUSTAINED SEVERE AND TOTAL DAMAGE.ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT 1 FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A FAILED QUICK CONNECT BETWEEN THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE (P/N 0K32A 13 49XB) AND THE RIGID LINE MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL; 5 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY A FAILURE OF THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE ITSELF OR ITS RELATED CONNECTORS; THE REMAINING 3 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY UNSPECIFIED FUEL LEAKS IN THE VICINITY OF THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL, FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE, AND THE RIGID LINE MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL.KIA REPORTS THAT NEITHER THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL NOR THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE HAS BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY MODIFIED SINCE THEIR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2001 MODEL YEAR.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-015) SO THAT ODI MAY COLLECT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND CONDUCT FURTHER STUDY OF THIS ISSUE.

Fuel System, Gasoline

KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 22 NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES OF ANY OR UNSPECIFIED CAUSE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.NINE FIRES (OF WHICH 4 WERE ALSO REPORTED TO ODI) ARE IDENTIFIED AS BEING DUE TO A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK ORIGINATING BETWEEN THE FIREWALL AND THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL (P/N 0K30E 13 150) IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AREA OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.THE REMAINING FIRES WERE DUE TO VARIED OR UNKNOWN CAUSES.ALL 9 FIRES CAUSED BY A FUEL SYSTEM LEAK SUSTAINED SEVERE AND TOTAL DAMAGE.ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT 1 FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A FAILED QUICK CONNECT BETWEEN THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE (P/N 0K32A 13 49XB) AND THE RIGID LINE MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL; 5 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY A FAILURE OF THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE ITSELF OR ITS RELATED CONNECTORS; THE REMAINING 3 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY UNSPECIFIED FUEL LEAKS IN THE VICINITY OF THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL, FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE, AND THE RIGID LINE MOUNTED TO THE FIREWALL.KIA REPORTS THAT NEITHER THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL NOR THE FLEXIBLE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL SUPPLY LINE HAS BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY MODIFIED SINCE THEIR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2001 MODEL YEAR.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-015) SO THAT ODI MAY COLLECT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND CONDUCT FURTHER STUDY OF THIS ISSUE.

EA02009 · Air Bag Non Deploy

Opened Jul 2, 2002 · Closed Jul 2, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags

THIS INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A TOTAL OF 82 REPORTS ALLEGING NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DUAL FRONT AIR BAGS.OF THE 82 REPORTS, ONLY ONE INCIDENT, THE FATAL CRASH THAT WAS THE BASIS FOR OPENING THE INVESTIGATION, HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS A MODERATE TO SEVERE CRASH IN WHICH THE AUTOMOTIVE RESTRAINT CONTROLLER ISSUED A COMMAND TO DEPLOY BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.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 ATTACHED SUMMARY REPORT

PE02022 · Air Bag NON-DEPLOYMENT Frontal Crash

Opened Feb 12, 2002 · Closed Jul 2, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags

IN ADDITION TO THE DECEMBER 2001 FATAL CRASH REPORTED TO ODI THAT PROVIDED THE BASIS FOR OPENING PE02-022, KIA PROVIDED ODI 29 ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF ALLEGATIONS OF NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG IN A CRASH.NO ADDITIONAL FATAL CRASHES ARE REPORTED.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO CONDUCT FURTHER ANALYSIS OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLE'S AIR BAG SYSTEM.