NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
79 reportsClear category filter60,000 miles · Apr 14, 2004
Seat BeltsService Brakes, Hydraulic
CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR A BRAKE INSPECTION. THE PADS WERE CHANGED. HOWEVER, THE BRAKES STILL CONTINUE TO SQUEAL LIKE METAL TO METAL. THE BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE AGAIN, AND THEY WANT CONSUMERTO PAY THE DEALER $360.00.*AK THE BRAKES SOUNDED LIKE METAL RUBBING METAL WHEN APPLIED. FRONT SEAT BELT WAS DEFECTIVE AN …
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CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR A BRAKE INSPECTION. THE PADS WERE CHANGED. HOWEVER, THE BRAKES STILL CONTINUE TO SQUEAL LIKE METAL TO METAL. THE BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE AGAIN, AND THEY WANT CONSUMERTO PAY THE DEALER $360.00.*AK THE BRAKES SOUNDED LIKE METAL RUBBING METAL WHEN APPLIED. FRONT SEAT BELT WAS DEFECTIVE AN SINCE HAS BEEN REPLACED. *TC
NHTSA ODI #10089810
18,000 miles · Apr 5, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train
I HAVE <45000 MILES ON MY CAR (2000 KIA SEPHIA) AND HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT BRAKES REPLACED 3X AND THE BACK BRAKES REPLACED 1X. ALSO, WHEN I TURN ON THE AC, THERE IS A LOUD NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE CAR HESITATES WHEN TRYING TO GET UP TO SPEED. THE CAR ALSO FEELS LIKE IT IS TRYING TO PULL SOMETHING OF GREAT WEIG…
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I HAVE <45000 MILES ON MY CAR (2000 KIA SEPHIA) AND HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT BRAKES REPLACED 3X AND THE BACK BRAKES REPLACED 1X. ALSO, WHEN I TURN ON THE AC, THERE IS A LOUD NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE CAR HESITATES WHEN TRYING TO GET UP TO SPEED. THE CAR ALSO FEELS LIKE IT IS TRYING TO PULL SOMETHING OF GREAT WEIGHT WHEN DRIVING AT 55 MPH. THE BACK SEATBELTS DO NOT ALWAYS LOCK. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE SEAT BELTS ARE ONLY TO LOCK WHEN THE BRAKES ARE SLAMMED OR THE VEHICLE IS HIT (SO HOW IS A CHILD BOOSTER SEAT SUPPOSED TO STAY PUT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION?) *JB
NHTSA ODI #10064556
21,788 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicTires
GEAR SHIFT IS MY BIG PROBLEM RIGHT NOW WITH MY CAR. IT HAS BEEN IN 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS. 1ST TWO TIMES WAS DUE TO THE IN-ABILITY TO GET THE CAR OUT OF PARK. 1ST REPAIR COULD NOT GET THE CAR OUT OF PARK. REPAIR WAS LUBRICATE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE. (ACCUSED DRIVER OF GETTING POP IN THE GEAR SHIFTER) 2ND REPAIR COULD NO…
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GEAR SHIFT IS MY BIG PROBLEM RIGHT NOW WITH MY CAR. IT HAS BEEN IN 3 TIMES IN THE PAST 2 YEARS. 1ST TWO TIMES WAS DUE TO THE IN-ABILITY TO GET THE CAR OUT OF PARK. 1ST REPAIR COULD NOT GET THE CAR OUT OF PARK. REPAIR WAS LUBRICATE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE. (ACCUSED DRIVER OF GETTING POP IN THE GEAR SHIFTER) 2ND REPAIR COULD NOT GET THE CAR OUT OF PARK. REPAIR WAS TO REPLACE THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE. 3RD REPAIR CAR STALLED ON THE ROAD AND WOULD NOT START. REPAIR "FREE-UP SHIFTER SHAT IN TRANSMISSION (WOULD NOT GO ALL THE WASY IN PARK AND WAS HARD TO FIND ANY GEARS AND WOULD CAUSE A NO START)". THIS IS THE QUOTE ON THE BACK OF THE REPARI TICKET. WHEN THE CAR WAS PICK-UP. THE CAR AGAIN REFUSED TO START. WAS TOLD THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER ON THE FLOOR HAD TO BE SHOVED TO THE CONSOLSE TO MAKE THE CAR RECOGNIZE THAT IT IS IN THE "PARK" LOCATION. WHAT I WANT IS FAIR MARKET VALUE FOR MY CAR FROM KIA. RIGHT NOW GETTING RUN AROUND. THEY NEED MORE INFORMATION FROM THE KIA REPAIR AND SERVICE MANAGER BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE CAN BE DONE. RIGHT NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR BECAUSE IF IT STALLS ON A BUSY ROAD, IT TAKES ABOUT 30 SECONDS TO FORCE THE GEAR SHIFT INTO THE RIGHT LOCATION TO GET THE ENGINE TO TURN OVER. SECOND COMPLAINT IS NOW I AM BEING TOLD THAT THE CAR NEEDS NEW TIRES AND BRAKES (ROTORS). AGAIN KIA BLAMING THE DRIVER, BREAK DOWN IS DUE TO BAD BRAKING HABBITS.
NHTSA ODI #10070775
328,000 miles · Dec 1, 2003
Power TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
WHEN MY BOY FRIEND WENT TO CHANGE THE FRONT BRAKE PADS ON MY 2000 SEPHIA HE WAS TOLD THAT KIA DIDN'T MAKE PADS FOR MY CAR.WE HAD TO PURCHASE NEW ROTORS BECAUSE THE OLD ONES WERE SO WARPED YOU COULD HARDLY DRIVE THE CAR.KIA SAID THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE ROTORS AND THAT REPLACEMENT ONES WERE AVAIABLE(AT MY EXPENSE).THIS OCURRED I…
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WHEN MY BOY FRIEND WENT TO CHANGE THE FRONT BRAKE PADS ON MY 2000 SEPHIA HE WAS TOLD THAT KIA DIDN'T MAKE PADS FOR MY CAR.WE HAD TO PURCHASE NEW ROTORS BECAUSE THE OLD ONES WERE SO WARPED YOU COULD HARDLY DRIVE THE CAR.KIA SAID THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE ROTORS AND THAT REPLACEMENT ONES WERE AVAIABLE(AT MY EXPENSE).THIS OCURRED IN SPRING OF 2003 THEN IN SEPT 2003 MY CV AXLES WENT OUT.MY BOY FRIEND IS AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANB AND HE IS CONTINUNING HIS EDUCATION AT AUSTIN PEAY STATE UNIVERSITY. HE TOOK MY CAR TO HIS PROFESSOR WHO IS A.S.E. CERTIFIED AND HE WAS TOLD THAT THE AXLES MOST LIKELY WENT OUT DUE TO THE VIBRATION OF THE ROTORS. WE REPLACED THE ROTORS BUT WAITED UNTIL THE DEALER TOLD US THAT THEY WERE NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY.THUS THE DAMAGE INCURRED BECAUSE OF THE ROTORS WAS KIA MOTOR COMAPNIES FAULT.WE HAVE PAID OVER 1200.00 DOLLARS ON REPAIRS IN 2003 AND THIS VECHICLE ONLY HAS 42000 MILES ON IT.CAN YOU PLEASE HELP US?*AK
NHTSA ODI #10048960
Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2003
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC.*MR CONSUMER JUST SHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR WHEN TRAFFIC STARTED TO STOP. BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT TO NO AVAIL. CONSUME KEPT PUMPING THE BRAKES BUT NOTHING. TWO REPAIRS SHOPS STATED BRAKE FAILURE. CONSUMER CHECKED THE INTERNET AND LEARNED OF A CLASS ACTION LAW S…
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VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC.*MR CONSUMER JUST SHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR WHEN TRAFFIC STARTED TO STOP. BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT TO NO AVAIL. CONSUME KEPT PUMPING THE BRAKES BUT NOTHING. TWO REPAIRS SHOPS STATED BRAKE FAILURE. CONSUMER CHECKED THE INTERNET AND LEARNED OF A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT FOR BRAKE FAILURE ON 1998-2000 SEPHIA'S/SPORTAGE'S FOR BRAKE FAILURE. *PH
NHTSA ODI #10048289
21,788 miles · Oct 23, 2003
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicTires
CAR DIED ON THE ROAD FOR NO REASON. THEN CAR WOULD NOT START. DRIVER VERIFIED THAT GEAR-SHIFT WAS LOCKED IN "PARK" POSITION. JUST GLAD THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP DUE TO GETTING THE CAR INTO OR OUT OF PARK. REPAIRS OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS HAVE BEEN RE-LUBRI…
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CAR DIED ON THE ROAD FOR NO REASON. THEN CAR WOULD NOT START. DRIVER VERIFIED THAT GEAR-SHIFT WAS LOCKED IN "PARK" POSITION. JUST GLAD THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP DUE TO GETTING THE CAR INTO OR OUT OF PARK. REPAIRS OVER THE PAST 18 MONTHS HAVE BEEN RE-LUBRICATED THE GEAR-SHIFT CABLE (1ST REPAIR). REPLACE THE GEAR-SHIFT CABLE (2ND REPAIR). THE LAST (3RD) REPAIR WAS A RE-LUBRICATION OF THE REPLACED GEAR-SHIFT CABLE AND RE-ADJUSTMENT OF THE LINKAGE SO CAR COULD RECOGNIZE THAT IT WAS IN PARK. THESE REQUIRED REPAIRS ARE BEING BLAMED ON NOT DRIVING THE CAR ENOUGH. ALSO HAVING TROUBLE WITH PREMATURE WARRING ON THE BREAK ROTORS AND PADS. CAR HAS JUST OVER 22,000 MILES ON IT. REASON IS DRIVER (THAT IS NOT DRIVING ENOUGH) IS TOO HARD ON THE BREAKS. (MY OTHER CAR HAS 78,000 MILES ON IT. IT IS NOW READY FOR THE 1ST BREAK JOB.) I AM ALSO BEING TOLD THAT THE TIRES NEED TO BE REPLACED. AGAIN THE CAR HAS ONLY 22,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE READ REPORTS ON THE INTERNET THAT MIS-ADJUSTMENTS FORM THE FACTORY CAN LEAD TO EARLY WARE. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10043482
20,000 miles · Sep 8, 2003
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury
I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE I COULD NOT STOP. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION ON MY OWN, I FOUND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST KIA SEPHIA & SPORTAGES FOR THEIR 1998-2000 MODELS FOR BRAKE FAILURE. THE BRAKES EITHER COMPLETELY FAIL AT ONCE OR A PERSON IS CONTINUALLY REPLACING BRAKES/PADS…
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I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT WHERE I REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE I COULD NOT STOP. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION ON MY OWN, I FOUND THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST KIA SEPHIA & SPORTAGES FOR THEIR 1998-2000 MODELS FOR BRAKE FAILURE. THE BRAKES EITHER COMPLETELY FAIL AT ONCE OR A PERSON IS CONTINUALLY REPLACING BRAKES/PADS, ETC. I ENCOURAGE ANYONE TO FILE A COMPLAINT IF THEY HAVE ANY SIMILAR PROBLEMS. *NLM *CB
NHTSA ODI #10032551
Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2003
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. SPEED WAS UNDETERMINED, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COLLIDE WITH A GUARDRAIL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES TO REPORT AT THIS TIME, THE VICTIM WENT TO THE HOSPITAL FOR OBSERVATION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10038355
Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2003
Air BagsElectrical SystemEquipmentCrash
AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BRAKE FAILURE. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE A/C HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER THE FIRST USE, AND THE GAS LIGHT STAYED ON. (TURI MILLER CAN BE REACH AS WELL AT: D-715 726 8887 OR H-715 833 6309 AND VIA EMAIL-TUR…
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AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BRAKE FAILURE. *MR THE CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE A/C HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER THE FIRST USE, AND THE GAS LIGHT STAYED ON. (TURI MILLER CAN BE REACH AS WELL AT: D-715 726 8887 OR H-715 833 6309 AND VIA EMAIL-TURIJO@YAHOO.COM) *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10038593
Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
PROBLEMS WITH BRAKE EQUIPMENT ON A 2000 KIA SEPHIA.*MR *TS THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER BELIEVED IT WAS DUE TO INEFFICIENT SERVICE *JB
NHTSA ODI #10031969
NHTSA investigations
7EA04007 · 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.
EA04004 · Refueling Spit Back
Opened Feb 3, 2004 · Closed Jul 29, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap; Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:filling/charging
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED 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 NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (7)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED 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 NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED 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 NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED 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 NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED 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 NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED 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 NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:filling/charging
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED 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 NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED 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 NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
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.
RQ03006 · Refueling Spit Back
Opened Aug 15, 2003 · Closed Feb 3, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap; Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:filling/charging
IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR VALVES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED 16 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL SPIT BACK ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL AND 5 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 2 FUEL SPIT BACK COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND 8 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES NOT COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL RECALL.KIA HAS ALSO PROVIDED WARRANTY INFORMATION SHOWING 191 CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO FUEL SPITBACK ON NON-RECALLED VEHICLES. ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND TREND OF THE FUEL SPITBACK RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
Additional source detail variants (6)
Fuel System, Gasoline
IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR VALVES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED 16 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL SPIT BACK ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL AND 5 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 2 FUEL SPIT BACK COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND 8 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES NOT COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL RECALL.KIA HAS ALSO PROVIDED WARRANTY INFORMATION SHOWING 191 CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO FUEL SPITBACK ON NON-RECALLED VEHICLES. ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND TREND OF THE FUEL SPITBACK RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage
IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR VALVES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED 16 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL SPIT BACK ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL AND 5 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 2 FUEL SPIT BACK COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND 8 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES NOT COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL RECALL.KIA HAS ALSO PROVIDED WARRANTY INFORMATION SHOWING 191 CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO FUEL SPITBACK ON NON-RECALLED VEHICLES. ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND TREND OF THE FUEL SPITBACK RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR VALVES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED 16 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL SPIT BACK ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL AND 5 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 2 FUEL SPIT BACK COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND 8 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES NOT COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL RECALL.KIA HAS ALSO PROVIDED WARRANTY INFORMATION SHOWING 191 CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO FUEL SPITBACK ON NON-RECALLED VEHICLES. ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND TREND OF THE FUEL SPITBACK RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR VALVES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED 16 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL SPIT BACK ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL AND 5 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 2 FUEL SPIT BACK COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND 8 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES NOT COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL RECALL.KIA HAS ALSO PROVIDED WARRANTY INFORMATION SHOWING 191 CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO FUEL SPITBACK ON NON-RECALLED VEHICLES. ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND TREND OF THE FUEL SPITBACK RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:filling/charging
IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR VALVES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED 16 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL SPIT BACK ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL AND 5 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 2 FUEL SPIT BACK COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND 8 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES NOT COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL RECALL.KIA HAS ALSO PROVIDED WARRANTY INFORMATION SHOWING 191 CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO FUEL SPITBACK ON NON-RECALLED VEHICLES. ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND TREND OF THE FUEL SPITBACK RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly
IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR VALVES IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI HAS RECEIVED 16 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL SPIT BACK ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE RECALL AND 5 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED 2 FUEL SPIT BACK COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED AND 8 COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES NOT COVERED BY THE ORIGINAL RECALL.KIA HAS ALSO PROVIDED WARRANTY INFORMATION SHOWING 191 CLAIMS POTENTIALLY RELATED TO FUEL SPITBACK ON NON-RECALLED VEHICLES. ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, AND TREND OF THE FUEL SPITBACK RISK ASSOCIATED WITH THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.
EA02016 · NON-CRASH Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Aug 6, 2002 · Closed Oct 7, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
ODI GATHERED FIRE DATA FROM VARIOUS SOURCES AND INSPECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY STARTER CABLE CHAFING.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOUND THAT MOST OF THE SUSPECT FIRES OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD RECEIVED SERVICE REPAIRS IN THE AREA OF THE SUBJECT CABLE.CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA INDICATE THAT THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE HAS DECLINED SINCE A PEAK IN LATE 2001.THE MOST RECENT KNOWN EVENT OCCURRED IN NOVEMBER OF 2002. KIA WILL PERFORM A SERVICE CAMPAIGN BEGINNING IN LATE 2003 TO INSPECT SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO JANUARY 2000 FOR CABLE DAMAGE AND WILL REPLACE DAMAGED CABLES AS NECESSARY. GIVEN THE DECLINING FIRE RATE AND KIA?S SERVICE CAMPAIGN, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS UNJUSTIFIED IN THIS MATTER.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED. FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE FOUND IN THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
ODI GATHERED FIRE DATA FROM VARIOUS SOURCES AND INSPECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY STARTER CABLE CHAFING.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOUND THAT MOST OF THE SUSPECT FIRES OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD RECEIVED SERVICE REPAIRS IN THE AREA OF THE SUBJECT CABLE.CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA INDICATE THAT THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE HAS DECLINED SINCE A PEAK IN LATE 2001.THE MOST RECENT KNOWN EVENT OCCURRED IN NOVEMBER OF 2002. KIA WILL PERFORM A SERVICE CAMPAIGN BEGINNING IN LATE 2003 TO INSPECT SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO JANUARY 2000 FOR CABLE DAMAGE AND WILL REPLACE DAMAGED CABLES AS NECESSARY. GIVEN THE DECLINING FIRE RATE AND KIA?S SERVICE CAMPAIGN, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS UNJUSTIFIED IN THIS MATTER.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED. FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE FOUND IN THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Electrical System
ODI GATHERED FIRE DATA FROM VARIOUS SOURCES AND INSPECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY STARTER CABLE CHAFING.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOUND THAT MOST OF THE SUSPECT FIRES OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD RECEIVED SERVICE REPAIRS IN THE AREA OF THE SUBJECT CABLE.CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA INDICATE THAT THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE HAS DECLINED SINCE A PEAK IN LATE 2001.THE MOST RECENT KNOWN EVENT OCCURRED IN NOVEMBER OF 2002. KIA WILL PERFORM A SERVICE CAMPAIGN BEGINNING IN LATE 2003 TO INSPECT SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO JANUARY 2000 FOR CABLE DAMAGE AND WILL REPLACE DAMAGED CABLES AS NECESSARY. GIVEN THE DECLINING FIRE RATE AND KIA?S SERVICE CAMPAIGN, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS UNJUSTIFIED IN THIS MATTER.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED. FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE FOUND IN THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
PE02028 · Battery Cable Chafing
Opened Mar 6, 2002 · Closed Aug 6, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
No summary supplied.
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
Illustration