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1998 Kia Sportage

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Sportage years

Owner complaints for the 1998 Kia Sportage are substantially higher than the model-year median of 122.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 34 of 303 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 79 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 63 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports5 fire reports7 injury reports

What owners actually said

303 reports
Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2001
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING ENGINE PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, AND FLUID LEAKAGE PROBLEMS, CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS RELATED TO RECALL 99V325, CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND THE DEALERSHIP NEVER STATED ANYTHING REGARDING THE RECALLS, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING THAT THE RECALL REPAIR BE COMPLETED, HO…

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VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING ENGINE PROBLEMS, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, AND FLUID LEAKAGE PROBLEMS, CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS RELATED TO RECALL 99V325, CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND THE DEALERSHIP NEVER STATED ANYTHING REGARDING THE RECALLS, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING THAT THE RECALL REPAIR BE COMPLETED, HOWEVER DEALER IS STATING THAT THE WARRANTY IS OVER AND NO RECALL REPAIRS WILL BE COMPLETED. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #559496

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2001
Power Train

4-WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM HAS GONE OUT DUE TO FRONT AXLE SEALS LEAKING. DEALER SAID PARTS WERE ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. UNKNOWN WHEN PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. *AK *SLC

NHTSA ODI #879507

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2001
Power Train

AT 20-25 MPH IN SNOW CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE, LIGHT INDICATED THAT IT WAS. CONSUMER HIT GUARDRAIL, ONLY 2-WHEELS WERE TURNING, 4 WHEEL DRIVE NOT WORKING. *AK

NHTSA ODI #878708

Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2001
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

I WAS FORCED TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. WHEN I DID THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LOCKED UP AND THE CAR MADE A VIOLENT SKID AND TURN TO THE RIGHT . I LET OFF OF THE BRAKES AND LET THE CAR CORRECT IT'S SLIDE. WHEN I DID IT MADE SEVERAL VERY NOTICABLE THUMPS IN THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AGAIN THERE W…

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I WAS FORCED TO SLAM ON MY BRAKES TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. WHEN I DID THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LOCKED UP AND THE CAR MADE A VIOLENT SKID AND TURN TO THE RIGHT . I LET OFF OF THE BRAKES AND LET THE CAR CORRECT IT'S SLIDE. WHEN I DID IT MADE SEVERAL VERY NOTICABLE THUMPS IN THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE. WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AGAIN THERE WAS NO BRAKE AND THE PEADAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I WENT AND BOUGHT A NEW SET OF FRONT DISK BRAKE PADS TODAY AND STARTED TO DO A BRAKE JOB. WHEN I REMOVED THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE THERE WAS NO PAD ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ROTOR. THE CALIPER ASSEMBLY HAD BEEN RIDING ON THE ROTOR CAUSING EXTENSIVE WEAR IN ONLY A VERY FEW SHORT MILES. I HAD A FRIEND COME AND EXAMINE THE BRAKES TO VERIFY WHAT I WAS SEEING. HE CONFIRMED ALSO. THERE WAS NO PAD ON THE OUTSIDE. IT WAS EITHER MANUFACTURED WITH THIS PAD MISSING OR IT FELL OUT WHEN I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IF THIS DOESN'T MAKE SENSE OR YOU THINK I COULD BE MISTAKEN. *AK

NHTSA ODI #739183

Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2001
Power Train

VEHICLE NEVER HAD 4-WHEEL DRIVE EVEN THOUGH 4- WHEEL GREEN LIGHT INDICATOR CAME ON . FAILURE WAS DUE TO FRONT SEAL THAT SHRANK. CONSUMER HAS TAKEN VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO FIX DEFECT, BUT DEFECT STILL OCCURS, PLACING CONSUMER IN DANGEROUS SITUATION. CONSUMER IS NOW ON WAITING LIST FOR A NEW PART THAT MANUFACTU…

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VEHICLE NEVER HAD 4-WHEEL DRIVE EVEN THOUGH 4- WHEEL GREEN LIGHT INDICATOR CAME ON . FAILURE WAS DUE TO FRONT SEAL THAT SHRANK. CONSUMER HAS TAKEN VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO FIX DEFECT, BUT DEFECT STILL OCCURS, PLACING CONSUMER IN DANGEROUS SITUATION. CONSUMER IS NOW ON WAITING LIST FOR A NEW PART THAT MANUFACTURER CLAIMS WILL FIX DEFECT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #877750

Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2001
Power Train

4-WHEEL DRIVE NOT ENGAGING. DEALER HAS MADE THREE ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR. RECALLED SEPTEMBER 1999. REPLACED VACCUM SEAL DECEMBER 27, 2000 STILL NOT WORKING.*AK

NHTSA ODI #738941

Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling

VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN DEALERSHIP FOR SURGING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO ON. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #785167

Mileage unknown · Dec 26, 2000
Electrical System

THE CAR HAS ON GOING PROBLEMS. I HAVE BEEN TELLING KIA'S MECHANICS THAT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS OVER AND OVER. 1) ELECTRICAL-POWER SURGES, LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING,FUSES BLOWING! KIA REPLACED THE BATTERY AND SAID IT SHOULD BE FINE NOW BUT IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN! WENT IN FOR A RECALL ON MCC AND ENDED UP D…

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THE CAR HAS ON GOING PROBLEMS. I HAVE BEEN TELLING KIA'S MECHANICS THAT I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS OVER AND OVER. 1) ELECTRICAL-POWER SURGES, LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING,FUSES BLOWING! KIA REPLACED THE BATTERY AND SAID IT SHOULD BE FINE NOW BUT IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN! WENT IN FOR A RECALL ON MCC AND ENDED UP DOING OTHER RECALLS THAT I NEVER RECEIVED! NOW, THE PROBLEM IS WORSE! FUSES ARE BLOWING! I HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY CANT FIND THE PROBLEM TO THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR! BASICALLY, I AM UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THEY CANT FIND IT UNTIL SOMETHING REALLY GOES WRONG. WELL, IT HAS! THE LOSS OF POWER IS TEN TIMES WORSE! I FEAR FOR ANY LIFE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION! THIS IS MY FIRST CAR AND I AM A YOUNG FEMALE! SO, I FEEL LIKE I AM BEING BLOWN OFF AND SUCH WHEN DEALING WITH THE MECHANICS. 2) BRAKING HAS BEEN WIERD ALSO! FEELS LIKE IT TAKES ALONG TIME TO COME TO COMPLETE STOP! I AM AFRAID THAT WHEN KIA FIXES THE PROBLEM IT ISN'T REALLY FIXED BECAUSE I KEEP HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR AND THEY SEEM TO BE THE SAME ONES. I FEEL LIKE I HAVE NO RECOURSE! I NEED THE ASSISTANCE OF SOMEONE TO HELP ME! I HAVE TALK ED TO MANY KIA OWNERS AND THEY EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEMS! THEY ALSO HAVE GOTTEN NO SATISFACTION! ALL THAT WE CAN SAY AS CONSUMERS IS THAT WE WILL NEVER BUY A KIA AGAIN! HELP US!

NHTSA ODI #738268

Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2000
Power Train

WE WERE LUCKY IN A 25 MILE SPEED ZONE-HIGHWAY SPEED WOULD HAVE KILLED US. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY

NHTSA ODI #737451

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2000
Child SeatStructure

ACORDING TO DEALERSHIP , THE PREDRILLED HOLES AND THE CHILD SAFTY SEAT ANCHORING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE 1998 KIA SPORTAGE AND ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. ITS IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THESE ITEMS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW. IM LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND ANY ASSISTANCE THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE WOULD BE …

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ACORDING TO DEALERSHIP , THE PREDRILLED HOLES AND THE CHILD SAFTY SEAT ANCHORING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE 1998 KIA SPORTAGE AND ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. ITS IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THESE ITEMS ARE REQUIRED BY LAW. IM LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND ANY ASSISTANCE THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. I BECAME AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WHEN I PURCHASED A NEW CARSEAT FOR MY TWO YEAR OLD SON. THE MANUAL FOR THE CARSEAT STRICTLY SAYS THAT WITH OUT THE PROPER ANCHOR HARDWARE THE CARSEAT CAN NOT BE INSTALLED PROPERLY.*AK

NHTSA ODI #737307

Official recalls

3

02V216000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Aug 16, 2002

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

99V325000 · Electrical System:wiring

Nov 19, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE C123 AND C124 CONNECTORS CAN BE PUT UNDER TENSION BY MOVEMENT OF THE ENGINE, THUS PULLING THE WIRES AND CONNECTORS, LOOSENING THEM AND RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CIRCUIT CONTINUITY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE ENGINE STALLING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CLIPS TO LOCK THE CONNECTORS TOGETHER. IN ADDITION, THE DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO SOLDER A SPLICE IN THE WIRE HARNESS.

98V222000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Sep 15, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITHOUT AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING CAN CONTACT A HYDRAULIC BRAKE PIPE CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INCREASE THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE PIPE AND STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING.

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

NHTSA investigations

6

EA06007 · Fuel Tank Leakage

Opened May 9, 2006 · Closed Nov 30, 2007

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

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

Additional source detail variants (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline

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

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage

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

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

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

RQ02013 · Engine Stalling POST-RECALL

Opened Oct 18, 2002 · Closed Sep 2, 2003

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:wiring; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Engine And Engine Cooling

RQ02-013 WAS OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND ADEQUACY OF RECALL 99V-325, WHICH INVOLVED MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS (HARNESS).VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL POPULATION HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNS OF A DEFECT TREND.THE MAJORITY OF RECALL REMEDY FAILURES IDENTIFIED WERE REPAIRED WITHIN ONE DAY OF THE INITIAL WORK.SUBSEQUENT FAILURE EXPERIENCE IS MINIMAL (249/55,548 VEHICLES REMEDIED).FIELD DATA SHOW NO INDICATION OF AN ONGOING CONCERN: OF 627 POST-RECALL STALLING-RELATED WIRE HARNESS WARRANTY REPAIRS, ONLY SEVEN OCCURRED IN 2003.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS SALESHAVE DECLINED SINCE 2001.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF TWELVE POTENTIALLY RELEVANT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS SINCE 2001.UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED.THE RECALL QUERY IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

RQ02-013 WAS OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND ADEQUACY OF RECALL 99V-325, WHICH INVOLVED MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS (HARNESS).VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL POPULATION HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNS OF A DEFECT TREND.THE MAJORITY OF RECALL REMEDY FAILURES IDENTIFIED WERE REPAIRED WITHIN ONE DAY OF THE INITIAL WORK.SUBSEQUENT FAILURE EXPERIENCE IS MINIMAL (249/55,548 VEHICLES REMEDIED).FIELD DATA SHOW NO INDICATION OF AN ONGOING CONCERN: OF 627 POST-RECALL STALLING-RELATED WIRE HARNESS WARRANTY REPAIRS, ONLY SEVEN OCCURRED IN 2003.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS SALESHAVE DECLINED SINCE 2001.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF TWELVE POTENTIALLY RELEVANT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS SINCE 2001.UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED.THE RECALL QUERY IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.

Electrical System:wiring

RQ02-013 WAS OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND ADEQUACY OF RECALL 99V-325, WHICH INVOLVED MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS (HARNESS).VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL POPULATION HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNS OF A DEFECT TREND.THE MAJORITY OF RECALL REMEDY FAILURES IDENTIFIED WERE REPAIRED WITHIN ONE DAY OF THE INITIAL WORK.SUBSEQUENT FAILURE EXPERIENCE IS MINIMAL (249/55,548 VEHICLES REMEDIED).FIELD DATA SHOW NO INDICATION OF AN ONGOING CONCERN: OF 627 POST-RECALL STALLING-RELATED WIRE HARNESS WARRANTY REPAIRS, ONLY SEVEN OCCURRED IN 2003.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS SALESHAVE DECLINED SINCE 2001.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF TWELVE POTENTIALLY RELEVANT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS SINCE 2001.UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED.THE RECALL QUERY IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.

Engine And Engine Cooling

RQ02-013 WAS OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND ADEQUACY OF RECALL 99V-325, WHICH INVOLVED MODIFICATIONS TO THE ENGINE FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS (HARNESS).VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL POPULATION HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNS OF A DEFECT TREND.THE MAJORITY OF RECALL REMEDY FAILURES IDENTIFIED WERE REPAIRED WITHIN ONE DAY OF THE INITIAL WORK.SUBSEQUENT FAILURE EXPERIENCE IS MINIMAL (249/55,548 VEHICLES REMEDIED).FIELD DATA SHOW NO INDICATION OF AN ONGOING CONCERN: OF 627 POST-RECALL STALLING-RELATED WIRE HARNESS WARRANTY REPAIRS, ONLY SEVEN OCCURRED IN 2003.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND FUEL INJECTION WIRE HARNESS SALESHAVE DECLINED SINCE 2001.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF TWELVE POTENTIALLY RELEVANT CONSUMER COMPLAINTS SINCE 2001.UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT JUSTIFIED.THE RECALL QUERY IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT.

PE02051 · Safety Belt Buckle Malfunction

Opened Jun 17, 2002 · Closed Sep 20, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 25, 2002, KIA ADVISED NHTSA THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED.SPECIFIC CORRECTIVE ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY KIA HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA AT THIS TIME.THE SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM HAS BEEN ASSIGNED CAMPAIGN NO. 02V-216.

EA00018 · Turn Sighal

Opened Jun 29, 2000 · Closed Jul 29, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting

There is no summary currently available

PE00004 · Turn Signal, Traffic Safety Hazard

Opened Jan 13, 2000 · Closed Jun 29, 2000

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting

ALLEGE THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE TRUN SIGNAL SWITCH FAILED.THIS FAILURE INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH DUE TO OPERATOR DISTRACTION AND DUE TO OTHER VEHICLES BEING UNINFORMED OF THE OPERATOR'S INTENTIONS.

PE99033 · Windshield Wiper

Opened May 6, 1999 · Closed Oct 21, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility

ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPER BECOMES INOPERATIVE WHEN THE WIPER ARM AND PIVOT SEPARATE

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