The vehicle dossier US · 2000

2000 Kia
SPORTAGEProblems & recalls

304 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Fuel system appears in 90 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 304 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Fuel system90 reports
Brakes53 reports
Other components48 reports
Engine47 reports
Transmission & drivetrain41 reports
Electrical system32 reports
Body & structure31 reports
Visibility24 reports
Suspension23 reports
Air bags18 reports
Steering8 reports
See original component labels
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE33
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY22
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC13
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS12
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)12
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM12
STRUCTURE:BODY11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER11
SUSPENSION10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS10
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING10
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION9
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE9
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP9
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE8
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS7
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR6
AIR BAGS6
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT6
SUSPENSION:FRONT5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING5
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS5
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN5
TIRES4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP4
STEERING4
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING4
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER4
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING4
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL3
STRUCTURE3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER3
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY3
SEAT BELTS3
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH3
POWER TRAIN3
EQUIPMENT3
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT3
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE3
SERVICE BRAKES3
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY2
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE2
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT2
WHEELS2
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM2
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:AUXILLARY TANK2
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY2
ENGINE2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP1
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL1
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK1
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:COLUMN SHIFT ASSEMBLY1
SEATS1
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
INTERIOR LIGHTING1
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR1
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR1
SUSPENSION:REAR1
CHILD SEAT1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE1
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE1
VISIBILITY:REAR WINDOW WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL1
VISIBILITY1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS1
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
TIRES:TREAD/BELT1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER1
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER:LPG SYSTEMS:TANK VALVE/GAUGE1
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES1
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS1
VISIBILITY/WIPER1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Apr 6, 2020
Mileage, where supplied

70,837 miles is the median among 154 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 42,000–101,066 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

4 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

May 11, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 09E025000

Reported concern

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Read campaign 09E025000 at NHTSA
Apr 7, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 09E012000

Reported concern

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Read campaign 09E012000 at NHTSA
Jun 24, 2004 Safety recallSEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLYCampaign 04V305000

Reported concern

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES MAY EMIT A "CLICK" SOUND DURING THE BUCKLING PROCESS THAT IS SIMILAR TO THE SOUND EMITTED WHEN A BUCKLE IS BEING LATCHED, WHEN IT IS NOT.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Manufacturer campaign: SC039

Read campaign 04V305000 at NHTSA
Jul 27, 2000 Safety recallELECTRICAL SYSTEMCampaign 00V205000

Reported concern

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

Manufacturer’s stated response

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

Manufacturer campaign: SCO17

Read campaign 00V205000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

13 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Sep 13, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_BOD055_R1TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin…NHTSA ID 10201529

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10201529 at NHTSA
Feb 3, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_ELE220_R1TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: FRONT CAMERA OPERATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA449) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar…NHTSA ID 10187727

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: FRONT CAMERA OPERATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA449) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to update the software of the Front Camera (FR_CMR) on some Sportage (QL) vehicles, produced from December 19, 2018 through December 3, 2020, to minimize the sensitivity of the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) / Lane Keep Assist (LKA) system.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10187727 at NHTSA
Mar 2, 2018 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPS539PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.NHTSA ID 10133170

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10133170 at NHTSA
Jan 18, 2017 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-GEN085R1TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.?…NHTSA ID 10109812

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.

Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10109812 at NHTSA
Nov 4, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-GEN085TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft …NHTSA ID 10109777

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?

Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10109777 at NHTSA
Apr 4, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPS443TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their …NHTSA ID 10183431

TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10183431 at NHTSA
Aug 28, 2008 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsKT-2008082201KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PENHTSA ID 10026726

KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS · PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10026726 at NHTSA
Jan 1, 2008 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions014FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT UNDER REPAIR BENEFIT PROGRAM. ON CERTAIN 1997-2000 SPORTAGES. *NJNHTSA ID 10024232

FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT UNDER REPAIR BENEFIT PROGRAM. ON CERTAIN 1997-2000 SPORTAGES. *NJ

Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10024232 at NHTSA
Jan 1, 2004 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions76FUEL PUMP RELAYS & EMISSIONS FAILURES. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. *TTNHTSA ID 10015753

FUEL PUMP RELAYS & EMISSIONS FAILURES. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. *TT

Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10015753 at NHTSA
Mar 1, 2001 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions007RTHIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON A CHANGE TO THE SPORTAGE 4WD HUB SEALS. *TTNHTSA ID 619141

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON A CHANGE TO THE SPORTAGE 4WD HUB SEALS. *TT

Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 619141 at NHTSA
Dec 1, 2000 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions011200INFORMATION ON THE SPORTAGE ENGINE COVER. *TTNHTSA ID 615648

INFORMATION ON THE SPORTAGE ENGINE COVER. *TT

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 615648 at NHTSA
Dec 1, 2000 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions011200INFORMATION ON THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) SYSTEM. *TTNHTSA ID 615647

INFORMATION ON THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) SYSTEM. *TT

Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 615647 at NHTSA
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Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened May 9, 2006 ClosedFUEL TANK LEAKAGEEA06007

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.

Recorded closure: Nov 30, 2007

Find investigation EA06007
Opened Jan 4, 2006 ClosedFUEL TANK LEAKAGEPE06002

ON JANUARY 4, 2006, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE STEEL FUEL STORAGE TANK IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1999-2000 KIA SPORTAGE VEHICLES.ODI SENT A LETTER TO THE MANUFACTURER ON JANUARY 25, 2006 REQUESTING INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER KIA SPORTAGE VEHICLES.ODI IS AWARE OF 40 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS THAT ALLEGE FUEL STORAGE TANK LEAKAGE IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ANALYSIS OF MANUFACTURER DATA INDICATES THAT ALLEGED FUEL LEAKAGE AT OR NEAR THE STORAGE TANK MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT FAILURE MODES INVOLVING THE FUEL CONTAINMENT AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.KIA HAS IDENTIFIED CORROSION AS A PRIMARY CAUSAL FACTOR RELATED TO FUEL STORAGE TANK COMPLAINTS AND CONTINUED FUEL SYSTEM PART SALES.ACCORDING TO KIA, FUEL TANK CORROSION CLAIMS RELATED TO LEAKAGE CAN BE DIVIDED INTO TWO CATEGORIES: LOWER TANK CLAIMS ASSOCIATED WITH EXTERIOR CORROSION DUE TO DISRUPTION OF THE POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) PROTECTIVE COATING AND UPPER TANK CLAIMS ASSOCIATED WITH CORROSION AT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT MOUNTING PLATE AREA.THE MANUFACTURER'S INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED FUEL TANK CORROSION RESULTING IN LEAKAGE IS ONGOING.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA06-007) TO FURTHER STUDY THE FREQUENCY, SCOPE, AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT.

Recorded closure: May 9, 2006

Find investigation PE06002
Opened Feb 27, 2004 ClosedSEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTIONEA04007

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.

Recorded closure: Jul 26, 2004

Find investigation EA04007
Opened Oct 14, 2003 ClosedSEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTIONRQ03007

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.

Recorded closure: Feb 27, 2004

Campaign reference in the source: 04V305000

Find investigation RQ03007
Opened Jun 5, 2002 ClosedVEHICLE ROLLOVERDP02006

There is no summary currently available

Recorded closure: Sep 23, 2002

Find investigation DP02006
Opened Jul 10, 2000 ClosedINCORRECT BATTERY JUMP-STARTPE00026

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

Recorded closure: Jul 31, 2000

Campaign reference in the source: 00V205000

Find investigation PE00026

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