EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Defect Description
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.Read moreConsequence
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
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.
42,540 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
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.Read moreConsequence
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
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.
16,270 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Defect Description
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES MAY EMIT A "CLICK" SOUND DURING THE BUCKLING PROCESS THAT IS SIMILAR TO THE SOUND EMITTED WHEN A BUCKLE IS BEING LATCHED, WHEN IT IS NOT.
Consequence
THE LATCH CAN THEN PULL OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN TENSION IS APPLIED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
251,594 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Defect Description
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
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.
76,986 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Defect Description
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
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.
39,656 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Complaint Statistics
493 total complaints
43 crashes 6 fires 21 injuries 1 deaths
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 42 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM | 19 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 16 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 16 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 14 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 14 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING | 12 |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | 12 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 12 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 12 |
Incident date: Oct 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED STRONG FUEL FUMES ON THE EXTERIOR AND THE INTERIOR. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO
... STATED THAT THE TIMING BELT FAILED THREE TIMES AND WAS REPLACED BY A MECHANIC. THE DRIVE TRAIN FAILED ONCE AND WAS REPLACED BY A MECHANIC. THE CRANK SHAFT WAS ALSO REPLACED ONCE. THE CONTACT ALSO WAS EXPERIENCING A TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN WHICH THE GEARS SLIPPED RANDOMLY AND WERE SLOW TO CHANGE OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN THREE TIMES AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE SEALS DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE FUEL LEAK CONTINUED AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 333,000.Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED STRONG FUEL FUMES ON THE EXTERIOR AND THE INTERIOR. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO
... STATED THAT THE TIMING BELT FAILED THREE TIMES AND WAS REPLACED BY A MECHANIC. THE DRIVE TRAIN FAILED ONCE AND WAS REPLACED BY A MECHANIC. THE CRANK SHAFT WAS ALSO REPLACED ONCE. THE CONTACT ALSO WAS EXPERIENCING A TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN WHICH THE GEARS SLIPPED RANDOMLY AND WERE SLOW TO CHANGE OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN THREE TIMES AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE SEALS DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE FUEL LEAK CONTINUED AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 333,000.Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED STRONG FUEL FUMES ON THE EXTERIOR AND THE INTERIOR. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO
... STATED THAT THE TIMING BELT FAILED THREE TIMES AND WAS REPLACED BY A MECHANIC. THE DRIVE TRAIN FAILED ONCE AND WAS REPLACED BY A MECHANIC. THE CRANK SHAFT WAS ALSO REPLACED ONCE. THE CONTACT ALSO WAS EXPERIENCING A TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN WHICH THE GEARS SLIPPED RANDOMLY AND WERE SLOW TO CHANGE OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN THREE TIMES AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE SEALS DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE FUEL LEAK CONTINUED AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 333,000.Read more
Incident date: Oct 6, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED STRONG FUEL FUMES ON THE EXTERIOR AND THE INTERIOR. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO
... STATED THAT THE TIMING BELT FAILED THREE TIMES AND WAS REPLACED BY A MECHANIC. THE DRIVE TRAIN FAILED ONCE AND WAS REPLACED BY A MECHANIC. THE CRANK SHAFT WAS ALSO REPLACED ONCE. THE CONTACT ALSO WAS EXPERIENCING A TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN WHICH THE GEARS SLIPPED RANDOMLY AND WERE SLOW TO CHANGE OVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN THREE TIMES AND THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE SEALS DUE TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THE FUEL LEAK CONTINUED AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 333,000.Read more
Incident date: Feb 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED GEARS WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NEED TO BE REPLAC
... ED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.Read more
Incident date: Mar 13, 2014
I HAD JUST FILLED GAS TANK WITH UNLEADED GAS. WHEN I NOTICED A STRONG GAS SMELL. THE CAR SITS ALL DAY. I ONLY MOVE IT FOR EMISSIONS EACH YEAR I WORK FROM HOME. THEY TESTED AND TOLD ME EVAP EMISSION CONTROL SYS MALF. THE GUY SAID HE COULD SEE GAS LEAKING FROM MY FUEL LINE. HE SAID IT WAS A RECALL ON
... THIS TO CHECK WITH KIA. KIA TOLD ME MY VIN NUMBER DID NOT MATCH THE RECALL. THIS CAR DOES NOT SEE ALOT OF ACTION THERE IS NO REASON OTHER THAN A FEW GOOD SNOWS THAT MAY HAVE RUSTED THE TANK OTHER WISE WHY WOULD MY TANK ALL OF A SUDDEN LEAK GAS. THIS IS A HAZARD THAT I THINK KIA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE CAR AND HAVE HAD IT LONGER THAN THE FIRST. I HAVE EXPERIENCED FIRST HAND SOME ISSUES THIS MODEL HAS HAD WHICH KIA TOOK CARE OF. BUT THEY REFUSE THIS. *TRRead more
Incident date: Jan 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND CAUSED THAT CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE AFTER HE REGAINED CONTROL, STOPPED AND EXIT
... ED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.Read more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY DID NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16
... 8,390. UPDATED 02/03/2014 *LJ UPDATED 02/24/14*LJRead more
Incident date: Dec 20, 2013
REAR FRAME OF MY 1999 KIA SPORTAGE ROTTED, AND CAUSING THE WHOLE REAREND TO SHIFT SEVERELY. AT 30MPH. CAUSING ME TO PARK MY SPORTAGE. REST OF THE FRAME IN GOOD SHAPE. *TR
Incident date: Dec 20, 2013
REAR FRAME OF MY 1999 KIA SPORTAGE ROTTED, AND CAUSING THE WHOLE REAREND TO SHIFT SEVERELY. AT 30MPH. CAUSING ME TO PARK MY SPORTAGE. REST OF THE FRAME IN GOOD SHAPE. *TR
Incident date: Dec 20, 2013
REAR FRAME OF MY 1999 KIA SPORTAGE ROTTED, AND CAUSING THE WHOLE REAREND TO SHIFT SEVERELY. AT 30MPH. CAUSING ME TO PARK MY SPORTAGE. REST OF THE FRAME IN GOOD SHAPE. *TR
Incident date: Nov 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN A LARGER TRUCK PASSED HIM ON THE ROADWAY AND CAUSED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE TO SWERVE INTO ANOTHER LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE
... WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.Read more
Incident date: Oct 27, 2013
FRONT LEFT SIDE SEAT BELT, WON'T RETRACT. *TR
Incident date: Oct 18, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND HIT A BUMP WHEN MY CAR BEGAN SWAYING BACK AND FORTH FROM SIDE TO SIDE. I HAD A VERY HARD TIME MAINTAINING CONTROL. I SLOWLY DROVE HOME AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION UNDERNEATH MY 1999 KIA SPORTAGE I DISCOVER THE FRAME IS TOTALLY RUSTED TO THE POINT OF FALLING APART.
... THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME IS ALMOST NON EXISTENT AND THE DRIVERS SIDE ISN'T MUCH BETTER THERE ARE HOLES AND PIECES OF THE FRAME GONE. I HAVE BEEN READING ON LINE THAT THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM MY 11 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER OR MYSELF COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT, PLEASE DO SOMETHING SO OTHERS WILL NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THIS. *TRRead more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE AN ENGINEER FOR THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED AND DETERMINED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUST
... ED AND COULD NOT BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 72,083.Read more
Incident date: Jul 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE WHEN ACCELERATING. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THERE WAS A DELAY IN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATING AND WHEN IT WOULD, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. TH
... E FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.Read more
Incident date: Jun 7, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWAY BACK AND FORTH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD RUSTED FROM THE CHASSIS ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE. THE MECHANIC ALSO ADVISED THAT THE FAILU
... RE WAS NON-REPAIRABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,000. UPDATED 9/16/11 *CN UPDATED 2/9/12 *CNRead more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2011
1995 TO 2002 KIA SPORTAGES FRAMES ARE ROTTING OUT AND GAS TANKS LEAKING ALSO. KIA REFUSES TO REPAIR OR PUT OUT A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. VEHICLES ARE A SAFETY ISSUE TO THE PUBLIC. FORD WINDSTARS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS FROM 1998 TO 2003 BACK AXLE ROTTING OUT, THEY ARE TAKING ACTION AND OWNING UP TO THE P
... ROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN A STATE INSPECTION MECHANIC FOR THE STATE OF PA. FOR 35YRS THIS DEFECT IS GOING TO CAUSE SEVERAL CRASHES, MAYBE DEATHS. KIA IS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THIS MATTER ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT. THANKS *TRRead more
Incident date: Feb 2, 2011
1995 TO 2002 KIA SPORTAGES FRAMES ARE ROTTING OUT AND GAS TANKS LEAKING ALSO. KIA REFUSES TO REPAIR OR PUT OUT A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. VEHICLES ARE A SAFETY ISSUE TO THE PUBLIC. FORD WINDSTARS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS FROM 1998 TO 2003 BACK AXLE ROTTING OUT, THEY ARE TAKING ACTION AND OWNING UP TO THE P
... ROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN A STATE INSPECTION MECHANIC FOR THE STATE OF PA. FOR 35YRS THIS DEFECT IS GOING TO CAUSE SEVERAL CRASHES, MAYBE DEATHS. KIA IS NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THIS MATTER ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT. THANKS *TRRead more
Incident date: Jun 5, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SHORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER DISPENSING FUEL INTO THE FULL TANK, HE WOULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A MANUFACTURE VOLUNTA
... RY RECALL PERTAINING TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED THAT SAFETY RECALL EXPIRED. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL TANK WAS NOT IN STOCK. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 105,000. UPDATED 2/23/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP HAD RUST PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE PURCHASED ANOTHER VEHICLE. UPDATED 02/28/11Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2010
I HAVE A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE WITH 55,000 MILES ON IT. THE ENTIRE FRAME IS ROTTED AND RUSTED OUT. CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN SAFETY. WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. I HAVE 6 MORE MONTHS OF PAYMENTS I WANT TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT THIS? THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. 3 DEALERSHIPS WOULD NOT EVEN TAKE IT AS A
... TRADE! I WAS TOLD NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE GASTANK COULD FALL DOWN IF I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE COULD EXPLODE. *TRRead more
Incident date: Dec 1, 2009
1999 KIA SPORTAGE. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE 2008. I HAVE HAD THE GAS TANK PATCHED 3 TIMES, THEN COMPLETELY REPLACED COST OF OVER 400 DOLLARS. MY MECHANIC SAID THE TANK KEPT RUSTING NO MATTER WHAT HE TRIED AND IT WAS DEFECTIVE. ALL REAR BRAKES TWICE AND NOW WITH EVEN NEW LEVER AND OTHER PARTS 420 DOLLAR
... S. NOW THE CAR IS UNDRIVEABLE DUE TO THE REAR FRAME WHICH HAS CRACKED AND SEPARATED CAUSING THE CAR TO SWAY AND MAKING STEERING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. I THOUGHT IT WAS A SHOCK THAT BROKE WHEN I HEARD THE CLUNKING SOUND, TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THE CAR WAS TO UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE FRAME IS SWINGING ALL AROUND. I HAVE NO OTHER VEHICLE AND TWO CHILDREN AM A SINGLE PARENT. NOW I CAN'T GET TO WORK, APPOINTMENTS, SCHOOLS ECT. *TRRead more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2010
I OWN A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE AND RECENTLY HAD IT RACKED TO SEE WHAT THE NOISE WAS THAT WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH MY CAR. THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE FAME IS SEPARATING FROM EACH OTHER, LEANING ON THE SHOCK ABSORBERS ON BOTH SIDES, THERE ARE LARGE HOLES IN THE FAME WHERE THEY HAVE R
... USTED THROUGH, THE FUEL TANK AND SHIELD IS RUSTED OUT AND THIS CAR IS A TICKING TIME BOMB, READY TO FALL APART, AND OR IF ANYTHING HITS THE FUEL TANK IT WILL DISINTEGRATE AND POSSIBLY EXPLODE. THIS CAR IS LITERALLY COMING APART UNDERNEATH.TWO OF THE DOORS PANELS UNDERNEATH HAVE RUSTED AWAY. EVERYTHING IS RUSTED AND IT SCARES ME TO DEATH TO BE DRIVING IT NOW THAT I HAVE SEEN THE UNDERCARRIAGE. I HAVE MANY PHOTOS TO SUBMIT FOR PROOF OF THE PROBLEM.APPARENTLY THIS CAR HAS BEEN RUSTING FOR SOME TIME AND I HAVE NEVER NOTICED IT. I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN SEPTEMBER OF 1999. IT HAS PREMATURELY RUSTED OUT UNLIKE MOST VEHICLES WHICH LAST FOR MANY YEARS. I WAS INFORMED BY MY BROTHER THIS PAST SUMMER AND HE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE CAMPAIGN ON THE FUEL TANK BUT WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID IT WAS PAST THE 10 YEAR MARK BY A FEW MONTHS AND THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH KIA TO GATHER INFORMATION ABOUT RECALLS AND SERVICE CAMPAIGN NOTICES OF WHICH I ONLY WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT 3 OR 4 OF THEM SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT. *TRRead more
Incident date: Aug 16, 2010
I OWN A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE AND RECENTLY HAD IT RACKED TO SEE WHAT THE NOISE WAS THAT WAS COMING FROM UNDERNEATH MY CAR. THE ENTIRE UNDERCARRIAGE HAS RUSTED OUT AND THE FAME IS SEPARATING FROM EACH OTHER, LEANING ON THE SHOCK ABSORBERS ON BOTH SIDES, THERE ARE LARGE HOLES IN THE FAME WHERE THEY HAVE R
... USTED THROUGH, THE FUEL TANK AND SHIELD IS RUSTED OUT AND THIS CAR IS A TICKING TIME BOMB, READY TO FALL APART, AND OR IF ANYTHING HITS THE FUEL TANK IT WILL DISINTEGRATE AND POSSIBLY EXPLODE. THIS CAR IS LITERALLY COMING APART UNDERNEATH.TWO OF THE DOORS PANELS UNDERNEATH HAVE RUSTED AWAY. EVERYTHING IS RUSTED AND IT SCARES ME TO DEATH TO BE DRIVING IT NOW THAT I HAVE SEEN THE UNDERCARRIAGE. I HAVE MANY PHOTOS TO SUBMIT FOR PROOF OF THE PROBLEM.APPARENTLY THIS CAR HAS BEEN RUSTING FOR SOME TIME AND I HAVE NEVER NOTICED IT. I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW IN SEPTEMBER OF 1999. IT HAS PREMATURELY RUSTED OUT UNLIKE MOST VEHICLES WHICH LAST FOR MANY YEARS. I WAS INFORMED BY MY BROTHER THIS PAST SUMMER AND HE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE CAMPAIGN ON THE FUEL TANK BUT WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID IT WAS PAST THE 10 YEAR MARK BY A FEW MONTHS AND THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH KIA TO GATHER INFORMATION ABOUT RECALLS AND SERVICE CAMPAIGN NOTICES OF WHICH I ONLY WAS NOTIFIED ABOUT 3 OR 4 OF THEM SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED IT. *TRRead more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2010
1999 KIA SPORTAGE GAS TANK ROTTED AND LEAKING. *TR
Incident date: Jun 6, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN THE MECHANIC WAS CHANGING THE OIL HE NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE REAR FRAME HAD DECAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEABLE BUT HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 115,000. UPDATED 02/10/11 *BF
... UPDATED 03/11/11*JBRead more
Incident date: Feb 1, 2010
FUEL TANK LEAK. SMELL OF GASOLINE WHEN CAR IS PUT IN GARAGE. *TR
Incident date: Apr 5, 2010
THE CHASSIS OF MY 1999 KIA SPORTAGE IS ROTTING OUT. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE RAILINGS WELDED TOGETHER, ONE RAILING HAS A HOLE ABOUT 6 IN LONG ON THE SIDE OF THE RAILING AND THE GAS TANK HAS TO BE REPLACE. BUT IF THE TANK IS REMOVED THE PART OF THE CHASSIS IT IS ATTACHED TO WILL COME OFF AND THERE WI
... LL BE NO WAY TO ATTACH A NEW ONE. *TRRead more
Incident date: Feb 25, 2010
KEYWAY ON CRANKSHAFT WHERE TIMING GEAR ATTACHES WEARS OUT PREMATURELY AND CAN RESULT IN HAVING TO REPLACE ENGINE! I HAVE REPLACE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, FUEL FILTER, AND KNOCK SENSOR ALSO THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR AND TIMING BELT WERE REPLACED AS THERE APPEARED TO BE A TIMING ISSUE COULD NOT FIND PR
... OBLEM SO TOOK TO KIA DEALER TO FIND THE KEYWAY ON CRANKSHAFT TO BE SO WORN YOU COULD ALMOST TURN GEAR ALL THE WAY AROUND! IN ALL THE YEARS I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON VEHICLES THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER SEEN THIS AND IS VERY OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER DEFECT! *TRRead more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2009
FUEL TANK LEAKING EVERY TIME WHEN FILLING TANK. FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, PROBLEM WITH GASOLINE LEAKAGE WHEN FILLING TANK IS STILL A PROBLEM. NO REPAIRS AS OF YET. I'M ON DISABILITY. *TR
Incident date: Jul 16, 2009
THE FRAME IS ALL RUST. I HAD TO HAVE THE STABILIZER BAR WELDED WHERE IT COME LOSE FROM THE FRAME FROM RUST. THE BAR WAS ON THE REAR OF THE CAR WITCH MAID IT GO ALL OVER THE ROAD. *TR
Incident date: May 20, 2009
I OWN A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. WHEN I FILED TANK, GAS LEAKED. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY STATED THAT I HAVE A LEAK IN MY GAS TANK. *TR
Incident date: Jun 19, 2009
I HAVE A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE THAT HAS 114,000 MILES ON IT. I NOTICED A COUPLE WEEKS AGO IT WAS MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE IN THE RIGHT REAR OF THE CAR, TOOK IT IN THINKING IT NEEDED SHOCKS AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT BECAUSE THE FRAME IS RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKEN JUST BEHIND THE GAS TANK (WHICH IS NEW).
... THEY INFORMED ME THIS CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE MY LITTLE GRANDBABIES IN ANY LONGER AND WOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REPAIRS THAT COULDN'T GUARANTEE OUR SAFETY. NOW I AM FORCED TO GET ANOTHER CAR THAT IS SAFE TO DRIVE MYSELF AND MY GRANDKIDS I AM THEIR CAREGIVER MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. I DON'T THINK THIS CAR IS OLD ENOUGH FOR THIS KIND OF PROBLEM TO OCCUR. I HAVE KEPT IT IN GOOD MECHANICAL SHAPE SO I DON'T APPRECIATE BEING FORCED TO FIND ANOTHER CAR RIGHT NOW, I ALREADY WORK 2 JOBS AND THIS PUTS A STRAIN ON ME. *TRRead more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2009
1999 KIA SPORTAGE, HAD A GAS LEAK GOT IT REPAIRED WITH A NEW TANK LAST YEAR, STILL HAVE A GAS SMELL. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE SMELL THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM, OF COURSE THIS IS MY REGULAR MECHANIC NOT A KIA DEALER. NOW THE FRAME IS BUSTED FROM PREMATURE RUSTING AND DISINTEGRATI
... ON WHICH IS HOLDING UP THE GAS TANK. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON FOR "EVAP LEAK" . NO POWER WHEN A/C IS RUNNING. A/C NOW HAS LEAK. CONSTANTLY SMELL A BURNING SMELL JUST BEFORE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. ALSO CONSTANTLY BLOWS FUSES FOR POWER WINDOWS ETC. THIS IS A DEATH TRAP FOR SURE, YOU CAN IMAGINE MY SURPRISE WHEN I WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE MY GRANDBABIES IN THIS CAR IT IS UNSAFE...AND WHEN THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT AS THEY COULDN'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE WHEN TRYING TO FIX A FRAMING PROBLEM. THIS CAR HAS HAD VERY GOOD MAINTENANCE, OIL CHANGES, TIRES ETC. AND ONLY HAS 114,000 MILES , I NEVER DREAMED I WOULD HAVE TO FIND ANOTHER CAR SO SOON. I REALLY THOUGHT I SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST ANOTHER 100,000 TO GO! *TRRead more
Incident date: May 22, 2009
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON I-80 WHEN THE VEHICLE SWAYED VERY BADLY AND ALMOST HIT A ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE IMMEDIATELY SLOWED AND EXITED THE HIGHWAY. UPON INSPECTION THE FRAME SEVERED AND BROKE WHERE THE SUSPENSION ATTACHES TO THE FRAME RIGHT BEHIND THE REAR TIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. T
... HIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP... THE MECHANIC AND MY INSURANCE ADJUSTED SAID MY WIFE MUST HAVE AN ANGEL WATCHING OVER HER. *TRRead more
Incident date: May 22, 2009
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON I-80 WHEN THE VEHICLE SWAYED VERY BADLY AND ALMOST HIT A ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE IMMEDIATELY SLOWED AND EXITED THE HIGHWAY. UPON INSPECTION THE FRAME SEVERED AND BROKE WHERE THE SUSPENSION ATTACHES TO THE FRAME RIGHT BEHIND THE REAR TIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. T
... HIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP... THE MECHANIC AND MY INSURANCE ADJUSTED SAID MY WIFE MUST HAVE AN ANGEL WATCHING OVER HER. *TRRead more
Incident date: Jan 2, 2009
ON DECEMBER 22, 2008, DURING VEHICLE INSPECTION, FOUND GAS SMELL AND POSSIBLE LEAK IN GAS TANK. PHONE KIA DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, AND TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR A FUEL TANK INSPECTION (ALONG WITH SOME OTHER RECALL REPAIRS). ON 1/2/2009, THE VEHICLE WAS IN
... SPECTED BY THE KIA DEALERSHIP, AND THEY INDICATED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK, AND THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND MAY BE COVERED BY A SERVICE CAMPAIGN. HOWEVER, THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 137,700 MILES, AND THE LIMIT WAS 130,000 FOR KIA TO REIMBURSE. I INDICATED THAT I HAD NEVER RECEIVED AN NOTICE OF THIS PROBLEM. FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THERE WERE AT LEAST TWO (2) SERVICE CAMPAIGNS (SC059 AND RB001) WHICH DATED BACK TO MAY 2006, AND JANUARY 2008. HAD I BEEN NOTIFIED, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE HAD MUCH LESS THAN THE LIMIT OF 130,000 MILES. I PHONED AND E-MAILED CUSTOMER SUPPORT (NO MAILING ADDRESS LISTED). DURING THE PHONE CONVERSATION WITH STEVE, I WAS INFORMED "TOO BAD, BUT IT IS OUT OF THE MILEAGE LIMIT AND THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO. NOT SURE WHY YOU NEVER GOT A NOTICE". WHEN I E-MAILED, I RECEIVED A PHONE REPLY (AFTER THE SECOND E-MAIL) FROM STEVE STATING "WE ALREADY DISCUSSED THIS. NOT SURE WHY YOU E-MAILED SINCE THIS WAS ALREADY ADDRESSED". I FEEL THAT A PROBLEM AS IMPORTANT AS A LEAKING FUEL TANK SHOULD NOT BE LEFT TO CHANCE, WAITING FOR A REGULAR INSPECTION OR AN ACTUAL LEAK TO DETECT IT. I FEEL THAT KIA SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR A RECALL, AND SHOULD ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR. CURRENTLY I HAVE REPAIRED THE TANK, WHILE LOOKING FOR A REPLACEMENT TANK. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TRRead more
Incident date: Dec 28, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE FRAME BEHIND THE TIRES WAS BEGINNING TO RUST AND DISINTEGRATE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE PARTICULAR COMPONENT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 78,000. UPDATED 01-26-09 *BF UPDATED 01/27/09. *JB
Incident date: Nov 27, 2008
I PURCHASED MY KIA USED, FROM A DEALER, LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, AND IT PASSED THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS CHECK FOR VEHICLE INSPECTION. I IMMEDIATELY HAD TO HAVE DEALER REPLACE THE GASOLINE TANK AFTER SMELLING GASOLINE. THIS CAR IS USED SOLELY FOR LIGHT USAGE TO TRANSPORT MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN TO AND FR
... OM DR'S AND GROCERY STORES. AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR LESS THAN TWO MONTHS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, REPORTING ISSUE WITH CATALYST. FOUND A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND AM TRYING TO GET ORIGINAL DEALER TO FIX. NOW EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER TO ENGAGE INCLINES OR HILLS, CAUSING A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS. ALSO BACK BRAKES SIMPLY "BLEW"! WITHOUT ANY FOREWARNING, WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR, I LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITIES. THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT GOING FAST AND HAVE A STANDARD TO QUICKLY DOWNSHIFT. MY MOTHER WAS KILLED DUE TO LOSS OF BRAKES, AND IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE PANICKING SITUATION FOR ME EMOTIONALLY. BEING A SINGLE MOTHER I RELY ON MECHANICS TO DO ALL MY WORK, AND I HAD JUST HAD ALL MY FUEL LEVELS TOPPED OFF AND MY PADS CHECKED, WITHOUT ANY ISSUE FOUND. I HAVE ALSO HAD AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELTS REMAINING ENGAGED. THE DEALER WARRANTY EXPIRED AND I AM STUCK WITH RECALLS NOBODY SEEMS TO WANT TO FIX! *TRRead more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2008
I PURCHASED MY KIA USED, FROM A DEALER, LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, AND IT PASSED THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS CHECK FOR VEHICLE INSPECTION. I IMMEDIATELY HAD TO HAVE DEALER REPLACE THE GASOLINE TANK AFTER SMELLING GASOLINE. THIS CAR IS USED SOLELY FOR LIGHT USAGE TO TRANSPORT MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN TO AND FR
... OM DR'S AND GROCERY STORES. AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR LESS THAN TWO MONTHS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, REPORTING ISSUE WITH CATALYST. FOUND A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND AM TRYING TO GET ORIGINAL DEALER TO FIX. NOW EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER TO ENGAGE INCLINES OR HILLS, CAUSING A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS. ALSO BACK BRAKES SIMPLY "BLEW"! WITHOUT ANY FOREWARNING, WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR, I LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITIES. THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT GOING FAST AND HAVE A STANDARD TO QUICKLY DOWNSHIFT. MY MOTHER WAS KILLED DUE TO LOSS OF BRAKES, AND IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE PANICKING SITUATION FOR ME EMOTIONALLY. BEING A SINGLE MOTHER I RELY ON MECHANICS TO DO ALL MY WORK, AND I HAD JUST HAD ALL MY FUEL LEVELS TOPPED OFF AND MY PADS CHECKED, WITHOUT ANY ISSUE FOUND. I HAVE ALSO HAD AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELTS REMAINING ENGAGED. THE DEALER WARRANTY EXPIRED AND I AM STUCK WITH RECALLS NOBODY SEEMS TO WANT TO FIX! *TRRead more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2008
I PURCHASED MY KIA USED, FROM A DEALER, LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, AND IT PASSED THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS CHECK FOR VEHICLE INSPECTION. I IMMEDIATELY HAD TO HAVE DEALER REPLACE THE GASOLINE TANK AFTER SMELLING GASOLINE. THIS CAR IS USED SOLELY FOR LIGHT USAGE TO TRANSPORT MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN TO AND FR
... OM DR'S AND GROCERY STORES. AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR LESS THAN TWO MONTHS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, REPORTING ISSUE WITH CATALYST. FOUND A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND AM TRYING TO GET ORIGINAL DEALER TO FIX. NOW EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER TO ENGAGE INCLINES OR HILLS, CAUSING A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS. ALSO BACK BRAKES SIMPLY "BLEW"! WITHOUT ANY FOREWARNING, WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR, I LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITIES. THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT GOING FAST AND HAVE A STANDARD TO QUICKLY DOWNSHIFT. MY MOTHER WAS KILLED DUE TO LOSS OF BRAKES, AND IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE PANICKING SITUATION FOR ME EMOTIONALLY. BEING A SINGLE MOTHER I RELY ON MECHANICS TO DO ALL MY WORK, AND I HAD JUST HAD ALL MY FUEL LEVELS TOPPED OFF AND MY PADS CHECKED, WITHOUT ANY ISSUE FOUND. I HAVE ALSO HAD AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELTS REMAINING ENGAGED. THE DEALER WARRANTY EXPIRED AND I AM STUCK WITH RECALLS NOBODY SEEMS TO WANT TO FIX! *TRRead more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2008
I PURCHASED MY KIA USED, FROM A DEALER, LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, AND IT PASSED THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS CHECK FOR VEHICLE INSPECTION. I IMMEDIATELY HAD TO HAVE DEALER REPLACE THE GASOLINE TANK AFTER SMELLING GASOLINE. THIS CAR IS USED SOLELY FOR LIGHT USAGE TO TRANSPORT MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN TO AND FR
... OM DR'S AND GROCERY STORES. AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR LESS THAN TWO MONTHS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, REPORTING ISSUE WITH CATALYST. FOUND A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND AM TRYING TO GET ORIGINAL DEALER TO FIX. NOW EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER TO ENGAGE INCLINES OR HILLS, CAUSING A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS. ALSO BACK BRAKES SIMPLY "BLEW"! WITHOUT ANY FOREWARNING, WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR, I LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITIES. THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT GOING FAST AND HAVE A STANDARD TO QUICKLY DOWNSHIFT. MY MOTHER WAS KILLED DUE TO LOSS OF BRAKES, AND IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE PANICKING SITUATION FOR ME EMOTIONALLY. BEING A SINGLE MOTHER I RELY ON MECHANICS TO DO ALL MY WORK, AND I HAD JUST HAD ALL MY FUEL LEVELS TOPPED OFF AND MY PADS CHECKED, WITHOUT ANY ISSUE FOUND. I HAVE ALSO HAD AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELTS REMAINING ENGAGED. THE DEALER WARRANTY EXPIRED AND I AM STUCK WITH RECALLS NOBODY SEEMS TO WANT TO FIX! *TRRead more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2008
I PURCHASED MY KIA USED, FROM A DEALER, LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, AND IT PASSED THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS CHECK FOR VEHICLE INSPECTION. I IMMEDIATELY HAD TO HAVE DEALER REPLACE THE GASOLINE TANK AFTER SMELLING GASOLINE. THIS CAR IS USED SOLELY FOR LIGHT USAGE TO TRANSPORT MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN TO AND FR
... OM DR'S AND GROCERY STORES. AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR LESS THAN TWO MONTHS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, REPORTING ISSUE WITH CATALYST. FOUND A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND AM TRYING TO GET ORIGINAL DEALER TO FIX. NOW EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER TO ENGAGE INCLINES OR HILLS, CAUSING A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS. ALSO BACK BRAKES SIMPLY "BLEW"! WITHOUT ANY FOREWARNING, WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR, I LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITIES. THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT GOING FAST AND HAVE A STANDARD TO QUICKLY DOWNSHIFT. MY MOTHER WAS KILLED DUE TO LOSS OF BRAKES, AND IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE PANICKING SITUATION FOR ME EMOTIONALLY. BEING A SINGLE MOTHER I RELY ON MECHANICS TO DO ALL MY WORK, AND I HAD JUST HAD ALL MY FUEL LEVELS TOPPED OFF AND MY PADS CHECKED, WITHOUT ANY ISSUE FOUND. I HAVE ALSO HAD AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELTS REMAINING ENGAGED. THE DEALER WARRANTY EXPIRED AND I AM STUCK WITH RECALLS NOBODY SEEMS TO WANT TO FIX! *TRRead more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2008
I PURCHASED MY KIA USED, FROM A DEALER, LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, AND IT PASSED THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS CHECK FOR VEHICLE INSPECTION. I IMMEDIATELY HAD TO HAVE DEALER REPLACE THE GASOLINE TANK AFTER SMELLING GASOLINE. THIS CAR IS USED SOLELY FOR LIGHT USAGE TO TRANSPORT MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN TO AND FR
... OM DR'S AND GROCERY STORES. AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR LESS THAN TWO MONTHS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, REPORTING ISSUE WITH CATALYST. FOUND A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND AM TRYING TO GET ORIGINAL DEALER TO FIX. NOW EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER TO ENGAGE INCLINES OR HILLS, CAUSING A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS. ALSO BACK BRAKES SIMPLY "BLEW"! WITHOUT ANY FOREWARNING, WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR, I LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITIES. THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT GOING FAST AND HAVE A STANDARD TO QUICKLY DOWNSHIFT. MY MOTHER WAS KILLED DUE TO LOSS OF BRAKES, AND IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE PANICKING SITUATION FOR ME EMOTIONALLY. BEING A SINGLE MOTHER I RELY ON MECHANICS TO DO ALL MY WORK, AND I HAD JUST HAD ALL MY FUEL LEVELS TOPPED OFF AND MY PADS CHECKED, WITHOUT ANY ISSUE FOUND. I HAVE ALSO HAD AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELTS REMAINING ENGAGED. THE DEALER WARRANTY EXPIRED AND I AM STUCK WITH RECALLS NOBODY SEEMS TO WANT TO FIX! *TRRead more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2008
I PURCHASED MY KIA USED, FROM A DEALER, LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, AND IT PASSED THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS CHECK FOR VEHICLE INSPECTION. I IMMEDIATELY HAD TO HAVE DEALER REPLACE THE GASOLINE TANK AFTER SMELLING GASOLINE. THIS CAR IS USED SOLELY FOR LIGHT USAGE TO TRANSPORT MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN TO AND FR
... OM DR'S AND GROCERY STORES. AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR LESS THAN TWO MONTHS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, REPORTING ISSUE WITH CATALYST. FOUND A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND AM TRYING TO GET ORIGINAL DEALER TO FIX. NOW EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER TO ENGAGE INCLINES OR HILLS, CAUSING A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS. ALSO BACK BRAKES SIMPLY "BLEW"! WITHOUT ANY FOREWARNING, WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR, I LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITIES. THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT GOING FAST AND HAVE A STANDARD TO QUICKLY DOWNSHIFT. MY MOTHER WAS KILLED DUE TO LOSS OF BRAKES, AND IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE PANICKING SITUATION FOR ME EMOTIONALLY. BEING A SINGLE MOTHER I RELY ON MECHANICS TO DO ALL MY WORK, AND I HAD JUST HAD ALL MY FUEL LEVELS TOPPED OFF AND MY PADS CHECKED, WITHOUT ANY ISSUE FOUND. I HAVE ALSO HAD AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELTS REMAINING ENGAGED. THE DEALER WARRANTY EXPIRED AND I AM STUCK WITH RECALLS NOBODY SEEMS TO WANT TO FIX! *TRRead more
Incident date: Nov 27, 2008
I PURCHASED MY KIA USED, FROM A DEALER, LESS THAN A YEAR AGO, AND IT PASSED THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS CHECK FOR VEHICLE INSPECTION. I IMMEDIATELY HAD TO HAVE DEALER REPLACE THE GASOLINE TANK AFTER SMELLING GASOLINE. THIS CAR IS USED SOLELY FOR LIGHT USAGE TO TRANSPORT MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN TO AND FR
... OM DR'S AND GROCERY STORES. AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR LESS THAN TWO MONTHS, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, REPORTING ISSUE WITH CATALYST. FOUND A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND AM TRYING TO GET ORIGINAL DEALER TO FIX. NOW EXPERIENCING LOSS OF POWER TO ENGAGE INCLINES OR HILLS, CAUSING A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS. ALSO BACK BRAKES SIMPLY "BLEW"! WITHOUT ANY FOREWARNING, WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR, I LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITIES. THANK GOODNESS I WAS NOT GOING FAST AND HAVE A STANDARD TO QUICKLY DOWNSHIFT. MY MOTHER WAS KILLED DUE TO LOSS OF BRAKES, AND IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE PANICKING SITUATION FOR ME EMOTIONALLY. BEING A SINGLE MOTHER I RELY ON MECHANICS TO DO ALL MY WORK, AND I HAD JUST HAD ALL MY FUEL LEVELS TOPPED OFF AND MY PADS CHECKED, WITHOUT ANY ISSUE FOUND. I HAVE ALSO HAD AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELTS REMAINING ENGAGED. THE DEALER WARRANTY EXPIRED AND I AM STUCK WITH RECALLS NOBODY SEEMS TO WANT TO FIX! *TRRead more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS GRADUALLY LEAKING BRAKE FLUID AND HE IS CONSTANTLY HAVING TO ADD MORE FLUID. ALSO, THE VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30-50 MPH AND MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN
... ID NUMBERS 98V222000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING AND FITTINGS) AND 99V325000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING); HOWEVER, THE DEALER WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V305000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,812 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS GRADUALLY LEAKING BRAKE FLUID AND HE IS CONSTANTLY HAVING TO ADD MORE FLUID. ALSO, THE VEHICLE STALLS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30-50 MPH AND MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN
... ID NUMBERS 98V222000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING AND FITTINGS) AND 99V325000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING); HOWEVER, THE DEALER WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V305000 (SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,812 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE. THE CONTACT CONSTANTLY HEARD LOUD NOISES WHEN HER 4 WHEEL DRIVE WAS ACTIVATED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL ROTTED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY UNABLE TO BE
... DRIVEN. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.Read more
Incident date: Mar 17, 2008
CRACKED CHASSIS IN A 1999 KIA SPORTAGE DUE TO CORROSION. *TR
Showing 50 of 493 complaints.
NHTSA Safety Investigations — KIA SPORTAGE
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
EA — Closed
— Model Year: 2002
FAN BLADE CRACKING/SEPARATION
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. (KIA) HAS IDENTIFIED A DEFECT IN THE PLASTIC ENGINE COOLING FAN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL.KIA'S DEFECT REPORT STATES, ...HEAT GENERATED BY THE ENGINE CAUSES REPEATED BENDING DEFORMATION OF THE POLYPROPYLENE COOLING FAN...INITIATING CRACKS IN TH
... E FAN.THE CENTRIFUGAL FORCES GENERATED BY THE ROTATION OF THE BLADES CAN CAUSE THE CRACKS TO PROPAGATE UNTIL COMPLETE SEPARATION OCCURS...KIA ESTIMATES APPROXIMATELY 35,090 VEHICLES WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE RECALL, AS SOME OF THE 46,887 VEHICLES PRODUCED HAVE ALREADY HAD THE FAN REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.KIA DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORIGINAL VERSION OF THE FAN WITH A FAN MADE OF IMPROVED MATERIAL.THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2006 AS PE06-042 AND UPGRADED TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS EA07-001 ON JANUARY 22, 2007.PLEASE SEE NHTSA RECALL 07V161 FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATIONRead more
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 2002
FAN BLADE CRACKING/SEPARATION
THE INVESTIGATION OF ENGINE COOLING FANS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WAS OPENED ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2006 AS PE06-042.THE BASIS FOR OPENING WAS 10 CONSUMER REPORTS ALLEGING FAN BLADE CRACKING AND BLADE SEPARATION.SIX OF THE REPORTS INDICATED THE SEPARATED FAN BLADES CAUSED DAMAGE TO OTHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT
... COMPONENTS.KIA HAS PROVIDED ADDITIONAL CONSUMER REPORTS AND INFORMATION IN ITS RESPONSE TO PE06-042.THE INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-001) TO CONTINUE TO ASSESS THE CONSEQUENCE OF FAN BLADE SEPARATION IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.Read more
EA — Closed
— Model Year: 1996
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
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.Read more
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 1999
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
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 AB
... OUT 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.Read more
EA — Closed
— Model Year: 1999
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION
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.
RQ — Closed
— Model Year: 2001
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION
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 IND
... ICATE 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.Read more
RQ — Closed
— Model Year: 1998
ENGINE STALLING POST-RECALL
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.Read more
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 1996
SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MALFUNCTION
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.
DP — Closed
— Model Year: 2000
VEHICLE ROLLOVER
There is no summary currently available
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 1999
WINDSHIELD WIPER
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 2000
INCORRECT BATTERY JUMP-START
ALLEGE BATTETY MAY EXPLODE IF OWNER'S ATTEMPT TO JUMP-STATE THE VEHICLE BY FOLLOWING THE OWNER'S MANUAL DIAGRAM
EA — Closed
— Model Year: 1998
TURN SIGHAL
There is no summary currently available
SQ — Closed
— Model Year: 1997
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON
A monthly Technical Times published by Kia and distributed to dealer technicians identifying a wiring harness problem that could cause connectors C123 and C124 to pull apart slightly during engine load changes.This could lead to erratic or tempory loss
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 1998
WINDSHIELD WIPER
ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPER BECOMES INOPERATIVE WHEN THE WIPER ARM AND PIVOT SEPARATE