Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||||
| 017 | 09/01/2004 | 10016840 | Charging system upgrade. *tt | 10/12/2005 | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY - CABLES | |||||
| 035R | 01/01/2004 | 10005640 | Battery cable chafing inspection, repair and replacement. revised technical service bulletin. *tt | 03/09/2004 | |
| 035 | 12/01/2003 | 10005355 | Battery cable chafing inspection, repair and replacement. technical service bulletin, letters to service managers and dealers and owners. *tt | 02/23/2004 | |
| 025 | 09/01/2002 | 635757 | This bulletin provides information related to a service campaign to inspect possible interference between the positive battery cable and the automatic transmission dipstick. *tt | 10/31/2002 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | ||||||
| EA02016 | HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC | 08/06/2002 | 10/07/2003 | NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES | ||
| 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 | ||||||
| PE02028 | HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC | 03/06/2002 | 08/06/2002 | BATTERY CABLE CHAFING | ||
| Alleged engine compartment fires caused by the +12v battery cable shorting out against the transmission dipstick tube | ||||||
| PE00026 | HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC | 07/10/2000 | 07/31/2000 | INCORRECT BATTERY JUMP-START | 00V205000 | |
| Allege battety may explode if owner's attempt to jump-state the vehicle by following the owner's manual diagram | ||||||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY - CABLES | ||||||
| EA02016 | HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC | 08/06/2002 | 10/07/2003 | NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES | ||
| 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 | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 09/06/2008 | 100000 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2000 kia sephia. while driving approximately 45 mph the contact noticed the turn signal lights failed. the hazard lights would not function and the instrument panel lighting functioned intermittently. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000. | |||
| 09/06/2008 | 100000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2000 kia sephia. while driving approximately 45 mph the contact noticed the turn signal lights failed. the hazard lights would not function and the instrument panel lighting functioned intermittently. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000. rvk | |||
| 09/06/2008 | 100000 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2000 kia sephia. while driving at approximately 45 mph the contact noticed the turn signal lights had failed. the hazard lights would not function and the instrument panel lighting functioned intermittently. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. the vehicle was not repaired, the approximate failure mileage was 100,000. ds | |||
| 05/12/2006 | 65000 | 1 | |
| Both lower control arms have gone at the same time...at 65,000 miles...which when i checked with repair shop is highly unusual that at this low miles one would go let alone both...he said it is a quality issue. kia says its not covered...when went to get out of drivers side the door handle snapped off. an electrical problem with heater/air conditioner...took to kia east syracuse, ny they said they don't make them any more because so many problems. *nm | |||
| 06/23/2004 | 35600 | 3 | |
| The vehicle cut off. the dealer stated that the fuel pump was defective. also, the alarm system was defective. *ak the dash board light was intermittent. *sc *jb | |||
| 06/15/2004 | 50 | 2 | |
| Consumer complained about the electrical system. the lights won't stay on. consumer replaced fuses several times. however, the problem still occurred. consumer took vehicle to dealer, but consumer was unable to duplicate the problem. *ak | |||
| 09/26/2003 | 42450 | 1 | 05/09/2003 |
| Engine stalls intermittently for no appearent reason in traffic | |||
| 07/08/2002 | 4 | ||
| 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 | |||
| 07/01/2001 | 3 | 03/28/2000 | |
| The consumer believed a defect existed within the vehicle's electrical system/alternator. the consumer had to replace 3 failed batteries since the vehicle was purchased. the dealer advised the consumer the vehicle was not driven enough for battery to charge itself. failures occurred on 07/01, and 06/03 respectively. *ak this was the third battery that was placed in the vehicle. *scc *jb | |||
| 1 | |||
| The electrical system wire harness failed, which caused the turn signals to be inoperative. *jb | |||
| 02/10/2003 | 0 | 05/22/2001 | |
| When getting my 3,000 maintenance. the service man told me that they would not perform the maintenance check because the car needed a new computer. the computer chip needed to be replaced, so the maintenance would not be necessary. i've called every other week, trying to find out what and were the are on getting the computer. here it is almost june, and no replacement. the check engine light continues to gone on and off every other day. i am tired of calling the service department. i am a single mother of 3 boys with one income. that is why i purchased a kia, because i thought it was a reliable car. can this please be investigated farther than what i can do. *nlm | |||
| 06/05/2002 | 1 | 09/23/2000 | |
| When vehicle was being driven it cuts off without warning. also, will not start back up. consumer has to get it towed every time. then, it is towed back to dealer, yet, dealer cannot find out the problem. consumer states he is afraid that he or his daughter is going to get hurt.*ak consumer adds there is sudden acceleration then slowing down of the vehicle without brakes being applied. experiencing fuel relations problems possibly related to the fuel box. it is also possible that the alternator and battery failed. *tt | |||
| 08/29/2000 | 1 | 03/03/2000 | |
| The ignition key would turn, dealer could not duplicate the problem, also vehicle would not start, dealer replace the battery and alternator.*jb | |||
| 1 | |||
| Consumer states having numerous electrical problems.*yh | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR | |||
| 05/09/2003 | 5 | 03/07/2000 | |
| Nothing but problems since purchase. windshield separated from frame, molding fell off 4 times during first 4 months of purchase alternator replaced twice. battery replaced after only having vehicle 2 months. air condition (a/c) fuse blew twice fan fuse blew once causing vehicle to overheat. back doors stick shut. back doors hinges rusted and bent causing squeaking and not completely to shut. trans shifts hard and sometimes sticks. engine light and overdrive light blinked trans was shifted by itself. had trans flushed seems to be ok. car shakes at high speeds. tape player makes funny noises if used for long time.gas mileage has been poor since car was purchased. molding turned white. car has had fuel filter replaced twice. fuel sensor in tank replaced three times. *la | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY | |||
| 07/06/2005 | 59000 | 3 | 02/24/2004 |
| Dt: while driving, the battery light came on and the engine began to run hot. the cooling system rocketed to high after the battery light illuminated. the engine went dead in the middle of the freeway. the car was towed to a dealership. the dealer informed the consumer they would not be able to check the vehicle until after july 11th. the consumer did not know what exactly the dealerships diagnosis was because they have yet to check vehicle. consumer suspected this was a cooling system issue with battery problems as well. *ak | |||
| 05/09/2003 | 5 | 03/07/2000 | |
| Nothing but problems since purchase. windshield separated from frame, molding fell off 4 times during first 4 months of purchase alternator replaced twice. battery replaced after only having vehicle 2 months. air condition (a/c) fuse blew twice fan fuse blew once causing vehicle to overheat. back doors stick shut. back doors hinges rusted and bent causing squeaking and not completely to shut. trans shifts hard and sometimes sticks. engine light and overdrive light blinked trans was shifted by itself. had trans flushed seems to be ok. car shakes at high speeds. tape player makes funny noises if used for long time.gas mileage has been poor since car was purchased. molding turned white. car has had fuel filter replaced twice. fuel sensor in tank replaced three times. *la | |||
| 03/05/2000 | 549 | 4 | 03/15/2000 |
| Our kia sephia 2000 is a lemon. we have had to replace the brakes four times because of premature ware and shaking due to poor design. we received the car with a dead battery. we are on our third battery. we were on our third set of tires before 30,000 miles. the gear shift will stick so that you can not take it out of park. the weather molding is falling off. check engine light goes on and they could not keep it from coming on. *jb | |||
| 05/03/2001 | 4 | 04/01/2001 | |
| When royal sold us the car no information was given to us that the car has 5 problems,with it.on the window was a sign saying it had cruise control it doesn't.also the finance company that is the holder has been really unprofessional.i had the car for only 4months had insurance they kept telling me i didn't,they send a man out to check for the third time.i went to my car to give him the information,he called the office of a.b.c. finance to let them know i had insurance, starting joking with someone on the other line saying i had a knife to his throat.there was truth to that latter he returned to the office where he had learned the police were called to my home. police knocked on my door with guns drawed ready to shoot. i was sitting with my daughter when they told us to keep our hands up,don't move. i'm on medication for depression so that didn't help matters at all.*ak | |||
| 11/15/2000 | |||
| Various problems with a new vehicle within fourteen months. complete brake system was replaced/ battery was replaced, and driver's side window was leaking air. dealer notified, and repairs were done. please feel free to provide any further details on this matter. *ak | |||
| 05/16/2000 | 2 | 12/01/1999 | |
| This the second report i have one which i did it last week. voq status, odi 726485. no safety defect mentioned in summary. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS | |||
| 06/01/2003 | 20 | 07/14/2001 | |
| Car suffers intermittently starting problem while hot or cold with loss of power.dealer reports advisory about problem, but states only covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles. i was not notified of a problem.dealer reports faulty engine computer junction box. service advisor reported a short in fuse box to me.*ak | |||
| 09/09/2002 | 17 | 04/29/2001 | |
| The dash liht and tail light fuses short out resulting in no lights and causing poor visibility. nlm | |||
| 03/01/2000 | 1 | ||
| The circuit to the radiator fan burned out. nlm | |||
| 02/01/2000 | |||
| No summary | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION | |||
| 07/01/2000 | 0 | ||
| Vehicle will not accelerate, and will lose power. consumer has to pull over to shoulder until it kicks back on. took vehicle to dealer, and they can't duplicate problem. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE | |||
| 12/21/2000 | 2 | 09/30/2000 | |
| Intermittently, engine will rev up and cannot go over 20 mph. engine check light will come on. *ak the cause for check the engine light was found to be computere failure. also, transmission problem caused the vehicle to stall. *yh | |||
| 10/07/2000 | 2 | ||
| The on-board diagnostics system failed. *slc | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH | |||
| 08/13/1999 | |||
| Vehicle not starting properly. must switch on vehicle more then once or sometimes more then twice before vehicle would start properly. dealer notified, and informed consumer that manufacturer was aware of this problem. notified manufacturer and informed consumer that there was no problem. can nhtsa provide the correct answere to this matter. *ak | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY | |||
| 08/09/2002 | 0 | ||
| Starter keeps going out, has had it replaced 3 times, not covering this time, since the purchase of vehicle in august, 2000. dealer is in process of ordering another new starter for auto.*ak | |||
| 11/12/1999 | 6 | ||
| Starter failed. yh | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY - RELAY | |||
| 4 | 03/18/2000 | ||
| At light or stop sign, vehicle acts as if it's going to stall and idles high, this especially happens when the ac or heater is running, fan kicks on while this is happening and all lights dim, one dealer replaced alternator which did not solve problem and later stated that the problem was a manufacturing defect with the relay switch, however they would not do any repair work without charging consumer even though the vehicle is still under warranty, consumer took vehicle to dealer where it was purchased and will not fix problem because they can't find anything wrong with it. *slc | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING | |||
| 06/14/2003 | |||
| Started having problems with the cigarette lighter (used for cell phone charger) shorting out - pulled fuse so it's wouldn't start a fire. then at the end of june air conditioner started going on and off when i would hit a bump. finally went completely out and now being told wiring harness has to be completely replaced. kia will not pay for because my warranty is out! scared to drive it because they said wires are melting!! *nlm | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD | |||
| While traveling on highway vehicle started smoking from underneath the vehicle dealership is aware of problem.*ak | |||
| 01/18/2002 | 01/01/2000 | ||
| Within a matter of seconds the engine compartment went form some black smoke to flames hot enough to melt interior items such as window visor and exterior items such as front tires. firewall held. fire occurred in front of hillsboro fire department bldg and was put out within minutes. vehicle was totalled.*ak | |||
| 01/01/2001 | 1 | ||
| Consumer states vehicle overheated, there was steam coming from under the hood, dealer reparied the wiring, power wire to fan melted causing short to ground.*jb | |||
| 10/29/2000 | 10/01/1999 | ||
| While driving down highway, noticed smoke coming from dash area. brakes were applied but failed. kept trying brakes and finally managed to pull to side of road. passengers left vehicle, looked under vehicle and saw flames. they got away from the car and within 5 or 10 minutes, whole car was in flames. cause of fire is under investigation.*ak | |||
| 11/12/1999 | 1 | ||
| Engine wiring harness failed. yh | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH | |||
| 08/25/2003 | 45000 | 1 | 09/08/2000 |
| Electrical system under the dash has shorted out. the airconditioner, defrost, dash lights, are all unable to perform their duties. the fan blower is running constantly and no warning lights have issued a warning sign. the wires are bare and i have been told without replacing the entire assembly the car could catch on fire and blow-up the dash.*ak | |||