Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
01609/01/2000615644Emissions recall campaign: manifold catalytic converter replacement. *tt01/26/2001

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
RQ02013HYUNDAI-KIA AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER INC10/18/200209/02/2003ENGINE STALLING POST-RECALL99V325000
 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.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
08/25/20031
 While driving vehicle idled roughly and then stall out. *ak
02/21/2003011/07/1998
 First of all, my 1998 kia sportage has has several (like 4) recalls. when the recall came about the hubs on the 4x4, i took the vehicle in to have the work done. the next winter however, the 4x4 did not work. thankfully the car was still under warranty and it was fixed under the warranty. since that time, i have had to have no bearings put into the brakes, new rotators and brake pads twice. in dec., 2002, i had $500.00 worth of work done to replace the water pump, the timing belt and other belts that were squeaking. just today (after just one month ago having $500.00 worth of work done to the car), my car is now getting hot when it sits and idles. mind you, i have had this vehicle for 4-1/2 years and the car only has 60,000 miles on it. this car has been a headache from day one and because the car has lost so much value i cannot even trade it off, because i owe more on the car than what it is worth (like $7,000.00 in the hole).
01/21/2003
 Consumer called complaining about having problem with the vehicle stalling while driving. on june 2002, dealer replaced the engine, seven months later problem is recurring. please provide further information. ph
02/12/2001112/01/1998
 Dead battery neededs jumped twice -replaced on prorated warranty: temperature guage would go to cold - shop found nothing wrong. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM
07/01/1998
 I purchased my kia sportage on 7/14/98. on 11/20/98, my battery was dead. i took my sportage to the dealer for the recall for the steering intermediate shaft coupling as soon as i received the recall notice. my brakes made a squealing sound since purchase, but i was informed by the dealership that this is normal for disc brakes. the brake light began flickering, then staying lit so i made an appointment with the dealership service dept. but was unable to keep it due to illness. the brakes now have a grinding sound and i am concerned about their safety factor. in august of 1998 i was stuck in traffic for over 2 hours due to a bad highway accident and the radiator overheated so i had to turn off, and keep off, the a/c. recently, the engine is overheating and fluid drains when the car is parked. i feel that this is a lot of problems for a new car less than 9 months old. could these problems be defects? could the brake problem be associated with the recall problem? thank you for this opportunity to report my problems and concerns.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - HOSE
11/10/1999106/28/1998
 Engine leak due to loose clamps on hose. mjs
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
07/09/1999311/01/1998
 Since purchasing this vehicle, it has been in and out of garage due to engine coolant smell. it usually takes several visits before the dealer decides to replace radiator, water pump, etc. this has happened several times. i have had 3 radiators in this vehicle and the coolant smell still is strong. there are many other problems with this vehicle, including air conditioning system does not work, on and off 4wd is inoperable, etc. i have tried to arbitrate with the lemon law with the attorney general's office, but was unsuccessful because of lack of documentation. is there anything more i can do to help me correct these problems or get reimbursement for this vehicle? thank you
10/09/1998106/27/1998
 Radiator cap missing resulting in vehicle overheating.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE
1
 Consumer noticed a loud popping noise coming from under engine, and then engine stalled. vehicle was serviced, technician noticed engine malfunctioned. *ak
02/19/2002510006
 First time i brought the car back was because the engine light went on and i had a oil leakage in the engine. car started to shake even after it was hot and made a weird noise in the engine. the motor rr window was not working and the brakes were making some weird noise. brought to the dealer to fix and he sent it to kia for repair, the kia crew found the front caliper frozen, but the customer denied to fix it. so i brought it to a specialist to check double check the car. they found the following defects and found the car unsafe (caliper rgt worn, frozen, caliper hardware worn, wheel cyl rgt- new/kit leaky, shoe hardware worn, c.v. boot/joint rfo/rfi/lfo/lfi worn, coil springs front broken rr broken, ball joints/lower l worn). i spoke with the dealer because i still had warranty and told him i didn't want the car it was giving me hard times already and only having it at that time for not even a month. as i would drive i would have to release the gas, because it would start to shake and felt as if it was going to shut off. *jb **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****760758
107/16/2002
 The vehicle stalled while driving. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic which stated the engine and the transmission were manufactured in 1997 but the vehicle is 1998. *nlm
106/20/1998
 The vehicle vibrates when at idle. the vehicle has been taken to the dealer but they were unable to locate the problem. *mr *ak *nlm
1
 The vehicle stalled while on an incline.*jb
 Premature wear of flywheel. due to failure vehicle will not start. dealer has been contacted. *ak
12/11/1999803/06/1999
 The vehicle check engine light is constantly on, vehicle has been to dealer several occasions, to have various parts repaired and replaced, vehicle began smoking from the engine compartment, dealer has tried all types of remedies but problem still exists.*jb
08/01/2001106/26/2001
 Consumer states valve cover gasket is inoperative.*jb
08/10/19981
 Vehicle will not accelerate under normal operating conditions. dealership has worked on vehicle several times since 1998, and has not been able to repair vehicle. *ak the consumer states that the fuel injector, head gasket, wiring harness and transmission had been replaced. however, the problem still exists and the vehicle was a lemon or defective. *yh
06/22/2000
 Recall 99v325000/ engine stalling. after vehicle was repaired under the recall it stalled and died. dealer has not been able to restart the vehicle.*ak
03/30/2000102/01/2000
 Connector corrosion caused vehicle not to start. also, there was a camshaft oil leak. while driving vehicle at 65mph, engine started to race. was as if someone put vehicle in neutral and stepped on gas.
08/15/1999
 Was driving vehicle at approximately 40mph on highway when it suddenly died out for no reason. had vehicle to towed to dealer. unable to restart right away. *ak
05/11/1998205/09/1998
 Brakes: hydraulic brake pedal has to be pressed to the floor before vehicle stops. the lifters made loud noises & rattling & needed to be changed. rear door is off line & not shutting properly. *ak customer states drivers side mirror fell off. the check engine light is on due to oxygen sensor failure. the rear hatch does not close properly. the customer stated that there was a ticking noise at engine when hot or cold, this happens all the time. dome light screw fell off, dealer found loose ground at light, the ground was resecured and a new screw was installed. *yh
08/04/19984
 The consumer has been experiencing problems with engine valves . engine check light continues to stay illuminated. the consumer stated vehicle has been serviced for the same problem 4 times.
02/12/1998202/01/1998
 When consumer is at a stop sign and then accelerates, the vehicle does not move at all like there is no gas in the vehicle while the engine is still running. dealer and manufacturer were contacted. *ak vehicle idled low, when first started in the am vehicle had no power and stumbled until it warmed up, dealer stated the iac would not open, check engine light illuminated due to the tps sensor being out of specifications. tail light lens cracked and the dash light dimmer switch fell in the dash. vehicle stalled due to ignition coil and spark plugs, vehicle backfired and hesitated, dealer rerouted the wiring harness and repaired the pin connectors. vehicle overheated due to a crack in the cylinder head. passenger side front door rattled when closing and the window was down, dealer stated this was normal. carpet on the passenger side floor would not lie flat. rear hatch would not pop after being unlocked, there was an internal leak from the seal. on two separate occasions, the a/c leaked on the passenger floorboard, dealer replaced the evaporator. *slc
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE
01/28/2002201/21/2002
 Recall 99v325000 concerning stalling. vehicle was experiencing an electrical problem that interfered with performance. vehicle was recalled and repairs done, but symptoms returned. manufacturer claimed no responsibility because consumer was not the original owner. *ak check engine light was on. the vehicle vibrated, smoked and was overheating. the left front tire blew out. ignition coils cracked and were replaced. vehicle had a blown head gasket. front left turn signal clips broke. oxygen sensor failed. right front door lock fell off. vehicle had several parts on recall before the consumer purchased it and the consumer believed those recalled parts were the source of the problem. *yh
02/20/2002701/08/2001
 While driving, 4 wheel drive will kick in intermittently on its own. vehicle has been taken to dealer numerous times, cannot find cause. *ak consumer adds the catalyst had to be replaced. there is an oil leak and front end was serviced 3 times. *tt
12/11/1999803/06/1999
 The vehicle check engine light is constantly on, vehicle has been to dealer several occasions, to have various parts repaired and replaced, vehicle began smoking from the engine compartment, dealer has tried all types of remedies but problem still exists.*jb
02/11/2002
 Vehicle intermittently will not start. after vehicle is started and shutdown vehicle will not restart, cause unknown. please give any further details. *ak
12/27/2001307/01/1998
 Oxygen sensor has been replaced three times after routine service was performed.*ak consumer also stated the wipers were not clearing windshield, windows go up slowly, 4-wheel drive was inoperative,vehicle was loosing power steering, dealer replaced the fan belt,air condition was inoperative,wheel bearing were loose,weatherstrip was replaced,the engine boggs down while driving, front brakes were noisy.*slc
310/15/1998
 Consumer states vehicle stalls when accelerating, while driving, and starting off from a stop, vehicle has been in repair shop three times and each time was told there was a different cause each time.*jb
12/11/1999803/06/1999
 The vehicle check engine light is constantly on, vehicle has been to dealer several occasions, to have various parts repaired and replaced, vehicle began smoking from the engine compartment, dealer has tried all types of remedies but problem still exists.*jb
05/01/2001
 Vehicle stalls and backfires. dealer aware of problem. please provide further details.*ak
 While driving vehicle stalled, and then engine blew up, cause unknown. please give any further details. *ak
09/03/1999112/01/1998
 Engine hesitiates- seems to stay in lowere gear until warm- shop put in oil treatment to help- still does this to this date 4/13/01. *ak
02/01/199801/01/1998
 Engine light is on and dealership states that it is something else that causes it to come back on. and they insist that i pay for the repairs, and the problem still persists. i took it to do all the recalls and they claim to have done them. i can only take their word. i have taken it 2xs and problem still exsists. i had asked to see if it had a short but was told no. no safety defect. *ak
02/07/20011
 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
08/09/20006
 Vehicle has been in dealership for surging, check engine light also on. *slc
07/27/20008
 Vehicle has stalled many times and the consumer has not been able to restart, several times the dealer has not been able to determine the cause of the failure, possibly an engine failure. *slc
04/01/2000309/01/1998
 Check engine light came on in april 2000. i have taken the vehicle in six times to get the repair complete. at this time the light is off. the last repair was made on oct. 9, 2000. the dealers keeps replacing the same part. i think that it is something wrong with the electrical system that causes a power surge that then damages the tps module.
12/23/199912/01/1998
 Im not happy that i bought a new car and it averages going into the shop every 6-8 weeks. i cant afford this. im to arrange my own transportation while my car is in the shop, its been towed 3 times for the engine lite, when work is done they don't call and tell us what was wrong and it can be picked up, last time the car was in the shop they didnt call for over a week to tell me to come get it, i asked to speak with a manager and left several messages and they still havent called. i wil never buy a kia again or buy from any rizza. i feel like i bought junk, i want my money back, take the car. there is a class action lawsuit in the process at website 100% i hate kia. thank youl
308/01/1998
 I've owned this car for 2 years and have had many repetitive problems. car stalls / loses power at various times. dealer serviced car many times but problem still exists and i almost got killed yesterday when it lost power as i was getting on the parkway. front passenger door doesn't open from inside. has been worked on several times. but is now broke again. alarm doesn't shut off when putting key in lock on drivers side. also worked on numerous times but now broke again. i'm out of the warranty and stuck with a lemon. please help.*ak
 Consumer had to replace the starter twice and engine replaced once, but defect keeps occurring. please provide further information.*ak
06/15/20002
 When consumer starts up vehicle it will stay on for a few minutes, then it will stall without a warning. at other times while driving engine will stall. vehicle has been into dealer repeatedly for repairs. *ak *ml
1
 Problems with the vehicle causing engine light to illuminate, serviced vehicle due to failure. yh
3
 Vehicle has been serviced under recall 99v325000 three times for stalling. owner received recall notice in february. before receiving recall notice, vehicle was serviced 3 times for the same problem. vehicle continues to die while driving on the highway. please provide any furhter information. *ak
03/22/20000
 While driving vehicle would slow down, like there was no gas and motor shut down. then all of a sudden it will take off. also, engine light constantly came on. once while coming across railroad tracks, vehicle attempted to slow down and stop, when all of a sudden it took off, and consumer lost control and went into a ditch. *ak
 Recall 99v325000, dealer fixed vehicle for the recall, but problem still exists. while driving the vehicle stalls unexpectedly which may cause a crash . dlr is gonther kia, 954-797-1680. please provide further information. *ak
 Consumer received recall 99v325000 concerning engine stalling. contacted the dealer, dealer refused to correct recall problem. please give any further details. *ak
 Consumer contacted dealer in reference to recall number 99v325000/engine stalling. dealer stated parts were not available for six weeks. problem has yet to be corrected. please provide any further details. *ak
 Recall # 99v325000 kia/engine stalling; dealer does not have parts to correct recall campaign. dealer is not sure when the parts will be available. owner recieved recall notice on feb. 25, 2000. please provide any further information. *ak
03/07/2000
 Consumer called dealer to make appointment for recall 99v32500/ engine stalling repairs, and wasn't able to get an appointment until april 13, 2000. *ak
03/01/1998
 Consumer contacted the dealer in reference to recall number 99v325000/ engine stalling. dealer indicated that parts have yet to be received from manufacturer. problem has yet to be corrected. *ak *ml
09/01/1998404/01/1998
 The entire car should be recalled. kia does little to assist with cars that have cronic problems.no safety defect listed within summary. *ak
 Nhtsa recall/ manufacturer's 99v325000/ engine stalling. no parts were available. *ak
 Consumer contacted the dealer in reference to recall 99v325000/ engine stalling. dealer stated parts were not available. *ak
 Recall 99v325/ engine stalling. dealer has refused to repair vehicle because consumer has filed a complaint under the lemon law. *ak
06/14/19993
 Engine light continually illuminating, vehicle experiences intermittent stalling and loss of power, dealership is unable to identify failure. *mjs
309/01/1998
 I've had continuous problems with my car since purchasing it, it has been taken into the shop for the engine check light coming on 2 times, the first time they said it was a sensor, but the problem reoccurred 2 days later , they then said it was a harness, that was replaced then i've taken it in for two recalls on the brakes and a hub problem, i'm currently having problems with the door handles sticking so it makes it impossible to open the doors with the key from the outside, dealer states that they can't get it to happen when i take it to the shop but it occures continually when the vehicle is in my possession, back hatch door does not close completely unless you slam it several times, dealer says nothing wrong, engine always smells like it is burning and now the car will only start when it wants to, dealer said it was the battery but the car is only 1 year old, i've talked to several other sportage owners who all have the same problems, i feel the manufacterer needs to buy all these cars back, i've tried to trade this car and none of the dealers want it they tell me that it is not worth what i've paid for it so i'm stuck with is piece of junk, i'm at my witts end...i'm afraid to drive the car because i'm afraid to get stuck somewhere. the car is litteraly falling apart in my hands and theres nothing i can do about it, i've talked to a lawyer in regard to the lemon law but they say that it has to be a reoccuring problem of the same origin but theres apparently help for the comsumers that are stuck with awful products like these suv's. there were 166 complaints on this site and almost every person had the same problems i'm having with my vehicle. i am personally telling as many people as i can about these junkie kia's. the manufacterer should be held responsible for this. if i or anybody in my car should be hurt in an accident due to these problems, kia will see a law suit that will make their head spin. *ak
08/02/1999104/20/1998
 Possible engine failure caused check engine light to illuminate. nlm
2
 When driving engine stalls. most of the time it stalls when accelerating from a stopped position. also, the engine stutters. dealer has seen vehicle twice, and has not found a solution. *ak
07/15/19996
 Vehicle has experienced continued problems with engine light coming on, several component replacements (02 sensor, engine harness, tp sensor, alternator/generator assembly and catalytic converter), however problems still persist, possible engine failure . mjs
09/16/199902/01/1999
 When stopped the engine idles rough and if on an incline, it is as though it will stall before it kicks in and goes. also the car engine smells like sulfur.
04/12/19998
 When driving at any speed engine check light kept coming on, and the engine wasn't running properly. consumer had vehicle into the dealer's shop for repairs seven or eight tims, and dealer still can't determine the cause of the problem. *ak
03/19/1999
 When vehicle was at stop light or stop sign, engine idled and then would rev up & down. had taken to dealer & was informed nothing was found. this happens all the time. *ak
11/02/1998180011/01/1998
 There are many of problems with this vehicle as of today ther are only 1700 mile on the vehicleas where mor than 1/2 those miles are from going back and forth to the service dept as it is an 80 mile trip to the service dept. as for kia they are totally ignorant as they do not ever return any of my phone calls. this suvis a lemon if i ever saw one . you would thin. no safet defect (s) listed in the summary. *ak
 When coming to a stop and starting again the engine cuts off. sometimes when gas is applied vehicle has a delayed start. also engine check light comes on. dealer can't find the problem. *ak
1
 Vehicle experiences continued engine noise, unable to rectify.
05/30/1998404/23/1998
 While driving the vehicle will stall unexpectedly which almost caused an accident. also, engine check light will be on. vehicle has been to dealer 4 times. cause unknown. dealer cannot determine problem. please provide details. *ak
06/30/1998106/27/1998
 Engine leaking oil.
10/07/1998106/27/1998
 Engine idles too high, correction of wiring harness to throttle position did not rectify high idle.
06/23/199810
 Consumer experiencing ongoing problem with vehicle stalling without warning. dealer/mfr notified and problem still occurring. dealer informed consumer that the condition cannot be duplicated. *ak *ml
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM
08/30/2000103/06/1999
 The exhaust system is noisy and leaking, dealer removed and replaced the faulty main silencer.*jb
01/01/1999604/01/1998
 Had suv into shop about 7 times for wheel bearing. once on a recall for bearing also had brakes fixed because of bearing. failed two state inspections due to bearing.had a recall for exaust.*ak
10/05/2000112/01/1998
 Loud exhaust- muffler was split- replaced the muffler and tail pipe (2nd exhaust problem)*ak
12/13/1999112/01/1998
 Rattling under car from exhaust system- adjusted heat shield
04/15/2000205/01/1998
 There is so many things wrong with kia products and they should not even be allowed on the road. there is always something going wrong with them and i want my money back! no safety defect listed within summary. *ak
03/25/1999512/01/1998
 Front windshield has air leaks & at high speeds the wind is annoying. the front passenger seat belt locks into place as soon as the passenger clamps into place. one doesn't have to press brake peddle for it to tighten around person. when driving and particularly engaging the clutch to down shift the gear linkage disengages and the gears can't be located especially in second, third or fourth gears and because of such has almost caused three crashes. we had this checked by the dealer and they said they found nothing wrong with the gear shifting mechanism. i beg to differ because i drive that car every day and i've driven many manual shift transmissions cars and i believe that after driving for sometime (i.e., one to two hours) the transmission heats up and causes problems with gear selection.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL
01/28/2002201/21/2002
 Recall 99v325000 concerning stalling. vehicle was experiencing an electrical problem that interfered with performance. vehicle was recalled and repairs done, but symptoms returned. manufacturer claimed no responsibility because consumer was not the original owner. *ak check engine light was on. the vehicle vibrated, smoked and was overheating. the left front tire blew out. ignition coils cracked and were replaced. vehicle had a blown head gasket. front left turn signal clips broke. oxygen sensor failed. right front door lock fell off. vehicle had several parts on recall before the consumer purchased it and the consumer believed those recalled parts were the source of the problem. *yh
12/27/2001307/01/1998
 Oxygen sensor has been replaced three times after routine service was performed.*ak consumer also stated the wipers were not clearing windshield, windows go up slowly, 4-wheel drive was inoperative,vehicle was loosing power steering, dealer replaced the fan belt,air condition was inoperative,wheel bearing were loose,weatherstrip was replaced,the engine boggs down while driving, front brakes were noisy.*slc
09/03/1999112/01/1998
 Engine check light on and fluttering when starting- dicovered o2 sensor was bad- replaced
02/01/19993
 On 2-1-99 replacements were done to the surge tank assembly, air intake pipe and wiring due to vehicle stalling. however, on 9-1-99 vehicle stalled again causing lost of steering power which almost caused an accident. on 10-11-99 the oxygen sensor was replaced to correct problem. prior replacements were not the cause of stalling. *yc
101/01/1998
 Oxygen sensor failed causing check engine light to illuminate. mjs
05/11/1998205/09/1998
 Brakes: hydraulic brake pedal has to be pressed to the floor before vehicle stops. the lifters made loud noises & rattling & needed to be changed. rear door is off line & not shutting properly. *ak customer states drivers side mirror fell off. the check engine light is on due to oxygen sensor failure. the rear hatch does not close properly. the customer stated that there was a ticking noise at engine when hot or cold, this happens all the time. dome light screw fell off, dealer found loose ground at light, the ground was resecured and a new screw was installed. *yh
 The oxygen sensor is not operating properly. it is causing the vehicle to idle too high. dealer has been contacted. *ak
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
05/19/20031
 The manufacturer sent a recall notice to replace the catalytic converter over a year ago. the repairs were done and the consumer is still experiencing problems. *nlm
02/20/2002701/08/2001
 While driving, 4 wheel drive will kick in intermittently on its own. vehicle has been taken to dealer numerous times, cannot find cause. *ak consumer adds the catalyst had to be replaced. there is an oil leak and front end was serviced 3 times. *tt
08/10/2000112/01/1998
 Exhaust noise in front of car- to replaced cat. converter on 8/10/00, prior appt. on 7/26/00 parts to be ordered
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CRANKCASE (PCV)
11/17/200665000101/15/1999
 Safety recall. *jb
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
08/01/2001106/26/2001
 Consumer states exhaust pipe is inoperative.*jb