Investigation EA02016: 1998–2000 Kia Sephia

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Aug 6, 2002

Closed

Oct 7, 2003

Model years

1998–2000

Subject

Non-crash engine compartment fires

Component: Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables

Summary

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?s service campaign, further expenditure of agency resources is unjustified in this matter.the engineering analysis 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 warranted. Further details may be found in the attached closing report.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2000 Kia Sephia266 complaints
• 1999 Kia Sephia428 complaints
• 1998 Kia Sephia491 complaints