Investigation EA07001: 2002 Kia Sportage

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Jan 22, 2007

Closed

Apr 16, 2007

Model years

2002

Subject

Fan blade cracking/separation

Component: Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan

Summary

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 the 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 information

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

• 2002 Kia Sportage234 complaints