Investigation EA99034: 1998–1999 Kia Sephia

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Dec 16, 1999

Closed

Jun 29, 2000

Model years

1998–1999

Subject

Refueling spit back

Component: Vehicle speed control › Linkages

Summary

The number and dates of complaints and warrant claims reported by Kia indicates that fuel spit-back has been a serieous ongoing problem with the Sephia models.Kia has made changes in both the ORVR valve and in the installation process on the fuel tank check valve, in an attempt to correct the problem.The failure of the check valve, due to cracking during installation, could go undetected until problems develop with the ORVR valve.Should an ORVR valve malfunction, when the vehicle has a tank chech valve with a latent crack, significant fuel spitting out the fuel filler pipe during refueling is possible.Current owners of 1998 and 1999 models could still be driving vehicles with latent defects.

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

• 1999 Kia Sephia428 complaints
• 1998 Kia Sephia491 complaints