Fan blade cracking/separation

An NHTSA Engineering Analysis into Kia vehicles. Closed 16 April 2007.

Investigation
EA07001
Type
Engineering Analysis
Opened
22 January 2007
Closed
16 April 2007

What NHTSA investigated

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

The recall that followed

  1. Kia — Engine and Engine Cooling: Fan07V16100016 April 200735,090 vehicles

Vehicles covered

MakeModelModel years
KiaSPORTAGE2002

Source

From NHTSA’s investigation file, rebuilt daily. To report a problem with your own vehicle, go to nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. All open investigations.