What NHTSA investigated
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.
The recall that followed
Vehicles covered
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Kia | SEPHIA | 1998–1999 |
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.