All Investigations » Investigation EA04004

Defect Investigation of Refueling Spit Back

Subject:	Refueling spit back
Components covered:	Gasoline fuel system Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings Gasoline storage Tank assembly Tank assembly filler pipe and cap Tank assembly Tank assembly filling/charging
Investigations Summary:	This investigation was opened on Feb. 3, 2004. It was closed on Jul. 29, 2004. Based on the low rate of fuel spit-back incedents (14. 3 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold), a low warranty claims rate of 0. 02 percent, and the lack of engineering information that would support the presence of an engineering defect, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. For additional information, see the attached closing report.
Vehicles Affected by this investigation:	1998 Kia Motor Sephia 1999 Kia Motor Sephia 2000 Kia Motor Sephia 2001 Kia Motor Sephia 2000 Kia Motor Spectra 2001 Kia Motor Spectra