All Investigations » Investigation EA06007

  Defect Investigation of Fuel Tank Leakage

Investigation of Fuel Tank Leakage

Subject: Fuel tank leakage
Components covered:
  • Gasoline fuel system
  • Gasoline storage
  • Tank assembly
Investigations Summary: This investigation was opened on May. 9, 2006. It was closed on Nov. 30, 2007. A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time. Review of the warranty data revealed elevated tank leakage experience in vehicles produced from June 1999 to October 2000. Analysis of complaints and warranty claims identified multiple causes and origins of fuel tank assembly leakage. The majority of complaints involve non-specific allegations of fuel leakage where more than one fuel system component was replaced. Odi's analysis focused on leaks occurring on the underside of the tank due to corrosive failure caused by disruption of the protective pvc coating. The analysisindicates that such leaks are rare and do not show evidence of an increasing trend. Accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See document file for additional information regarding this resume.
Vehicles Affected by this investigation:
  • 1996 Kia Motor Sportage
  • 1997 Kia Motor Sportage
  • 1998 Kia Motor Sportage
  • 1999 Kia Motor Sportage
  • 2000 Kia Motor Sportage
  • 2001 Kia Motor Sportage
  • 2002 Kia Motor Sportage

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