Defect Investigation Detail

KIA / SPORTAGE / 2001

Components - Details
NHTSA Action Number: RQ03007 Vehicale/Equipment Name: KIA
Vehicale/Equipment Model: SPORTAGE Vehicale/Equipment Year: 2001
Component Name: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Manufacturer's Name: Kia Motors America
Date Opened: Oct, 14 2003 Date Closed: Feb, 27 2004
Subject: SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION Summary: Information received and analyzed during this rq disclosed that my 1999 and 2000 kia sephia and sportage vehicles were equipped with modified versions of the same safety belt latch assembly as those recalled in campaign no. 02v-216.these latch assemblies were identified as type a97. odi analyses indicate a continuing trend of consumer complaints following a series of design modifications made by kia to improve the a97 latch assembly.my 2001 and 2002 subject vehicles were equipped with different design latch assemblies (type db-6 or autoliv) and exhibit a much lower complaint count.this rq has been upgraded to an ea in order to further investigate this matter for the subject vehicles equipped with type a97 latch assemblies.