Investigations
REFUELING SPIT BACK
NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA99034 — closed, opened 1999-12-16 and involving the KIA SEPHIA.
NHTSA investigation EA99034 is a Engineering Analysis opened on 1999-12-16 and currently closed. The subject of record is KIA SEPHIA, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for KIA. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2000-06-29 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
An Engineering Analysis like EA99034 is the deeper technical phase that follows a PE. NHTSA requests design, warranty, and field-failure data from the manufacturer, conducts its own testing when needed, and determines whether the evidence supports a safety defect finding that would compel a recall.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "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 insta..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related KIA files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
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.
About This Investigation Type
An Engineering Analysis (EA) is the in-depth phase following a Preliminary Evaluation. NHTSA engineers conduct testing, collect data from manufacturers, and perform detailed technical analysis to determine whether a safety defect exists. An EA may lead to a voluntary recall by the manufacturer or, in rare cases, a mandatory recall order.
Other KIA Investigations
Kia 25V099 Piston Oil Ring Recall Effectiveness
Windshield Wiper Failure
3.3L Engine Loss of Motive Power (LOMP)
Loss of Motive Power
Vehicle Rollaway
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.