Investigations
THROTTLE CABLE BINDING
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE04067 — closed, opened 2004-09-24 and involving the KIA KIA.
NHTSA investigation PE04067 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2004-09-24 and currently closed. The subject of record is KIA KIA, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for KIA. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2005-01-27 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE04067 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "KIA PROVIDED INFORMATION DESCRIBING A WATER ENTRY POINT AT THE RUBBER SEALING BOOT LOCATED AT THE THROTTLE BODY END OF THE THROTTLE CABLE, ADVISING THAT WATER COULD ENTER THE CABLE SHEATH DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION...." 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
KIA PROVIDED INFORMATION DESCRIBING A WATER ENTRY POINT AT THE RUBBER SEALING BOOT LOCATED AT THE THROTTLE BODY END OF THE THROTTLE CABLE, ADVISING THAT WATER COULD ENTER THE CABLE SHEATH DURING NORMAL VEHICLE OPERATION. IN LOW TEMPERATURES, THE WATER FREEZES AND MAY IMPEDE THE MOVEMENT OF THE THROTTLE CABLE THEREBY PREVENTING AN OPEN THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED POSITION. A STUCK THROTTLE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. TO PREVENT WATER INGRESS, KIA INCREASED THE CRIMPING FORCE OF THE CLAMP INSTALLED ON THE RUBBER BOOT FROM 2 TO 5 KILOGRAMS FORCE. THE ACTION TOOK PLACE IN APRIL 2004 AND OCCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH OTHER CHANGES TO THE THROTTLE CABLE SYSTEM. TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE THIS DATE (ALL OF MY 2002 AND PART OF 2003), KIA WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE CABLE WITH AN IMPROVED COMPONENT. CERTAIN RECALLED VEHICLES WILL ALSO HAVE AN ADDITIONAL CLIP INSTALLED TO ADDRESS A POTENTIAL CABLE DISENGAGEMENT CONCERN. SEE KIA'S JANUARY 17, 2005 PART 573 LETTER FOR NHTSA RECALL 05V013 (KIA RECALL SC-042) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. NO ACTION IS BEING TAKEN ON VEHICLES BUILT AFTER APRIL 4, 2004.
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
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.