Friday, August 7, 2026
RecallGazette

Vehicle problems, recalls & safety intelligence

Recall Query · Closed

SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION

Action number
RQ03007
Opened
Oct 14, 2003
Closed
Feb 27, 2004
Outcome
Recall 04V305000

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

This investigation led to a recall

NHTSA links this probe to recall campaign 04V305000.

Read the recall: what is defective and the free fix →

What NHTSA is examining

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.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation records, updated daily. An investigation is not a determination that a defect exists; many probes close without a recall.