Windshield wiper/washer: linkagesRecall 99V-271 · 1998–1999 Kia Sephia
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. recall 99V-271 covers 90,054 1998–1999 Kia Sephia for a windshield wiper/washer: linkages problem, reported to NHTSA on October 6, 1999.
Source: NHTSA recall 99V271000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BALL SOCKET ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINK MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE RESULTING IN THE LINK DISENGAGING FROM THE WIPER MOTOR DRIVE UNDER LOAD, SUCH AS PUSHING AGAINST ICE, SNOW OR OTHER RESISTANCE. ALSO THE WIPER ARM RETAINING NUT COULD BE INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED ALLOWING THE WIPER ARM TO SLIP AND/OR STOP FUNCTIONING.
The risk
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE IMPAIRMENT OF VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINK AND ALSO PROPERLY TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM RETAINING NUTS.
KIA RECALL NO. SC012.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 19, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-949-470-7000.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from September 3, 1997 to January 29, 1999. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.
The investigation behind this recall
- WINDSHIELD WIPERNHTSA