NHTSA safety investigation
NHTSA Investigation EA04007
Engineering Analysis · Kia America, Inc. · SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
An investigation is not a finding that a defect exists.
NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
What NHTSA is examining
The agency's own description of the inquiry, quoted as published
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION
THE MANUFACTURER HAS INITIATED A SAFETY RELATED CAMPAIGN TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR CORRECTION OF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE DEFECT.THE CORRECTIVE ACTION IS TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELTS/BUCKLES.THIS SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM HAS BEEN ASSIGNED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO. 04V305.
An investigation is a separate record from a recall and from a manufacturer communication. A manufacturer campaign to repair a safety defect or a failure to meet a federal safety standard.
Investigation details
Identifiers, dates and outcome as recorded by NHTSA
- Action number
- EA04007
- Investigation type
- Engineering Analysis (EA)
- Status
- Closed
- Manufacturer
- Kia America, Inc.
- Component
- SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Opened
- Feb 27, 2004
- Closed
- Jul 26, 2004
- Associated recall campaign
- None recorded
Vehicles named in this investigation
5 model years across 3 models
Being named here means NHTSA included the vehicle in the scope of its inquiry. It is not a statement that these vehicles have a defect.