AUTOS

Kia Recalls Sportages: Kia Motors America in Irvine is recalling about 25% of the 1995 Sportage sport-utility vehicles it has imported this year because of improperly tightened oil seal retainer nuts on the rear axle housing. If the nuts loosen or fall off, oil leakage could occur.

Kia says the problem affects 1,319 Sportages manufactured in South Korea between Oct. 20 and Jan. 25. The cars went on sale in February.

The company said it has not received any reports of owners experiencing a problem and is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the oil seal retainer nuts not being properly tightened.

Sportage owners whose vehicles are subject to the voluntary recall are being asked by mail to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealer for repair at no cost.

--Compiled by John O’Dell / Times staff writer