Kia Recalls ‘98-99 Sephias to Replace Valve

Irvine-based Kia Motors America said Friday that it is recalling all 1998- and 1999-model Sephia compact sedans sold in the U.S. to replace a potentially faulty vapor-recovery valve in the fuel system.

The recall affects a total of 100,137 vehicles. Kia spokesman Geno Effler said owners will be contacted by mail and asked to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealer for replacement of the valve.

The U.S. arm of Kia Motors Corp. of South Korea ordered the action after receiving several complaints of gas tanks that could not be completely filled and of gasoline sloshing out of the fuel-filler tube during refueling, Effler said.

There have been no reports of injuries, fuel fires or other incidents, he said.

Some of the valves, which are mounted inside the fuel-filler tube to control the escape of gasoline vapors, were miscalibrated at the factory and can close off the tube prematurely, Effler said.

The repair is expected to take about two hours and will be done at no charge to the customer, Effler said.