Vehicle recall 04V305000 · June 24, 2004
Kia Sephia and Sportage
On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the front safety belt buckles may emit a "click" sound during the buckling process that is similar to the sound emitted when a…
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- On certain passenger and sport utility vehicles, the front safety belt buckles may emit a "click" sound during the buckling process that is similar to the sound emitted when a buckle is being latched, when it is not.
- Consequence
- The latch can then pull out of the buckle when tension is applied.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace both front seat belt buckles. The recall began August 16, 2004. Owners should contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.
- Notes
- Kia recall no. SC039.CUSTOMERS can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 04V305000
- Reported to NHTSA
- June 24, 2004
- Filed by
- KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
- Manufacturer campaign
- SC039
- Owner notification
- August 16, 2004
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 251,594
- Initiated by
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
- Components
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Kia Sephia (1999-2000): 2000, 1999
- Kia Sportage (1999-2000): 2000, 1999
Has your Kia been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Kia dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.