Kia Sportage's most common problems are also with V6 engines, which 17% of Kia Sportage owners have experienced. Both vehicles have been recalled for bearing wear which could result in engine seizure, in March, 2017, and for a high-pressure fuel pipe leak, in December, 2018, but neither of these issues would explain the overall pattern of speed control issues. The cause of this problem is typically due to worn out suspension components. Stylish interior and easy controls with many options. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with engine failure. This amber or yellow light is typically labeled "check engine" or "service engine soon", or the light may be . Its an issue that affects all four-cylinder engines, not just Kias. The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. 2023 Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. The fire department arrived on the scene shortly afterward and extinguished the fire. I bought my 2018 Sportage 6 months ago and for the first few days i owned it i absolutely loved it. In addition, Kia Sportage scores poorly in 3 out of 10 categories, including Engine Problems, Exterior Problems, and Mechanical Problems. For more information on how we collect and use this information, please review our Privacy Policy. This is not normal, I reckon it's the dealer that is doing the "Stall Test" and stalling you. 139K miles and it is now dead. When it revs high it will engage and lurch forward. The Real Truth! Kia Sportage recalls Kia Sportage engine problems Front vehicle photos 1986-2018 Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data. Out of an abundance of caution, park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until you have the recall repair performed." Received a recall notice stated "An Engine compartment fire may occur in the area where the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit is located in your vehicle. Call Us Today! I had the car towed to the auto shop I use until I could contact KIA. . Did so Kia said it was a turned or spun rod bearing. Front vehicle photos 1986-2018 Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data. It's not us. Now, if you look through the engine complaints, you wont see much about engine fires. As you noticed, there is a wide range of engine-related problems with the Kia Sportage. They stated that they couldn't do anything because the software update wasn't done in 2018 and I didn't get the vehicle until 2020. This is not only bad for the car but dangerous as well. This is a result of the engines piston rods not being properly secured. The tire pressure sensor barely works. Kia Sportage's Engine Knocking problem is the result of using an oil that does not meet Kia Sportage's requirement. Engine Options, Horsepower and Acceleration. Between 60,000 to 200,000km I have changed the battery, 5 times all brakes, the whole things! One of Kia Sportage's most common problems is Kia K800's idle air control valve, which Kia K800 owners complain leads to stalling and Kia K800's rough idling. Kia Sportage is a compact SUV that has been in production since 1993. 2 OWNERS, SERVICE HISTORY, 6 SPEED, AIR CONDITIONING, AUTOMATIC WIPERS, AUX IN, CRUISE CONTROL, MEDIA CONNECTIVITY, RADIO CD, TRACTION CONTROL, STOP/START, ***EXTENDED WARRANTY WITH ''AA' INCLUDING ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR A PEACE OF MIND * , DRIVES SUPERB.. 12V Power Socket - Front Centre Console x2, 12V Power Socket - Luggage Compartment, 16in Alloy Wheels, 3 x . Kia Sportage mechanics usually replace Kia Sportage's MAF Sensors when the Check Engine Light comes on. This should be on the recall list but nope not going to do it the short block is discontinued that's $2,500. Unsubscribe any time. The Kia dealer had no loaner cars. Winter Weather Cause Electrical System Issues. A well-maintained engine, although slightly limiting the car's performance, has basically no drawbacks. The EPA estimates that it gets just 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. When I first noticed the issue I called Kia to make an appointment to be seen and they were unable to fit me in for 2 weeks. If it can no longer shift, it could be caused by a solenoid/valve body that has gone bad, clutch packs, debris, and much more. But, thats counterbalanced by their potential severity. Sent kia a email they said take it to my local Kia dealership to get it kia certified on what's wrong with it. The company has dealt with this problem in the past by recalling and replacing faulty parts. If it fails, it can cause the brakes to not work properly. Examples include the affordable 2001 Kia Sportage engine for sale and 2006 Kia Sportage engine 2.7 L v6. The Vehicle Stalled on Tuesday while turning on to incoming traffic no lights were on the dashboard no indication it just stalled then stopped I had to get towed to my house. A solution to this problem is to have the engines oil changed more frequently. I bought my car brand new off of the show room floor. First, negligence in service, and second, high mileage. Again I paid to have it towed. Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the. This one determined that Kia and Hyundai did meet their obligations to the consumer in prior recalls. The failure mileage was 105,000. The fire department came around 20 minutes after the 911 calls to extinguish my car. , I was surprised to learn how comfortable this car is. "Dear Vic, All tens for me no problem . This can include everything from faded paint to cracked headlights. Another common problem with the Kia Sportage is transmission failure. Fortunately, I was near an exit, and at the reduced speed I was able to get to a parking lot. A Comprehensive Guide. Hyundai and Kia have recently hit the headlines in the United States after major problems relating to engines catching fire and leading to a massive $137 million in fines after a whistleblower from the inside reported the company to US regulators and as a reward earned himself $24 million for his risk and troubles. If you are interested in advertising a for-profit service, contact us. All of these parts can fail, but the most common problem is a leaking radiator. Used 2019 Kia Sportage | Diesel (WD19MSU) in Grey for sale at Speedwell Kia in Newton Abbot & Exeter - Call us on 01626 355111 or 01392 716777 . It's not us. Kia does not recommend using other types of oil as it can cause damage to the engine. We understand that Tim is now content with Kia's response. But denied to fix it because the knock sensor was not installed if I don't get a letter or a recall on it how was I suppose to know. Read Online 1997 Kia Sportage Diesel Engine guide has long been a must and now it's even better. It soaks up bumps and potholes with ease. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Kia Motor Sportage based on all problems reported for the Sportage. I purchased a pre-owned 2017 Kia Sportage (~34,000 miles) from a Kia dealership in January 2020. When it comes to failures, the list is extremely short. Both the CX-5 and the Tribeca are good choices; they're capable, well built and reliable. Very Good Condition Low Mileage Full Service History Last Logbook Service February 2023 6 SP Automatic, 1309286439 Are you affected? It is currently in its fourth generation. What Happens When An Engine Is Seized From Sitting? No engine warning lights, nothing at all. There have been many different engine issues with the Kia Sportage. Dead short in a wiring harness to the steering column where it goes up and down and back and forth to the positive wiring harness in there. The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. Those last two recalls may help to correct some of the engine issues reported in the complaints department, but certainly not all of them. Motor just stopped working - went into limp mode. In some cases, the Sportage has suffered engine failure. Why does the vehicle come with a cam that can't be adjusted causing uneven wear and tear on the vehicle? Just about the time, I felt like I was going to crash, it would slip back into drive. This is usually caused by the brake pads being worn down and needs to be fixed as soon as possible. Kia has been known to use cheap materials in the construction of their vehicles. The 2023 Sportage has one engine option, and while it's fine for daily driving, it can feel underpowered . However, the Sportage has been recalled for safety issues at times. The fact that this is a compression-ignition . They had no other communications or directions from KIA corporate except the same letter that I received. Did you find wrong information or was something missing? They were suppose to do both recalls they only performed one stated that the problem is the Engine Long Block. The main causes are the brake return spring, or the brake pad wear light failing. However I was unaware of the oil pressure sensor being set to only register once the vehicle was down 4-5 quarts of oil from the fill level. For that matter, you probably dont want to buy a decade-old Kia in the first place, so the open investigation and vehicle speed control issues may be reason enough to cross the 2012 and 2013 Sportage off the list. Unsubscribe any time. This article will highlight the ten most common engine problems with Kia Sportage and provide you with rough estimates about repair options and repair costs. Regulator leaks can also contribute to this problem. The Kia Sportage's dreaded check engine light The check engine light can be a sign of a minor electrical problem, or it can be an indication that a major malfunction is about to occur. Bob King Kia (where I bought this one new as well as two other cars previously) said I had to have it towed there and have a diagnostic ($130) completed before they could help me. I quickly pulled forward into the nearest parking spot and the car started smoking in and burst into flames. Example: "Bad Brakes", "Toyota Recall", etc. Engine Problems Should Be Recalled: Kia Sportage. Some owners of the Kia Sportage report interior quality issues. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The seats are SO comfortable, the ride is quiet, bigger interior room, including the back seat. Kia Sportage is a reliable vehicle that has been known to have a few engine problems. Engine issues range from knocking noises to excessive oil consumption to, in at least one case, total replacement of the engine at just 41,000 miles. The engine is available in 2.5 and 2.7-liter configurations, but only 2.7 liters were used for Kia Sportage models. This was a SCAM as they told me my engine failure was due to a recall that was not completed that I was never notified about and they would nor KIA would cover anything. Engine Diagnostics - Check Engine Light. Check Engine The check engine light popping on randomly is another problem that Sportage owners have encountered. is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers. Kia Sportage mild Hybrid information - engine problems. The complaints are organized into groups with data published by vehicle, vehicle component, and specific problem. I drive a lot and didnt want bad gas mileage or a vehicle that hesitated. If you owe more than your car is worth, it may not be the best idea to spend money on engine repairs. The entry-level 1.6-litre gets 115hp, on par with the basic Ateca and Karoq for power but not torque on account of those car's larger 2.0-litre engines. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A complete reorganization now puts relevant repair and maintenance information directly after each automotive system overview, making it much easier to find hands-on fix-it instructions. As its happened to many and lucky mine just smoked a little and did not catch fire. We suggest Kia Sportage owners check with KIA customer care after replacing the MAF sensor, as Kia Sportage might need more diagnosis and repair work. Whatever problems exist, many drivers clearly like the car due to its comfort level. It has a comfortable interior and a good safety rating. In some cases, the Sportage has suffered engine failure. I have had nothing but problems since financing this car. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The vehicle became totally engulfed in flames and was destroyed. If something has gone wrong in the transmission, your Sportage may not be able to accelerate anymore, or it'll. So much so the entire engine had to be replaced by Kia. Now Ive had problems with the turbo, the windows, the door locks, and the radio. Kia Sportage performs relatively well in terms of fuel, electrical, and Transmission problems but still ranks poorly among Kia vehicles. The 2012 and 2013 Kia Sportage are among the many Kia and Hyundai models currently under investigation for a possible engine fire hazard. There was not a single light on my dashboard that came on to alert me of the situation. Getting The Highest Pay For Junk Cars: How Is It Done? Therefore, Kia K800 owners looking to resell Kia K800 cars should try Kia K900 first before spending the money on costly engine repairs. While the fuel companies do have a warranty that would cover a problem caused by their dirty fuel it would be very difficult to prove it was the fuel in the first place, and it was a particular fuel companys diesel that was the cause of the problem. My understanding is that the systems are designed to deliver fuel consumption savings, but a side benefit is an increase in power. The contact stated that the vehicle started losing motive power, without warning. In my travels I see hundreds of new KIA Sportages on the road but they can't come up with a single fuse to keep me from burning alive in my car" I am 70 years, working part time and need my job. . The cost of replacing the engine will depend on several things, including what kind of engine it is and where you are looking for a replacement. Sportage vehicles have been added to the recall list for engines seizing when driving. The cause of this problem is typically traced back to a faulty engine sensor. The local dealer was contacted but vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Got told it was the direct injection pump and was normal. For more information on how we collect and use this information, please review our Privacy Policy. Some of the doors do not want to open sometimes and the check tire pressure light goes on all the time for no reason at all. there are several factors to consider before deciding to fix your engine problems with Kia Sportage, including: The severity of the damage is the first thing you need to look into before fixing this vehicle. My car is currently at the Kia service center. Kia K800 problems Kia K800 engine problems aren't as common as other Kia K800 problems, but they still occur. All cars - petrol and diesel - benefit from regular runs on the highway. The 2017 Sportage reports a small, but noteworthy, number of complaints for engine failure, plus an engine fire recall. The initial diagnosis code indicated #1326 - which is excessive rod bearing wear. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery. The turbocharger is a relatively new addition to the Sportage. Changing your Kia Sportage's air filter regularly will help avoid this problem by keeping your engine running efficiently and smoothly without any problems. However, it tends to be a more general problem across the Kia SUV models. The fourth-generation of Kia Sportage saw the reemergence of Hyundai engines. how long the Kia Sportage models are expected to last, The Sportage is one of the top 5 problematic cars in the brand. Fuel pump failure will cause the engine to stall or shut down completely. Another common braking problem is the Sportages brakes making a squealing noise. Wondering how much air to put in your tyres? The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. are trademarks of Autobeef LLC, All rights reserved. The exact cause of fire remains unknown. A major problem may be the DPF particulate filter, which is an environmental nuisance to virtually all modern diesels, especially those used for short distances. All Rights Reserved. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, she noticed that the vehicle was losing power. When your 2015 Kia Sportage's ECM (electronic control module), which is the vehicle's onboard computer, finds a problem in the electronic control system that it can't correct, a computer turns on your check engine light. How To Sell My Dead Car? How to download an Kia Workshop, Service or Owners Manual for free. My Kia Sportage And The Engine Died With No Warning. However, the off-idle response does suffer a half-second of delay if you floor it for that traffic gap (although it's far better than turbo-diesels of old). The most common one is premature wear of the brake pads. I WAS DRIVING IN TOWN WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR STOPPED, I GOT MY CAR TOWED TO MY HUSBANDS BUSINESS AND AFTER THAT I TOWED IT TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP, WHERE I WAS TOLD MY CAR DID NOT HAVE A RECALL DESPITE THE RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE AND UPON READING MORE INTO IT I SEE THAT IT DOES HAVE A RECALLS ON ENGINE FAILURE, mY CAR STOPPED ON A VERY BUSY ROAD AS WELL, WITH CARS FLYING BY ME ON A 6 LANE ROAD.tHERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS ON AS WELL AS ANY OTHER LIGHTS UNTIL THIS HAPPENED. The Kia Sportage has a good safety rating. The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine in the 2022 Kia Sportage S is responsive, economical and generally quiet; in short, it's a good thing. Another common problem with the Sportages engine is engine knocking. But, given the nature of how most people drive them, you shouldnt expect a lot of mint-condition 2010s models on the used market. Air filters regulary changed. The contact stated the vehicle failed to start. Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases CarComplaints.com is an online automotive complaint resource that uses graphs to show automotive defect patterns, based on complaint data submitted by visitors to the site. Had it towed home. The 2012 Sportage reports 286 engine complaints out of 327 complaints total, and the 2013 model reports 241 out of 289, so its safe to say that this is the dominant concern in both. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000. Some Sportage owners referred to it as a Kia Sportage jerking problem. At 68,000 miles it made a horrible noise, stopped to see what it was, nothing was found. Out of concern for my safety I brought my vehicle to an independent repair center who then confirmed that there was less than one quart of oil in then engine when it was drained (attached service record). The KIA dealer just wrote me a quote for $800 plus dollars, stating this vital moving part is not covered. Others to consider are the Kia Sportage and Sorento. The Kia Sportage is far from unreliable. Only at 68k miles. If the problem has been caused by bad fuel the repairs wont be covered by the new-car warranty. You can read elsewhere that Kia checked Tim Reeve's car and reported back to us that there was nothing wrong with it, that the problem Tim was experiencing was a result of his driving style. The 2019 Sportage has a good resale value. If you continue to use this site, you consent to this use of cookies. As a result of our request Kia had the vehicle inspected and also checked the conditions that it was occurring in and they told us that the vehicle is ok and that the problem Tim sees is related to the way he was trying to drive it. Many people also claim that the doors remain unlocked while the vehicle is on the move. Monthly check of oil, water and tyres. Unfortunately, it has been known to fail prematurely. The vehicle will stall upon starting with push to start feature and you-d only hear clicking sound. Kia Sportage owners report problems with KIA Sportage rough idling due to Kia Sportage's faulty throttle position sensor. It was just about to catch fire, luckily I did not drive the car and had it towed. Sensor Issues After 2 Months Of Having The Kia Sportage, My Kia ran well for 2 months then started missing have replaced sensors still don't run right had it in the shop a few times no one seems to know what is wrong with it. Extremely scary to drive which is unfortunate because all other aspects of the vehicle I like. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was a service campaign for the knock sensor mailed to the contact's daughter's residence; however, the contact's daughter had not received the service campaign notification. Kia Sportage has ten recorded Engine Problems, including: Kia Sportage owners report that their Kia Sportage burns or consumes oil excessively. While Kia Sportage is known for its many amazing features, it has a few minor engine problems. There have been many different engine issues with the Kia Sportage. And was told it would take up to ten weeks to get an engine. 4| Forward Collision Avoidance Problems. Kia Sportage uses full synthetic oil to keep the Kia Sportage engine healthy, but Kia Sportage's oil can easily get contaminated due to Kia Sportage not being maintained regularly. Every time we have cold weather it shows a low-pressure warning. Fuel Catalyst: C; Stroke: 86; Number Of Cylinders: 4; Valves Per Cylinder: 4; Cylinder Arrangement: I; Bore: 77; Aspiration: Turbo Charged; . The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Kia Sportage owners report problems with KIA Sportage's Check Engine Light due to Kia Sportage's faulty Camshaft Position Sensor. However, it is believed that the HECU may experience an internal electrical short circuit that could result in overcurrent. Add another mechanic figure it out. You should also check out the best and worst Kia Sportage years. Hyundai and Kia have had to recall vehicles due to Hyundai engine problems and Kia engine problems on the vehicles listed below. The only problem is that in terms of reliability, one of its main issues is quite serious. Kia Sportage 4th Gen 2017 to 2022 common problems, issues, defects, recalls and complaints.About us: http//www.jlsporttrucks.com#KiaSportage #SportageKia . heater for the O2 sensor failed, check engine light is on steady hydraulic timing belt tensioner failed. Author Deanna If you drive your vehicle the same way you did before the conversion you will make the fuel consumption savings and the engine would probably be ok, but if you make use of the extra go in the engine, as many people apparently do, you wont get the fuel savings and the engine will be at increased risk of damage. Its all too difficult. Off-road for beginners and the experienced, plus camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes, We make it easy to compare design, practicality, value and more, Buying used? I also forgot the cable shifter at 180,000! First for a trailer brake light issue in November, 2016, then for a potential high-pressure fuel pipe leak in December, 2018, and finally for an issue with engine compartment fires in a number of 2017-2021 models. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. While driving 70 mph on the highway, the car suddenly lost speed, and I was not able to accelerate, and the engine light came on. Using our PainRank system we've ranked it 23rd out of 42 Kia generations in overall reliability, with some engine and hvac concerns. 6| Hitch with the Trailer Hitch Recall. The approximate failure mileage was 118,860. Many Kia Sportage owners report hesitation on acceleration. The contact stated that she then had her vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it remained. Links must be helpful to the general public & to a specific resource (like a forum thread), or they will be deleted when we review your link suggestion. Kia Sportage owners report problems with KIA Sportage overheating on hot days. The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sportage. Kia Sportage's oil problems mostly cause Kia Sportage engine problems. The vehicle was not repaired. Still, many owners have reported that Kia Sportage can run roughly even after a new MAF sensor is installed. You'll only see the wires after you check under the hood (or other places). It worked well for about 6 months, and now it does the same thing between 30-50 mph. Worst 2016 Kia Sportage Problems #1: Air Inlet Actuator Knocks 2016 Sportage Average Cost to Fix: N/A Average Mileage: 31,000 mi #2: Smoke Coming From A/C Into Car 2016 Sportage Average. Even in its weakest model years, you could do a lot worse. While they are Korean like the Captiva, unlike the Captiva they're very good cars, well built and reliable. This problem usually starts with a burning smell and the engine stops working soon after that. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. Some owners also complain about loud noises and jerking when this happens. Transmission: eight-speed automatic. For example, Kia K800 owners often complain that Kia K800 hesitates when accelerating due to Kia K800's dirty air filter, Kia K800's most common problem. The first generation Sportage was available as a four-door sedan or a five-door wagon. It received four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for frontal impact crash tests and five out of five stars for side impact crash tests. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. Antifreeze changed as specicified. Engine stopped completely while on the highway with my family, Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the. Additionally, there was oil leaking from the vehicle. If Kia K800 car engine problems cannot be fixed or Kia K800 is beyond repair, Kia K800 owners should expect Kia K800 to pay it off, trade it in for a newer model, and buy another used Kia Sportage for sale . So for Kia Sportage, 16 mm booster cable is sufficient. I was driving with my cruise control set at 70 mph, on Highway 95 ( the speed limit ) While driving my vehicle suddenly dropped to 40 mph, all dashboard lights began to flash. I drove my car to the KIA dealership in GA, where they determined my engine failed ( software issues ) There were no prior warnings. Kia Sportage Problems Include Potential Engine Fires, Stalling, and Sudden Acceleration. 2020 Sportage Common Problems Q&A. I went to the dealer in January to ask about white smoke coming from the tailpipe and Dealership tells me I need to blow the engine up before KIA will do anything about it. The engine or motor was not checked properly before the car was ok-d for me to drive to & from work everyday. The engine problems come down to two issues: poor manufacturing that prematurely wears out the engine and engine fires. Therefore, it's important for you as a driver to understand the potential causes behind these problems, which include: Ignition problems are one of the main reasons for the common engine problems with the Kia Sportage. However, they will not cover it because damages by oil consumption are not covered by the manufacturer. The vehicle was diagnosed with asphalt in the exhaust system. To my knowledge this never took place according to two other individuals and I was lied to. After contacting the dealership where I purchased the Kia, they suggested I have it towed to their service department. The contact checked and became aware that there was no oil in the engine. Who Pays The Most For Old Cars Near Me? My car sits out in the hot sun baking all summer because if it catches fire while in my garage I'm guessing my homeowner's insurance wouldn't pay because I KNEW there was a potential for fire. Kia Australia has recalled nearly 60,000 first-generation Stinger large sedans and fourth-generation Sportage mid-size SUVs over an engine bay fire risk. Regardless of the type of recall all recalls that within the statute of limitation of eight years ago must be completed. Transmission races, and I took it to service and they said not to worry about it. The contact stated that the check engine and the low-pressure oil warning lights were illuminated. Owners complain about the vehicle hesitating on throttle input and the engine stalling when driving, without warning. Within minutes the ticking turned into local banging. What's Wrong with the 4th Generation (2016-2020) Sportage? These problems range from Kia Sportages that won't start to Kia Sportages that stall while trying to start. Most Kia Sportage engine problems' costs differ significantly depending on the route of the problem. I brought it in to be looked at and my engine had less than one quart of oil remaining. However, the fourth generation has been plagued with problems. Kia K800 owners often complain that Kia K800 hesitates when accelerating due to Kia K800's dirty air filter, which is Kia K800's most common problem. (NOT my car) - craig-pd130 : On the BMW plug-in hybrids, the combined starter/generator/mild hybrid motor is connected to the ICE by a heavy-duty belt, presumably as it's the best method for the combined unit to fulfil all its various roles. So the gas & oil was spilling on top of my motor cause inhalation gas fumes & car smoking. Before we dive in, check our article on how long the Kia Sportage models are expected to last. Kia Sportage owners complain that Kia Sportage has its Check Engine Light on due to a defective throttle position sensor, one of Kia Sportage's most common engine problems. investigation for a possible engine fire hazard, recall for the 2012 model for engine fires, previous investigation for scope and timeliness, 286 engine complaints out of 327 complaints total, Top Safety Pick awards from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the average annual repair cost is just $462. The secret: Annual oil and filter changes with OE specifictaion filters and the best quality oil. The cause of this problem is typically due to poor craftsmanship. All thats left to be determined is whether the defects in question apply to all Theta II vehicles, or just those already recalled.