1996 KIA Sephia Problems

161

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

33 complaints

ABS BRAKING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER NOTICED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *AK

Nov 03, 2004

ONLY 9 MONTH OLD BREAK, ROTORS HAS BECOME TOO THIN, NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Apr 05, 2001

BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED EVERY 8000 MILES. *AK

Jan 09, 2001

EVERY TIME TAKEN IN FOR REG.CHECKUP,HAD NEW BRAKES PUT ON,PUTTING 99 BRAKES ON 96 CAR. *AK

Dec 08, 2000

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

EVERY 5000 MILES NEEDS BRAKES/ ROTORS, CONSUMER FEELS ROTORS ARE WARPING FAST, AND THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT.*AK

Nov 09, 2000

+ 28 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

17 complaints

"CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE I BAUGHT THE CAR. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE IT FIXED BUT THE LIGHT STILL COMES ON. MY CAR WILL NOT PASS CALIFORNIA SMOG WITH THE LIGHT ON WHICH MEANS THAT I CANNOT RENEW MY REGISTRATION THE NEXT TIME THE DMV REQUIRES A SMOG CHECK.

Feb 21, 2003

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE WHOLE DASH BOARD CAME OFF. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS. TS

Jan 15, 2003

THE FIRST WIRING HARNESS THAT WAS ORDERED FOR THIS CAR ON 10/29/02 WAS DEFECTIVE. THEY ORDERED A SECOND ONE. I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR THEY SAY WAS READY AND EVERYTHING IS WORKING. BEFORE I DROVE OFF THE LOT I NOTICED MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT ON. HOWEVER ALL OF THE DOORS WERE CLOSED INCLUDING THE TRUNK. SO TOMORROW I AM TAKING MORE TIME OFF FROM WORK SO THEY CAN INSTALL A THIRD WIRING HARNESS. I HAVE TAKEN OFF 2 DAYS 3 HOURS SO FAR. THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP IS ABOUT 45 MILES AWAY. I ONLY HAVE THAT ONE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOWED OVER THERE THE LAST TIME BECAUSE THE GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT MOVE. WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE SEEN TONIGHT ON THIS WEB SITE YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD CALL A RECALL. I WILL NOT REST UNTIL SOMEONE TAKES RESPONSIBLITY FOR THE CAR THAT HAS BEEN IN AND OUT THE SHOP EVERY SINCE I HAD IT. DT

Nov 12, 2002

THIS IS THE THIRD WIRING HARNESS THEY ARE ORDERING. DT

Nov 06, 2002

THE TOP OF THE DASH ACTUALLY HAS A LARGE BURN SCORCH MARK ABOUT THE SIZE OF A GRAPEFRUIT AND THE FOAM LIKE MATERIAL IS BULGING OUT, THIS IS IN THE MIDDLE OF FLORIDA'S SUMMER HEAT AND VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE OF MY WORK BUT A CAR ONLY 3 YEARS OLD SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE, OVER YEARS HAVE OWNED OLD CARS OVER TEN YEARS OLD BEFORE EVER SAW DASH PROBLEMS AND NOTHING LIKE THIS, DONT KNOW IF THIS COULD HAVE SOMEHOW IGNITED A FIRE OR IF DASH IS NOW LOOSE COMPROMISING OTHER EQUIPMENT IN THE DASH. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW OF ANY OTHER PROBLEMS OR RECALLS WITH THIS MODEL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.

Oct 28, 2000

+ 12 more complaints for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

12 complaints

WHEN VEHICLE HAS BEEN STARTED ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND REMAIN ILLUMINATED. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC FAILED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK

Sep 05, 2003

CONSUMER STATES THAT BODY MOUNTS SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING FUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. RELATED RECALL 98V323000, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK

Jul 09, 2003

AFTER AN OIL CHANGE THE MECHANIC LEFT THE OIL PLUG LOOSE AND THE PLUG FELL ON THE OPEN HIGHWAY, NOW THE VEHICLE HAS LEFT A CONSUMER STRANDED.*ET

Mar 30, 2000

JULY OF 1999 HAD PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM. CAR KEPT OVERHEATING. PUT IT IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS WHICH COST $400.00. HAD IT OUT ABOUT ONE WEEK HAD MORE PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME. IN OCTOBER WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE CAR WENT COMPLETELY OUT WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANY INDICATION ANYTHING WAS WRONG. WHEN CHECKED THE ENGINE HAD COMPLETELY FROZEN UP. IT HAD OVERHEATED AGAIN BUT NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON NOR DID THE HEAT GUAGE MOVE TO INDICATE IT WAS HOT. AS I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT AND WORK ONLY PART TIME I AM NOW STUCK MAKING PAYMENTS ON A CAR I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX AND BUMMING RIDES. *AK

Jan 26, 2000

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY STALLING.

Apr 13, 1999

+ 7 more complaints for this component

SEAT BELTS

12 complaints

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LOCK PROPERLY CAUSING THE CONSUMER NOT TO HAVE A SEAT BELT ON WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS

Dec 27, 2002

SEAT BELTS ARE UNTREADING WITHOUT BEING USED EXCESSIVELY.*AK

Jul 11, 2002

DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT WILL LATCH, BUT IT COMES LOOSE ON ITS OWN. *AK

Apr 24, 2000

WHEN THE OCCUPANT MAKES A SLIGHT MOVE IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE COMES LOOSE, LEAVING THE OCCUPANT UNPROTECTED IN CASE OF CRASH. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE SEATBELT BUCKLE TWICE. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK

Nov 22, 1999

DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED/REPLACED DUE TO UNLATCHING WHILE DRIVING.

Apr 13, 1999

+ 7 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

11 complaints

I PURCHASED A 1996 KIA SEPHIA AND HAVE THE SAME PROBLAM AS ALOT OF OTHER OWNERS. THE DASHBOARD IS LIFTING AND PEELING AWAY FROM THE FRAME.*AK

Dec 14, 2004

IT IS UNBELIEVEABLE THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE DASHBOARDS FOR KIA VEHICLES. I OWN A KIA SEPHIA AND IT SEEMS LIKE THE DASHBOARD CRACKS AND PEELS OFF. I HAVE SEEN OTHER MODELS AND IT FACES THE SAME PROBLEMS. MATTER OF FACT I VISITED KIA DEALERSHIPS AND THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON THIS ITEMS. THE DEALERSHIPS ALSO MENTIONED THAT THEY HAVE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THAT SAME ISSUE. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THERE MUST BE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUES. *AK

Apr 21, 2004

DASHBOARD IS SEPARATING FROM THE FRAME OF THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE ON FOUR OCCASIONS, AND WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Apr 20, 2004

CONSUMER STATES THAT DASHBOARD IS PEELING OFF FROM THE CAR'S FOUNDATION.*AK

Jul 09, 2003

THE DASH BOARD BUCKLED TO THE POINT WHERE THE CONSUMER HAD TO CUT OFF PORTIONS OF IT. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED IT MAY AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE AIR BAG. *JB

May 22, 2003

+ 6 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

11 complaints

DASHBOARD HAS CURLED UP IN FRONT (AGAINST WINDSHIELD). BECAUSE OF THIS THE DEFROSTER WILL NOT DEFROST THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. AS A RESULT I AM UNABLE TO SEE ADEQUATELY TO DRIVE ANYTIME MY WINDSHIELD IS FOGGY. THIS MAY ALSO CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT BUT I'M NOT SURE.

Feb 12, 2003

THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD NEAR THE WINDSHIELD VENTS HAS PEELED AWAY OVER THE LAST YEAR OR SO FROM THE DASH FRAME. RIGHT NOW IT IS STANDING AROUND 3" FROM THE FRAME AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO TRANSGRESS INTO MY LINE OF SIGHT. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE DEFROST/DEFOGGER ON THE CAR DOES NOT WORK WELL ANYMORE SINCE THE PEELING HAS OCCURRED. THE DASH IS ALSO LIFTING AWAY FROM THE FRAME JUST ABOVE AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. MY CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH DUAL FRONT AIR BAGS AND I BELIEVE THAT THIS WARPING OF THE DASH MAY IN SOME WAY EITHER CAUSE A PREMATURE RELEASE OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OR PREVENT THE RELEASE OF THE BAG WHEN IT MAY BE NEEDED. I HAVE NOTED THIS SAME PHENOMENON ON OTHER KIA SEPHIAS IN THE CITY WHERE I LIVE.

Jan 31, 2003

DASHBOARD WAS WARPING. DASHBOARD BEGAN DISCOLORING A YEAR 1/2 AGO, AND CURRENTLY WAS FALLING APART. DEALER ADVISED THAT IT WAS SIMPLY WEAR AND TEAR. CONSUMER FEELS THAT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY. *AK *SLC

Jun 26, 2001

THE DASHBOARD ON MY KIA IS FOLDING AND BUCKLING PREVENTING THE DEFROST SYSTEM TO BLOW CORRECTLY. THUS, MAKE IT A HAZARDOUS CONDITION WHEN IT IS RAINING AND THE WINDSHIELD FOGS UP. THE BLOWER CANNOT REACH THE WINDSHIELD DUE TO THE BUCKLING OF THE DASH.

Mar 16, 2001

REPETEDLY REPAIRED FOR SAME PROBLEMS AND STILL SAME THINGS NOT NEEDING TO BE REPLACD HAD TO BE CAR IS A LEMON

May 06, 1999

+ 6 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

10 complaints

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING GOING 30MPH THE VEHICLE WAS IN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES THE SEAT BELT NEVER LOCKED AND BOTH AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. TS

Jan 07, 2003

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SYSTEM, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Sep 15, 2000

AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHIN SECONDS AFTER STARTING VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND REFUSED TO REPAIR UNLESS COST GOES TO CONSUMER. ASKING NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER. *AK

Oct 12, 1999

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN 35-40 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT TO SUSTAIN INJURIES. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Jul 07, 1999

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS AND PASSENGER AIR BAG DURING FRONTAL COLLISION CAUSING FACE TO HIT STEERING WHEEL. NLM

Jun 22, 1999

+ 5 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

9 complaints

TRANSMISSION REPLACED DUE TO SLIPPING.

Apr 13, 1999

DEFECTIVE CV JOINTS CAUSED A POPPING NOISE AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALER REPLACED CV JOINTS, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Dec 01, 1998

Crash: 1

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

Oct 07, 1997

SEAL AND BOLT IN TRANSMISSION FAILED.

Apr 24, 1997

TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY.

Apr 15, 1997

+ 4 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY

4 complaints

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ON DECEMBER 1, 2003 THE DASHBOARD LIFTED UP IN THE FRONT WHEN TURNING ON THE DEFROSTER . IT DID NOT DEFOG THE WINDOW, IT WILL WORK SOMEWHAT BUT NOT LIKE IT SHOULD. CAN SEE THE INSIDE DASHBOARD WHERE WIRING AND FOAM WAS. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE SINCE DECEMBER 2003. CONSUMER HAD TRIED TO PUSH THE DASHBOARD DOWN WITH HER HANDS, BUT THE DASHBOARD WILL NOT MOVE. CONSUMER HAS NOT HAD A DEALER LOOK AT VEHICLE. *AK

Oct 07, 2005

VENTILATION SYSTEM BLOWS AIR FROM THE WRONG VENTS.

Jan 13, 1998

LEFT WINDOW FELL OFF TRACK INTO DOOR.

Mar 31, 1997

WINDOWS WILL NOT DEFROST DUE TO DESIGN OF DEFOGGER SYSTEM; AIRFLOW NOT ENOUGH TO CLEAR WINDOWS; ONCE WINDOWS ARE FOGGED UP, OWNER HAS TO PARK VEHICLE; IMPAIRS VISION, COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT.*AK

Oct 15, 1996

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 complaints

FUEL INJECTION WIRING CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Jun 21, 2000

Fire: 1

ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, AFTER JUST HAVING IT FIXED, TO FIX IT THE FIRST TIME THE DEALER SAID PUT 3 OR 4 TANK OF GAS IN THE CAR.

May 21, 1998

SEVERE GAS FUMES.

Mar 31, 1997

GAS TOP DOESN'T FIT PROPERLY.

Mar 31, 1997

SUSPENSION

4 complaints

PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE WITH CV JOINT ASSEMBLY DAMAGED. CAR HAS RECURRENT HISTORY OF PROBLEM. I FEEL MY LIFE IS IN DANGER AND LEMON LAW DOES NOT PROTECT ME. OTHER LIVES COULD BE IN DANGER AS WELL. DEALER CANNOT FIX THE PROBLEM. HAVE COMPLETE HISTORY OF THIS VEHICLE AND I PURCHASED IN FROM THIS DEALER USED ONLY 2 MONTHS AGO WITH A DEFECT THAT COULD TAKE MY LIFE AND SOMEONE ELSE'S AS WELL. PLEASE HELP.

Dec 01, 1998

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR'S FRONT END AND STEERING HAVE A VIBRATION. *AK

Jun 23, 1997

VEHICLE VIBRATES WHEN DRIVEN 45-70 MPH.

Apr 18, 1997

FRONT END PULLS.

Mar 31, 1997

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

3 complaints

WHILE DRIVING IN DARK IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE DUE TO HEADLIGHTS LAMPS, WHERE COVER IS TURNING YELLOW, AND ISN'T ILUMINATING LIKE BEFORE.*AK

Feb 28, 2001

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY MALFUNCTIONS.

Jan 13, 1998

OVER DRIVE LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY.

Apr 15, 1997

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaints

NO SUMMARY

May 19, 1998

Injuries: 5

SUDDEN ACCELERATION.

Mar 17, 1998

ROARING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING,

Mar 31, 1997

VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

2 complaints

THE DASHBOARD IS RISING AND THE DEFROSTER DOESN'T WORK, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER. *AK *MR

Jan 07, 2004

CABLES ARE HANGING FROM OUT THE SIDES OF 3 DOORS. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR AT HIS EXPENSE. WHEN CAR IS IN REVERSE, THE WINDOWS WON'T DO ANYTHING. CONSUMER HAS A BOARD INSIDE THE PANEL TO KEEP THE WINDOW UP. *AK

Feb 02, 2000

PARKING BRAKE

2 complaints

THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE PULLED OUT OF THE CENTER ANCHOR IN THE TRANSFER BRACKET DUE TO POSSIBLE DESIGN FLAW OF THE METAL BEING TOO SOFT (WEAK) FOR FORCE NECESSARY. MJS

Aug 24, 1999

EMERGENCY BRAKE LEVER BROKE.

Nov 13, 1996

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT CERTAIN TIMES, THEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION, AND NOW ENGINE CHECK LIGHT IS BACK ON. *AK

Jul 22, 1999

UPON DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH, THE RPMS DROP AND VEHICLE STALLS. ALSO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TWICE. *AK

Aug 12, 1997

INTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

DASH GAUGE LIGHTS FAILED.

Jan 05, 1999

DASH LIGHTS FAILED.

Mar 31, 1997

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, ONE MONTH LATER THE ENGINE LOCKED UP. DEALER COULD NOT FIND WHY. *AK *SLC

Dec 01, 1997

ENGINE: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND VEHICLE STALLS RIGHT IN THE STREET WITH NO WARNING AT ALL. HAS BEEN IN SHOP SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS, AND THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM. *AK *SLC

Jul 29, 1997

STEERING

2 complaints

STEERING MECHANISM FAILED.

Oct 07, 1997

EXCESSIVE VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING.

Mar 31, 1997

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 complaints

DIFFICULTY LATCHING HOOD.

Apr 06, 1997

LEFT REAR DOOR FAILED TO OPEN OR UNLOCK.

Mar 31, 1997

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Dec 28, 2000

SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

I'VE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT RECEPTICLES DUE TO FAILURE OF LATCH. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANT EVEN AFTER IT IS RESET. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY. *AK

Jun 01, 2000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

DUE TO WIRING PROBLEMS VEHICLE HAD STALLED, A FIRE STARTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. *AK *ML

Feb 14, 2000

Fire: 1

AIR BAGS,TIRES

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. THIS CAUSED SMOKE TO FILL THE INSIDE OF VEHICLE. ALSO HAD JERKED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. EVERYTHING LOCKED UP WHICH MADE IT HARD TO ESCAPE VEHICLE/ TIRE BLEW OUT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. WAS INFORMED IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY & TO CONTACT MANUFACTURER. *AK

Jan 27, 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

OIL FILTERS MADE BY ANY OTHER COMPANY THAN KIA DOES NOT WORK. I HAD TO GET AN OIL CHANGE TWICE BECAUSE THE ONE DONE BY THE CAR LOT WAS NOT A KIA OIL FILTER AND THE ONE I HAD DONE WAS NOT A KIA FILTER. I TOOK THE CAR TO A KIA REPAIR SHOP THE NEXT DAY AND THEY CLEANED THE AREA AND CHANGED THE FILTER. THE BRAKES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR HAVE BEEN SCREACHING AND AT THAT TIME, A BRAKE REPAIRMAN ADVISED ME MY BRAKES WORE AT 95%. THE BRAKES STILL SCREACH AND GRIND. IN THE SUMMER, THE AIR CONDITIONER GIVES OFF A FOUL ODOR TO THE POINT OF HAVING TO TURN IT OFF. THE REAR MIDDLE SEATBELT DOES NOT LATCH. THE STEPS LISTED IN THE KIA MANUAL DOES NOT COINCIDE WITH THE STEPS YOU MUST TAKE TO DEFROST THE WINDOWS. THE ONLY WAY I CAN IS TO TURN THE HEAT UP ALL THE WAY, OR TO TURN ON THE HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONER, WHICH I CAN'T USE. THE CAR WHEN IT'S IN DRIVE FEELS LIKE IT'S IN A LOWER GEAR AT TIMES AND FEELS LIKE IT'S NOT QUITE IN DRIVE. THE SEAMS IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR ALLOWS WATER DRIP INTO THE CAR. THE WINDSHIELD WASHER HOLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE DOESN'T SPREW OUT ANY WINDSHIELD CLEANER. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE CAR LOT BEAUSE OF THE GAS DOOR NOT OPENING WITH THE INDOOR GAS LATCH. THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRONT HUBCAPS GETS VERY OIL AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHY. THE WINDOW'S RESIST WHEN YOU TRY TO ROLL THEM UP. *AK

Dec 30, 1999

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

BRAKE, DRUM, AND ROTOR PROBLEMS. AIR CONDITIONER DOESN'T WORK. DOESN'T ACCELERATE WELL.

Sep 08, 1999

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

THE FIRST MONTH I HAD CAR THE IGNITION/STEERING LOCKED AND NEEDED TOWING BY KIA-NOTHING CHARGED TO ME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND STAYING ON SHORTLY AFTER 'REPAIR' EVER SINCE I BOUGHT CAR 3-28-1998. I JUST GOT "RUN-AROUND' FROM WESTERN DIVERSIFIED/KIA AND INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP OVER AXLES. KIA TOLD ME NOTHING COVERED AFTER 36,000 MI.. AFTER I THOUGHT I COULD SEND IN BILL FOR AXLES TO EXTENDED WARRANTY INSTEAD OF CALLING AT THE TIME (MALE CHAUVINIST MECHANIC) AND AFTER WESTERN DIVERSIFIED SEEMINLY INDICATED AXLES PART OF ROUTINE MAINTENANCE (CV BOOT-DIDN'T KNOW WERE GOING BAD) AND I COULDN'T AFFORD $200-300 FOR DEALER TO CHECK CAR EARLIER-- DEALERS AND KIA THEN SAY I HAVE 5/60 WARRANTY ON ENGINE/TRANS AND NOW WON'T COVER AXLES BECAUSE OF INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TOUCHING CAR AND HE WON'T BACK UP HIS 'WARRANTY'. I JUST STARTED FULL-TIME WORK NOT AS A TEMP (BUT TERM) WITH CO I WORKED 5 1/2 YRS BEFORE. ALL MY MONEY IS GOING ALTERNATELY TO CAR REPAIRS THEN CATCH UP ON CAR PMTS AND INS AND I STILL NEED TO MOVE AND CAN'T AFFORD TO AND REALLY STEAMED AND WRITING TO ATTY GENERAL ABOUT KIA--Y2K MEANS YUCK TO KIA. *AK

Jun 03, 1999

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

TRANSMISSION BROKE DOWN. OVERDRIVE KEEPS SLIPPING. WILL NOT SHIFT. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START UP. THE KILL SWITCH WIRING KEEPS EFFECTING STARTING. BRAKE DISC & PADS NEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Dec 16, 1998

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

1 complaint

BRAKE FAILURE WITH NO WARING, REPLACE BRAKES, DRUMS AND ROTOR TWICE.

May 21, 1998

SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

DOOR ASSEMBLY: PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S SIDE BACK DOOR FLIES OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY. TOOK IN TO KIA FOR REPAIRS AND THEY WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE. ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH SEAT BELTS IN BACK COMING LOOSE. *AK

Feb 24, 1998

INTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

BRAKE AND ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY COME ON, LIGHT SWITCH BROKE OFF.

Dec 11, 1997

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, VEHICLE STALLED. CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. CLUTCH BURNED OUT IN LESS THAN A YEAR. *AK

Jul 29, 1997

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

STEERING LOCKED UP MOMENTARILY, UPON RELEASING, DRIVER LOSS CONTROL, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT/INJURY, ALSO BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE.

Aug 15, 1996

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

VEHICLE'S ABS BRAKES FAILED THREE TIMES, MAKE GRONDING NOISE/DIMMER SWITCH OVERHEATED/REPLACED RUSTED MUFFLER/GAS ACCELERATOR TOO CLOSE TO BRAKE PEDAL/ VEHICLE BUCKS AND HESITATES AT LOW SPEED/NOISY LIFTERS. *AK

Jun 20, 1996

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4.8/5.0

43 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1996 KIA Sephia have?

The 1996 KIA Sephia currently has 161 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1996 KIA Sephia?

The most common problems reported for the 1996 KIA Sephia are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1996 KIA Sephia problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1996 KIA Sephia comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.