1997 KIA Sephia Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
266
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
54 complaints
CONSUMER STATES BRAKES HAVE BEEN WORKED ON 5 OR 6 TIMES IN LESS THAN THE FIRST 18 MONTHS, DEALER STATES THIS WAS NORMAL BECAUSE BRAKES WERE NEW. *SLC
Oct 01, 2001
CONSUMER STATES BRAKES HAVE BEEN WORKED ON 5 OR 6 TIMES IN LESS THAN THE FIRST 18 MONTHS, DEALER STATES THIS WAS NORMAL BECAUSE BRAKES WERE NEW. *SLC
Oct 01, 2001
BRAKES HAVE TO BE REPLACED FOR 3RD TIME IN 3 YEARS. *AK
Jul 04, 2001
THE LAST TIME MY ROTORS WARPED FOR THE FIFTH TIME, MY DEALER WASN'T GOING TO REPLACED THEM UNTIL I HAD A LENGTHY DISCUSSION WITH HIM AND HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. HE DID NOT REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS THIS TIME BECAUSE KIA WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE THAT EXPENSE. THEY ARE WARPING AGAIN FOR THE SIXTH TIME. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR WITH AS MANY PROBLEMS AS THIS CAR(SOME ARE NOT LISTED). I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN IT AT ALL.
Jun 14, 2001
BRAKES FAILED. *JB
Apr 20, 2001
+ 49 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
24 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.
Oct 02, 2006
INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOOSES POWER. DEALER INDICATED AND PERFORMED A TUNE UP ON THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES THE PROBLEM IS RECURRING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *PH
Dec 04, 2003
WHEN THE CONSUMER PULLED OFF FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED IN TRAFFIC WHICH MADE IT A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *NLM PH *JB
Jul 11, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTSDOWN WITHOUT WARNING, DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Jan 29, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTSDOWN WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, BUT IS UNABLE TO LOCATE SOURCE OF PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Nov 27, 2001
+ 19 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
22 complaints
I PURCHASED A 2007 KIA OPTIMA USED IN OCTOBER 2007. THE CAR HAD ROUGHLY 18,000 MILES ON IT WHEN I PURCHASED IT. SHORTLY AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED IN LATE 2009, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND HAS REMAINED ON EVER SINCE. THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON, EVEN WHEN A NORMAL-SIZED ADULT SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.
Mar 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 KIA SEPHIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL REMAINS ILLUMINATED. HE DOES NOT KNOW IF THE AIR BAGS ARE WORKING PROPERLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, ESPECIALLY SINCE HIS VEHICLE IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE COST WOULD BE $750 TO HAVE THE SENSOR REPAIRED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THE NUMEROUS AMOUNTS OF COMPLAINTS, BUT IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 18,355 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300. UPDATED 09/05/07. *JB
Jul 16, 2007
AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING A FRONT END CRASH. INJURIES INCLUDED HEAD,NECK AND BACK .THE CAR WAS TOTALED.*AK
Mar 23, 2007
DT: CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS HIT BY ANOTHER CAR ON AUGUST 15, 2005, AND THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. WERE STILL UNSURE OF THE EXTEND OF THE INJURIES TO THE CONSUMER. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNHELPFUL TO THE CONSUMER. THEY TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE AIRBAGS SHOULD NOT HAVE DEPLOYED UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES. ALTHOUGH OTHER INFORMATION THEY SENT HER SAID THAT THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. *AK
Sep 26, 2005
THE DASHBOARD ON THIS YEAR VEHICLE STARTS TO CURL AND IS HEADING TOWARDS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WHICH MAY POP AND CAUSE INJURIES OR FATALITIES. THE DASHBOARD ALSO BREAKS THE PLASTIC VENTS WHICH THEN DOES NOT DISTRIBUTE THE AIR ON THE DEFROSTER PROPERLY WHICH THEN COULD ALSO CAUSE FATALITIES OR INJURIES.
Sep 25, 2003
+ 17 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
16 complaints
I NOTICED A CLUNKING SOUND IN MY FRONT END OF MY 1997 KIA SEPHIA. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 49,000 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED NEW AXLE SHAFTS ON BOTH SIDES. THE DEALER INFORMED ME HE WOULD HAVE TO ORDER THE PARTS OVERNIGHT AND THAT HE DID NOT WANT ME TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT WAS FIXED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. THE AXLE SHAFTS ARE CRUMBLING AND HE HAS NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY. HE SAID YOU DON'T SEE THAT IN KIA VEHICLES. THANKFULLY THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT BUT HAD I WAITED THE CONSEQUENCES COULD HAVE BEEN DEVASTATING. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS, AND I HAVE ASKED THEM TO HOLD ON TO THE AXLE SHAFTS WHEN THEY ARE REMOVED. *NM
Feb 02, 2006
CONSUMER STATES THAT WITHOUT WARNING TRANSMISSION SHIFTS INTO OVERDRIVE, DOWNSHIFTS AND LURCHES FORWARD EXCESSIVELY. CONSUMER HAD TRANSMISSION AND COMPUTER COMMAND CHIP REPLACED AT 18K MILES. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. TS
Dec 10, 2002
CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION. WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WILL SWITCH GEAR ON ITS OWN, PUTTING IT INTO NEUTRAL. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THEY WANTED TO SELL THEM SOMETHING ELSE.*AK
Dec 03, 2002
DURING THE PAST WEEK, I HAVE HAD TO HAVE BOTH DRIVE AXLES REPLACED ON MY 1997 KIA SEPHIA (AT A COST OF OVER $400) DUE TO A VIBRATION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS HASN'T COMPLETELY RESOLVED MY PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT I THINK SHOULD POINT TO THE NEED FOR A RECALL: (1) THIS PROBLEM IS UNIQUE TO THE 1997 MODEL YEAR; (2) MID-WAY THROUGH THE 1997 MODEL YEAR, THE DESIGN FOR THE DRIVE AXELS WAS CHANGED AND MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED PRIOR TO THIS CHANGE. SURELY A CHANGE DURING THE MANUFACTURING YEAR WOULD INDICATE A DESIGN FLAW. DT
Dec 02, 2002
TRANSMISSION- DROVE CAR TO DEALER BECAUSE OF SUSPECTED AXEL PROBLEM(REACURRING), WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE IT OUT OF DEALERSHIP, THEY REPLACED AXEL (3RD TIME) THEN SAID IT WAS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. I TOLD THEM NOT TO DO TRANSMISSION WORK, THEY REMOVED NEW AXEL( SAID IT WASN'T DEFECTIVE AFTER ALL) HAD CAR TOWED AT MY EXPENSE FROM DEALERSHIP. AXEL WAS REPLACED 1ST TIME, BROKE WITHIN 30 DAYS, REPAIRED AGAIN. 11 MONTHS LATER STARTED HAVING SAME PROBLEM. BRAKES REPLACED 3 TIMES. TIRES REPLACED 3 TIMES IN 3 YEARS.*AK
Aug 29, 2001
+ 11 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
16 complaints
BOTH OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS WILL NOT REATRACT BACK TO NORMAL POSITION, WHICH IS PREVENTING THE REAR PASSENGERS FROM BEING SAFE IF THE VEHICLE WERE TO BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED BY CONSUMER.*AK
Mar 25, 2005
DRIVER'S SAFETY BELT DOES NOT STAY BUCKLED. BELT WILL RELEASE FROM BUCKLE WITHOUT PULLING. CONSUMER IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT BEING PROPERLY RESTRAINED WHILE DRIVING. *AK
Jul 08, 2002
SEAT BELT ON DRIVERS SIDE WILL COME UNBUCKLED WHILE DRIVING. SEAT BELT WILL NOT LOCK INTO ANCHOR. *AK
Jan 17, 2002
ON IMPACT DURING AN ACCIDENT THE SEAT BELT BROKE IN ABOUT 4 PERFECT PIECES, AS A RESULT OF THE BUCKLE BREAKING THE DRIVER SUSTAINED 2 BREAKS IN CERVICAL SPINE.
Sep 25, 2001
ON IMPACT DURING AN ACCIDENT THE SEAT BELT BROKE IN ABOUT 4 PERFECT PIECES, AS A RESULT OF THE BUCKLE BREAKING THE DRIVER SUSTAINED 2 BREAKS IN CERVICAL SPINE.
Sep 25, 2001
+ 11 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
15 complaints
THE DASHBOARD IS WARPED/COMING UP AND HAS BENT/RUINED THE DEFROST/DEFOGGER SYSTEM. IT HAPPENED ALL ON IT'S OWN, WE DID NOTHING TO PROVOKE THIS. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN A WRECK. I AM CONCERNED IF IT HAS CAUSED AIRBAG DAMAGE. IT IS A HAZARD NOT TO BE ABLE TO DEFROST/DEFOG WINDOWS. ALSO THE TAILPIPE KEEPS GETTING HOLES IN IT AND WE HAVE TO KEEP GETTING WELDING DONE ON IT. *JB
Sep 16, 2007
THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD IS LIFTING UP, CONSUMER BELIEVES THIS MAY CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Sep 26, 2003
THE DASHBOARD IS PULLING APART AND THIS IS UNSAFE AND I WORRY ABOUT THE AIR BAGS BLASTING OFF AND OTHER DAMAGE. I KNOW THIS PROBLEM IS PREVELANT TO THIS CAR ALSO THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE BREAKS THEY SQUEAK HORRIBLY, BUT THE BREAK PEOPLE SAY THEY DON'T NEED TO BE REPLACED, UNSURE OF THE CAUSE.*AK
Sep 06, 2003
THE DASHBOARD CAME LOOSE AND LIFTED FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE.*MR. THE MOLDING STRIP AROUND THE REAR WINDOW WAS LOOSE.*TS *JB
Aug 25, 2003
THE DASHBOARD AREA, IN FRONT OF DRIVER'S SEAT DEVELOPED "BURN" SPOTS AND SINCE THEN POPPED OUT, NEAR THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. AS A RESULT, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS AND BLURRED VISION WHEN DRIVING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE SUN CONTACTED THE DASH AND HAD GIVEN OFF SOME TYPE OF CHEMICAL. *AK THE BURN SPOT WAS APPROXIMATELY 12 INCHES IN DIAMETER. EVERY THREE TO FOUR DAYS IT CREATED A FILM ON THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD(THE SIZE OF THE BURN AREA) AND ALSO HAD GIVEN OFF AN ODOR. THE ODOR MADE THE CONSUMER'S HUSBAND SICK AND HER SISTER'S EYES BURN. *SCC *JB
Jul 18, 2003
+ 10 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
15 complaints
THE VEHICLES DASHBOARD IS BECOMING DETACHED FROM THE FRAME ITS MOUNTED ON. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED BECAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL WIRING UNDERNEATH. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*JB
Jan 13, 2003
DASHBOARD WAS RISING WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED; HOWEVER HAS NOT PERFORMED ANY SERVICES OR HAD A REMEDY FOR PROBLEM.
Jun 18, 2002
DASH BOARD IS SEPAZRATING FROM THE CAR FRAME. WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT IF IT SEPARATED ANYMORE IT WOULD DEPLOY PASSENGER AIRBAG. IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. SAID THAT IT WOULD COST $1000.00 JUST FOR PARTS, AND $400.00 AND HOUR FOR LABOR. SAID THAT I COULD TRY TO LOCATE RECALLS OR FIND A REPLACEMENT TO FIX IT. SAID THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL COST. I WAS TOLD BY ANOTHER DEALERSHIP THAT KIA INCORP. SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE IT AT NO COST SINCE IT WAS AFFECTING THE AIRBAG. IT WAS APPEARENT THAT THE DASH WAS NOT SEPERATING DUE TO SOMETHING I DID. IT WAS A DEFECTIVE ITEM. THEY ALSO SAID THAT THERE WERE SCREWS MISSING FROM PART THAT HOLD IT DOWN.*AK
Aug 07, 2001
DASH BOARD IS SEPAZRATING FROM THE CAR FRAME. WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT IF IT SEPARATED ANYMORE IT WOULD DEPLOY PASSENGER AIRBAG. IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. SAID THAT IT WOULD COST $1000.00 JUST FOR PARTS, AND $400.00 AND HOUR FOR LABOR. SAID THAT I COULD TRY TO LOCATE RECALLS OR FIND A REPLACEMENT TO FIX IT. SAID THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL COST. I WAS TOLD BY ANOTHER DEALERSHIP THAT KIA INCORP. SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE IT AT NO COST SINCE IT WAS AFFECTING THE AIRBAG. IT WAS APPEARENT THAT THE DASH WAS NOT SEPERATING DUE TO SOMETHING I DID. IT WAS A DEFECTIVE ITEM. THEY ALSO SAID THAT THERE WERE SCREWS MISSING FROM PART THAT HOLD IT DOWN.*AK
Aug 07, 2001
ON DRIVER SIDE DASHBOARD IS SEPARATING...AND BUBBLING. *AK
Apr 12, 2001
+ 10 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
14 complaints
I HAVE A 1997 KIA SEPHIA RS AND I HAVE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR BELT 11 TIMES AND 4 OF THOSE HAVE BEEN IN THE LAST 3 MONTHS. I AM UNABLE TO GET ANY ANSWERS ABOUT WHY THE BELT KEEPS BREAKING FROM ANY REPAIR SHOP, OTHER THAN IT MUST BE A SIZING DEFECT BY KIA. THIS LAST BELT WAS REPLACED 6/05 AND BROKE OFF AGAIN 8/17/05. I CAN ONLY SEEM TO GET ABOUT 1-3 MONTH USE FROM A BELT. I CHECKED WITH THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE CAR, WHICH I KNEW AND SHE INDICATES THAT SHE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS. I NOW HAVE SPOKEN TO ANOTHER KIA SEPHIA RS OWNER SAME YEAR AND THEY GOT RID OF THEIRS FOR THAT VERY REASON.*JB
Aug 18, 2005
THE ENGINE WIRE HARNESS MALFUNCTIONED, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL. *JB
Mar 17, 2003
DASH HAS LARGE BROWN BURN SPOT ON DRIVERS SIDE. THIS SPOT STARTED AS JUST A SMALL SPOT AND HAS OVER 6 MONTHS TIME CONTINUED TO GROW LARGER AND LARGER. NOW THE ENTIRE DASH IS STARTING TO LIFT UP AND CURL UP AWAY FROM THE WINDSHIELD AND THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL.
Feb 10, 2003
THE VEHICLES DASHBOARD SEEMS TO BE BREAKING AWAY FROM THE WINDSHIELD. CONSUMER IS CONCERNED THE AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY UNEXPECTEDLY. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.TS
Jan 22, 2003
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START INTERMITTENTLY, VEHICLE BEEN TO THE DEALER ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Mar 05, 2002
+ 9 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
8 complaints
THE CAR WAS ACTING UP, WE THOUGHT IT WAS OVERHEATING,BECAUSE WHEN THE CAR COOLED OFF IT WOULD START. ON 7/04/2001 WE WERE GOING DOWN THE ROAD AT 55 MPH WHEN IT SHUT OFF. IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC .HE SAID THE FUEL PUMP WAS BAD. REPLACED IT. TOOK A TRIP TO MASS. CAR DIED AGAIN. TOLD FUEL RELAY WAS BAD,REPLACED,08/10/2001. COMING HOME FIRST TIME CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.TOOK IT TO DEALER.EGR VALVE REPLACED ABOUT 08/21/2001. 09/25/2001 CAR DIES TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC,CHECKS,FUEL PUMP BAD AGAIN. VERY DISTURBING, I DON'T WANT DEALERS TO WORK ON IT. SAY I NEED AN INVOICE# FOR WORK ORDER BEFORE I CAN GET FUEL PUMP. MECHANIC IS FRIEND KIA CERTIFIED I TRUST HIM TO FIX THE PROBLEM LONG TERM, NOT THE DEALER. IF YOU WEREN'T AWARE I MOVED TO VA.5 MNTHS AGO.*AK
Sep 28, 2001
CONSUMER'S VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE TOWARDS THE END AND ABOVE THE MUFFLER AND ABOVE FUEL TANK. DEALER HAS RECOGNIZED THE ACTUAL CAUSE OR REMEDY, BUT WAS READY TO HAVE CONSUMER PICK UP THE VEHICLE. PRIOR TO FIRE, VEHICLE WAS LOSING POWER AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. PLEASE FILLE ADDTIONAL INFORMATION. *AK
Sep 26, 2000
FUEL TANK CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *AK
Sep 19, 2000
GAS CAP BROKEN. MJS
Oct 13, 1999
CONSUMER WAS PUMPING GAS AT AN AMICO STATION---2216 PLANK RD. FREDRICKSBURG, VA. WHEN A FIRE BALL SHOT OUT OF GAS TANK AND IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO BURN. CONSUMER FOUND A FIRE EXSTINGUSHER AND MANAGED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT. AK
Jun 04, 1999
+ 3 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
6 complaints
DT: THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 KIA SEPHIA. CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 35 MPH . UPON IMPACT, THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.THERE WERE THREE OCCUPANTS IN THE CAR ALL WEARING SEAT BELTS. THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BROKE . THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT HAD NOT BEEN ON IN THIS VEHICLE NOR WAS IT ON AFTER THE CRASH. ONE PERSON SUSTAINED INJURIES BECAUSE OF THE SEAT BELT. SHE BROKE TWO RIBS. *AK
Aug 02, 2005
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION HEAD ON . SEAT BELT BROKE, THROWING THE CONSUMER THREW THE DRIVER'S WINDSHIELD. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK CONSUMER IS IN A COMA. *NM
Sep 28, 2004
MY DOUGHTER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 40-45 MPH. THE DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK UP, ALLOWING THE DRIVER'S AND A PASSENGERS HEAD TO HIT THE WINDSHIELD. DRIVER AND ONE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, FACE LACERATIONS, HEAD NECK AND BACK INJURIES. THE DRIVER ALSO RECEIVED A HAND AND PELVIC INJURY. THE 2ND PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK BACK AND LEG INJURIES. THE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT WAS SO BAD IT PUSHED THE DASH BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED!*AK
Nov 07, 2001
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A SPEED OF 40 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK, THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED, THE POLICE REPORT STATES THAT THERE WERE NO INJURIES, CONSUMER STATES THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR HAD BEEN REPLACED THE DAY BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. *SLC
Oct 01, 2001
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A SPEED OF 40 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK, THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED, THE POLICE REPORT STATES THAT THERE WERE NO INJURIES, CONSUMER STATES THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR HAD BEEN REPLACED THE DAY BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. *SLC
Oct 01, 2001
+ 1 more complaint for this component
TIRES
5 complaints
FIRESTONE FIREHAWK GTA TIRE (P185 60 R14) EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. *SLC
Oct 27, 2000
TIRE DEVELOPED A BLISTER, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO JUMP AND VIBRATE WHILE DRIVING. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
Oct 05, 1999
FRONT TIRE EXPOLDED, CAUSING MODERATE DAMAGE, LOSS OF CONTROL, OTHER TIRE SEPARATING.( DOT NUMBER: YOR8 YPRI TIRE SIZE: P185 60R 1 )
May 10, 1999
TIRES IN THE FRONT OF VEHICLE WERE WORN OUT.
Dec 16, 1998
GENERAL TIRE FAILURE.
Apr 28, 1998
VISIBILITY
5 complaints
MANUAL WINDOW REGULATOR OUT OF ADJUSTMENT CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN ROLLING UP. MJS
Aug 24, 1999
SEALS FAILED RESULTING IN WATER LEAKING INTO VEHICLE.
Oct 02, 1998
EXTREMELY LOUD WIND NOISE CAUSED BY DRIVER SIDE MIRROR WHEN DRIVING 55 MPH OR OVER.
Oct 01, 1998
FRONT WINDOWS LEAKING WATER.
Jun 01, 1998
WINDOWS CONTINUALLY FOGGING UP WITH INEFFICIENT DEFOGGING SYSTEM RESULTING IN POOR VISIBILITY.
Jun 01, 1998
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
ON MAR 10 2001 CONSUMER WAS READY TO PULL OUT INTO TRAFFIC WITH FOOT ON BRAKE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. VEHICLE ACCELERATED ONCE BEFORE IN 1999, BUT THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT.
Mar 22, 2001
VEHICLE SURGES BY ITSELF, AND THEN STALLS. CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. *AK
Sep 01, 1999
WHEN APPLYING ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. PLEASE PORVIDE DETAILS. *AK
Aug 03, 1998
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE PARTLY STALLING, AND WITHIN SECONDS THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT CONDITION STILL OCCURS. *AK
Jun 26, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaints
BRAKES ROTORS ARE PREMATURELY WEARING, CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AK ENGINE SURGES WHEN STOPPING AND SOME TIME SHUT DOWN WHEN STARTING. *YH
Dec 22, 2000
THIS VEHICLE IS A DEATH TRAP..FORD DEALER NOT VERY HELPFUL.LAST INCIDENT ALMOST CAUSED SERIOUS ACCIDENT. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED IN SUMMARY. *AK
Dec 09, 2000
ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS REPLACED TWICE. ROTORS WARPED AND PADS GLAZING. COMPLAINED THATS BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING RIGHT, AND NOT STOPPING RIGHT. STARTED TO FILE LEMON LAW, AND WENT TO INFORMAL ARBITRATION. KIA MOTORS REFUSED TO DO ANYTHING. WAS GOING TO FILE WITH THE STATE WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED AND RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE NOTICED MANY OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE BRAKES WITH KIA MOTORS, ON NHTSA WEB SITE. DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO GET HURT OR DIE IN A CAR CRASH BEFORE KIA WILL ADDRESS THE PROBLEM WITH THEIR BRAKE SYSTEMS BEING PLACED ON THESE CARS, WHICH HAS A MAJOR DEFECT IN THEM, CAUSING ACCIDENTS. THANK GOD MY DAUGHTER WAS WEARING HER SEAT BELT WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS TOTALED THE CAR!!!!!! I WILL PROCIDE TO SUE KIA MOTORS FOR THEIR FAILURE TO ADDRESS SUCH A SERIOUS PROBLEM
Apr 12, 1999
STEERING
3 complaints
POWER STEERING PUMPS REPLACED, STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY REPLACED. *SLC
Oct 13, 2000
RACK AND PINION FAILED. *ET
Nov 01, 1999
AT LOW SPEEDS THE PUMP DOES NOT PUT OUT ENOUGH PRESSURE FOR SHARP TURNS, CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO STICK. THE DEALER INFORMED THE OWNER THAT THIS WAS A NORMAL CONDITION. *AK
Dec 17, 1997
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
2 complaints
TOOK CAR INTO DEALER BECAUSE BRAKES WERE PULSING. SERVICE CONSULTANT SHOWED ME A SERVICE BULLETIN INDICATING THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ORIGINAL ROTORS AND THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE THEM WITH A NEWER DESIGN THAT WAS NOT SUBJECT TO HEAT WARPING. THE EXTRA COST TO ME FOR REPLACEMENT ROTORS $110 ABOVE THE COST OF REPLACING THE PADS AND CALIPHERS, WHICH INCREASED THE TOTAL COST OF THE BRAKE JOB TO $307.
May 28, 2003
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE NEW AND ALMOST IMMEDIATELY STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY BRAKES WEARING OUT. FIRST THEY RESURFACED MY ORIGINAL ROTORS AND PUT THEM BACK ON. THE NEXT TIME I TOOK IT IN FOR BRAKES THEY "DEGLAZED BRAKE LINING". EACH SUBSEQUENT VISIT AFTER THESE THE ROTORS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEY KEEP TELLING ME THAT KIA IS WORKING ON THE PROBLEM BUT I'M NOT SEEING ANY RESULTS. MY 36000 MI BUMPER TO BOMPER WARRANTY IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE AND I'M AFRAID THEY'LL TRY TO START CHARGING ME FOR THESE REPAIRS. IN ACTUALITY, THE ROTORS COULD PROBABLY HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL MORE TIMES THAN THEY WERE, BUT I CANNOT AFFORD TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE GARAGE EVERYTIME THE BRAKES ARE BAD. I HAVE TO MISS WORK AND WAIT FOR VEHICLE TO BE WORKED ON, SO I BASICALLY DRIVE THIS CAR AROUND KNOWING THAT MY BRAKES COULD GO AT ANY TIME. I HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE--NEED TO WORK. THE WAITING ROOM AT THE GARAGE HAS BEEN FULL OF PEOPLE WITH 97 SEPHIA'S WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES(AND OTHER NON-SAFETY RELATED ISSUES) AS I HAVE. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF SOMEONE COULD TAKE THIS PROBLEM SERIOUSLY. THE USUAL MILEAGE I GET FROM NEW ROTORS BEFORE THE PEDAL "GETS SOFT" IS ABOUT 500-1000, SO YOU CAN SEE WHERE THIS WOULD BE A PROBLEM TO GET TO THE GARAGE ALL OF THE TIME. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME...MELISSA
Aug 23, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR 1 MONTH. IT HAD BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES. IT HAS NEVER BEEN FIXED TO MY SATISFACTION. THE BATTERY DIED THE DAY AFTER I BROUGHT IT HOME. THE BRAKES HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. THAT COST ~$200. I HAVE A SMALL INFANT AND BOUGHT THIS CAR FOR SAFETY (DUAL AIRBAGS) THE DEALER WON'T BUY THE CAR BACK AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CAN'T SEEM TO FIX THE CAR. HELP!!!
Sep 16, 2000
I STARTED HAVING BRAKE FAILURE AND GRINDING FROM THE REAR AFTER 5 DAYS OF PURCHASING THE CAR.I WAS COMING UP TO A STOP SIGN AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES.WHEN BACKING UP OR COMING TO A STOP I HAD A GRINDING SOUND AND SOUNDED LIKE A LIQUID WAS SPLASHING AROUND AT THE SAME TIME.I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO SOUTHLAKE KIA AND TOLD THE SERVICE REP ABOUT THE PROBLEMS.BEFORE THAT I WAS CHECKING THE SPARK PLUGS AND WHEN THEY WERE PULLED OUT ONE BY ONE THEY WERE BURNED OUT AND THE AIR FILTER WAS ALMOST AS BLACK AS TAR.I TOLD THE SERVICE REP ABOUT PLUGS AND AIR FILTER.THE SPARK PLUGS WAS CHANGED BUT I WAS TOLD THAT THE FILTER WAS NOT GOING TO BE REPLACED.I TALKED TO DARRYL HARRIS/SEALER/AND HE HAD TO TALK TO HIS BOSS IN ORDER TO GET THE FILTER REPLACED.DARRYL'S BOSS TOLD ME THAT AIR FILTERS WAS NOT GOING TO BE REPLACED,SO I SPOKE WITH DARRYL AGAIN AND HE FINALLY GOT THEM TO CHANGE THE AIR FILTER AS WELL.AFTER TELLING DARRYL WHY I WAS BACK SO SOON HE CALLED WHERE THE CARS ARE TAKEN TO BE SERVICED AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR HAD NEVER BEEN SERVICED,AND THAT'S WHEN THE AIR FILTER WAS REPLACED.AFTER EXPLAINING ABOUT MY BRAKES AND ADVISING THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT IT WAS MY BACK BRAKES THAT FAILING THE MOST I WAS TOLD BY TOM AND THE MECHANIC/I BELIEVE HIS NAME IS GEORGE,I NOT REALLY SURE/THAT CARS DO NOT HAVE BACK BRAKES.I WAS TOLD BY TOM IN SO MANY WORDS THAT A CAR DOES NOT HAVE TO BE SERVICED AND THAT A CAR CAN BE SOLD EVEN IF IT IS KNOW THAT IT HAS BRAKE OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF PROBLEMS.I SPOKE WITH TONY AT 800 333 4542 EXT 35014 WHO SAID THAT HE WOULD GET SOMEONE FROM DPS WHO COULD AUTHORIZE THE REPAIRS.TO DATE I STILL HAVE NOT HEARD FROM ANYONE WHO CAN ASSIST ME WITH MY PROBLEMS.ON 7/26/99 TOM HAD THE MECHANIC TO REPLACE FRONT PADS AND ROTORS WITH UPDATED PARS,CLEANED AND ADJUSTED REAR BARKES.THE FRONT PADS HAD UNEVEN WEAR AS WELL.AFTER THE REPAIRS TOM TOLD ME THAT HE HAD THE FRONT AND BACK BRAKES REPLACED AND REPLACED THE PADS. *AK
Apr 13, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON, THE ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE AND THEY STILL MADE NOISE BUT THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO, THE HINGE ON THE BACK DOOR FAILED, THE LEFT STRUT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS TIME THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF THE CAR WAS DAMAGED THE CAR SKIPPED WHEN IN DRIVE TO REVERSE AND THE BREAKS WOULD NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. KIA NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS THESE CARS HAVE TOO MANY DEFECTS AND I'M SURE THEY HAVE MANY MOR PEOPLE JUST DON'T REPORT THEM ALL THE TIME
Sep 08, 2000
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON, THE ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE AND THEY STILL MADE NOISE BUT THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO, THE HINGE ON THE BACK DOOR FAILED, THE LEFT STRUT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS TIME THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF THE CAR WAS DAMAGED THE CAR SKIPPED WHEN IN DRIVE TO REVERSE AND THE BREAKS WOULD NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. KIA NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS THESE CARS HAVE TOO MANY DEFECTS AND I'M SURE THEY HAVE MANY MOR PEOPLE JUST DON'T REPORT THEM ALL THE TIME
Sep 08, 2000
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD TRANSAXLE PROBLEMS GETTING THE CAR IN GEAR . I ALSO HAD PROBLEMS GETTING KEYS FROM IGNITION SWITCH PART TOOK TWO WEEKS AND WAS RELACED AT DEALERSHIP
Oct 26, 1999
ON MARCH 18 1999 MY CAR WOULD NOT START UP INSTANTLY I HAD TO TRY A FEW TIMES TO START MY CAR AND AFTER THREE TRIES IT FINALLY STARTED I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THATS WHEN I FOUND OUT I NEEDED A NEW STARTER, FLYWHEEL,FUEL TRIM MALFUNCTION, NEW DTC GROUNG IMPROVEMENTS PROCEDURES.
Mar 19, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
THE BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE EXCESSIVELY WORN OUTAND REPLACED TWICE. TANSMISSION FAILD CAUSING, LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND NEW TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED. LEFT AXLE FAILED AND REPLACED. THE BATTERY WENT OUT. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START.*AK
Sep 09, 1999
NO SUMMARY INCLUDED.
Jan 07, 1999
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
DASHBOARD WARPED AND COMING UP AND TOUCHING WINDSHIELD. IT IS BREAKING OR BLOCKING THE VENT/DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM. THEREFORE THE WINDOWS BARELY DEFROST AND THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I KNOW OF TWO OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE DASHBOARD. ALSO "DOOR OPEN" LIGHT REMAINS ON AND DRAINS BATTERY. *TR
Sep 13, 2007
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
DT: 1997 KIA SEPHIA, THE DASHBOARD IS LIFTING. WHEN THE CONSUMER ENTERED THE VEHICLE SHE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. UPON INSPECTING THE DASH SHE NOTICED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DASH WAS BURNED. WHEN THE CONSUMER CLEANED THE DASH THE CLEANING CLOTH SMELLED BURNED AND THERE WAS A BROWN RESIDUE ON THE CLOTH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THE CONSUMER CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE IT FIXED. *AK *JB *NM
Sep 29, 2005
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
DT: CONSUMER OWNS 1997 KIA SEPHIA. SHE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE DASHBOARD. THE VENTS FOR THE DEFROSTER FELL OFF, AND THE DASHBOARD WAS BROWN, WHICH BEGAN AS A SMALL SPOT AND GREW TO COVER THE WHOLE DASHBOARD. SHE WAS CONCERNED THAT THE DASHBOARD FALLING APART MIGHT SOMEHOW AFFECT THE AIRBAGS. SHE SAYS THAT THERE IS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM DASH, SMELL HAS BEEN THERE SINCE SHE PURCHASED VEHICLE. SHE DID PURCHASE VEHICLE NEW.*AK
Aug 18, 2005
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE DASHBOARD LIFTED UP FROM THE CHASSIS OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THERE WAS A HOLE THAT BURNED INTO THE TOP OF THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED WITH THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING OR DEPLOYING PREMATURELY. *AK *SC *JB
Aug 30, 2004
SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
PROBLEMS WITH SEAT BELTS AND DASHBOARD. *MR *SC *JB
Jun 22, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THE BRAKES FELT BAD BECAUSE I HAD TO PUSH THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. AFTER HAVING IT FOR 2 WEEKS OTHER THING STARTED TO GO WRONG. I HAD TO BUY A CAP AND ROTOR AND GET SPARK PLUG AND WIRES. NOW THE TRANSMISSION IS MESSING UP. THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO PUT ME IN SOMETHING BETTER. THEY WANT ME TO PAY ON A JUNK CAR THAT I WILL ALWAYS HAVE TO BE FIXING DAY AFTER DAY.
Jan 15, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
IS LEAKING CAUSING ELECTRICAL LIGHTS DAMAGE, THE HAZARDS OR SIGNALS AREN'T WORKING AND THE TRUCK SMELLS LIKE MILDEW. TS
Dec 13, 2002
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
AT RANDOM THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO START, ALSO THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT LOCK WITH THE KEY REMOVED.*JB
Dec 03, 2002
AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON 3/25/02. A WOMAN HIT ME IN THE REAR END OF MY CAR AND MY SEAT RELEASED AND THE BACK OF THE SEAT WENT COMPLETELY BACK. I HAD TO STURGGLE TO SIT UP AFTER THE IMPACT AND REALIZED SHE HAD PUSHED ME INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. A SCHOOL BUS WAS COMING HEAD ON INTO ME. I HAD TO PULL MYSELF FORWARD WITHOUT THE BACK OF MY SEAT FOR SUPPORT AND STEER BEST I COULD OUT OF THE PATH OF THE BUS. MY SEAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE RELEASED LIKE IT DID. MY AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. AND LUCKILY I WAS COHERANT ENOUGH TO MISS GETTING HIT HEAD ON AND INJURING CHILDREN. THE WOMAN WHO HIT ME DID NOT SEE MY TURN SIGNAL AND WAS GOING TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AN AWFUL ACCIDENT HAD I NOT BEEN ABLE TO PULL MYSELF UPRIGHT FROM THE BACK OF MY SEAT FALLING DOWN. MY SHOES FLEW OFF AND I WAS LAYING DOWN INTO THE BACK SEAT LOOSING MY STEERING AND COULD NOT REACH THE PEDDLES SINCE I WAS THROWN SO FAR BACK. I DID HAVE MY SEAT BELT ON WHICH I AM SURE DID SAVE ME FROM HITTING THE WINDSHIELD. HOWEVER, IT DID NOT WORK LIKE IT SHOULD SINCE I WAS SO FAR BACK. HAD I BEEN HIT BY THE BUS A THAT MOMENT, I MIGHT HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. NLM
Mar 27, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTSDOWN WITHOUT WARNING, DEALER HAS YET TO BE CONTATCED. *AK CONSUMER SAID WHEN HE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHENEVER STOPPING, TOOK BACK TO DEALER MANY TIMES FOR REPAIR, VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE SPEEDOMETER IS ACTING ERRACTICALLY, THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED. *YD
Dec 17, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
CAR STILL DOES NOT START RIGHT A WAY/ENGINE LGTS STILL ON/RGT SIG DOES NOT WRK/CARS A LEMON/FUSE BLOWS EVERTIME I TURN ON RGT SIGNAL. *AK
May 30, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CONSUMER INSTALLED NEW RADIO, WIRES WERE CROSSED CAUSING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL IT STATES THAT NON-STOCK ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WILL CAUSE ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE, OWNER'S MANUAL NEGLECTS TO MENTION THAT ENGINE LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE IF THE GAS CAP IS NOT ON TIGHT ENOUGH, VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED DASHBOARD FAILURE. *SLC
Mar 26, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
DASHBOARD HAS COME APART. ALSO, SEALS AROUND AIRBAG ON PASSENGER'S SIDE HAS LIFTED UP, EXPOSING PARTS UNDERNEATH. HEATER VENT ON DASH HAS CRACKED, CAUSING HEATER TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.*AK
Mar 21, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT ANY MPH VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY ACCELERATE WITHOUT A PRIOR WARNING.CONSUMER WILL STEP ON BRAKES PEDAL TO STOP ACCELERATION, BUT VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP, AND CONCERNED ABOUT FACT OF AN ACCIDENT.*AK TRANSMISSION FAILED. BRAKES MAKE NOISE DUE TO ROTOR FAILURE. WIPER BLADES FAILED. BATTERY FAILED. *YH
Feb 06, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE & ENGINE CHECK LIGHT & POWER/FUEL INJECTION SWITCH. BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR CHECKUPS AND REPAIRS 5 TIMES FOR THE SAME THING. CAR IS DEAD, TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND THE BLOCK FROZED UP.
Jan 19, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY SPEED. CONSUMER HAD BRAKES/ROTORS AND IDLE CONTROL VALVE REPLACED. *AK
Jan 12, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
SINCE CONSUMER OWNED CAR BRAKES HAD TO BE CHANGED FIVE TIMES. 3 BATTERIES HAD TO BE PUT IN. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ON INSTRUMENT PANEL, ANTI-FREEZE IS LEAKING AND THE ENGINE IS RUNNING ROUGH. *AK *SLC
Nov 24, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
3RD TIME PROBLEM WITH ROTORS.TURNED 1X,REPLACED 1X.CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEY'RE CLAIMING THAT THE WIRING IS CORRODED ALL OVER THE CAR.ADMITS KIA HAS PROBLEM WITH ROTORS,BUT WON'T FIX IT BECAUSE I HAVEN'T USED DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE AND MAINTENANCE (TOO EXPENSIVE AND BAD HOURS...THEY CHARGED $200 MORE THAN ANY OTHER PLACE FOR 30K SERVICE!SAME WORK INVOLVED!
Oct 31, 2000
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
AT VARIOUS SPEEDS OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHES OFF AND LOSES POWER. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES, AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM.*AK AFTER THE 7TH TIME DEALER REPLACED THE THROTTLE SENSOR AND THE CAR IS RUNNING FINE. *YH
Oct 30, 2000
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING DIFFERENTIAL WENT OUT/ DIGITAL LASER FAILED TO WORK ON CD PANEL/ POWER WINDOW ELECTRICAL SWITCH STOPPED WORKING, AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON & DID NOT GO OFF. DASHBOARD COVERING WAS SEPARATING FROM WINDOW. THERE WAS WATER IN THE HEADLIGHTS, AND BATTERY WOULD GO DEAD. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER. VEHICLE NEEDED ALIGNMENT DUE TO PROBLEM WITH TRANSMISSION & THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY NEEDED REPLACING DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR.*AK
Aug 24, 2000
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH BATTERY FAILURE; DEALER NOTIFIED, AND REPLACED FAULTY BATTERY ON TWO OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM REOCCURRED. ALSO, AND PROBLEM ENGINE HESITATION. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE CONSUMER FOUND OUT RIGHT AFTER LEASING THE VEHICLE, THAT THE RADIO WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN SQUEEKING IN THE REAR END WHEN TURNING. THE HEATER MALFUNCTIONED. THE LEFT REAR STRUT ASSEMBLY FAILED CAUSING KNOCKING NOISE AT RIGHT REAR. THE O-RING FAILED CAUSEING THE DISTRIBUTOR LEAK AND THERE WAS LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING. *YH
Jun 07, 2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES
1 complaint
WHILE STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT SAW/SMELLED SMOKE. AFTER INVESTIGATING WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM, CONSUMER RAISED THE HOOD AND FOUND SMOKE COMING FROM THE CONJUCTION BOX. TIRES HAD TO BE REPLACED AFTER 27,667 MILES. *AK *ML
May 03, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED TWICE/ THE ENGINE SEIZED AT 30000 MILES/ THE BRAKES WARPED THREE TIMES AND WERE REPLACED 3 TIMES/ THE WINDOWS ARE HARD TO OPEN AND CLOSE/ THE BRAKE PEDAL IS EXTREMELY LOW. *AK
May 03, 2000
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
VEHICLE STALLS WHILE CHANGING GEARS. ALSO, STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP, CAUSING CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL. *AK
Mar 24, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
SEEMS LIKE EVERY 3-4 MONTHS BRAKES START TO PULSATE, 3 TIMES SO FAR, EACH TIME REPLACED, BEING TOLD THAT WRONG STYLE BEING USED, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT JUST STARTED ACTING UP FOR THE 6TH TIME, EACH TIME BEING TOLD IT IS SENSORS OR GROUND CONNECTIONS. JUST NOTICED THE CLUTCH PROBLEM OF GOING TOO LOW TO FLOOR FOR THE 6TH TIME, EACH TIME BEING TOLD SOMETHING DIFFERENT. THIS IS GETTING OLD. WENT TO OPEN DRIVERS DOOR ONE DAY AN HANDLE WOULD NOT WORK. WAS LEAKING FLUID FROM RIGHT FRONT SIDE OF VEHICLE ANOTHER TIME TO FIND IT WAS THE AXLE SEAL, WHICH WAS REPLACED 2 TIMES. GETTING READY TO TELL DEALER THEY CAN HAVE THIS CAR. FOR ONLY HAVING LESS THAN 14,000 MILES, TOO MUCH IS HAPPENING TOO OFTEN. *AK
Feb 02, 2000
WHEELS
1 complaint
WHEN CHANGING FRONT TIRE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE, TWO OF THE STUDS BROKE. A STUD ALSO BROKE WHEN CHANGING THE REAR TIRE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALER STATED THAT THE STUDS BROKE BECAUSE THEY WERE SCREWED TOO TIGHT. *AK *ML
Jan 31, 2000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
REPLACED FRONT COMBO LIGHT/LAMP DUE TO MOISTURE IN TURN SIGNAL LENS. *MJS
Jan 11, 2000
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT IS ON/LEAKING MOTOR OIL/ POWER STEERING BINDING, AND FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT.*AK
Dec 23, 1999
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. *ET
Nov 01, 1999
SUSPENSION
1 complaint
ONGOING / INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH SERVERE VIBRATION WITHIN EVERY 4-5 MONTHS AFTER REPAIRS WERE MADE BY DEALER. VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT REPAIR SHOP ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM REOCCURS. CAN NHTSA PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK
Aug 12, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPEIENCING ON-GOING PROBLEM WITH BRAKE SYSTEM; BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON THREE OCCASIONS BEFORE CORRECTION WAS MADE. AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WAS INTERMITTENTLY COMING ON UNTIL CORRECTION WAS MADE CONCERNING THE CLUTCH.. CAN NHTSA PROVIDE FURTHER DETAIL IN THIS MATTER. *AK
Aug 04, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
INTERMITTENTLY THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. ALSO, DEALER HAS REPLACED TRANSMISSION AND BRAKE SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
May 10, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I AM NO LONGER GOING TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON THIS LEMON! *AK
Apr 04, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED; WARPED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS, CAUSING EXTENTED STOPPING DISTANCE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL/CRASH. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Feb 17, 1999
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATING SYSTEM FAILED.
Dec 16, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WARPED FRONT AND REAR ROTORS/ INTERMITTENT STALLING. REPLACED STARTER/BATTERY/THROTTLE BODY/STARTER MOTOR AND ADJUSTED TIMING GEAR AND CHAIN. *AK
Oct 14, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WHILE DRVING THE VEHICLE STALLS WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE , AND OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLES BROKE OFF. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
Aug 28, 1998
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
DASHBOARD, DOOR LOCKS, GAS DOOR LATCH, INTERIOR CLOTH FABRIC
Aug 27, 1998
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR FAILED.
Aug 25, 1998
VISIBILITY,TIRES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON; INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILS TO WORK. INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. HEATER MAKES NOISES WHEN TURNED ON. ALSO, AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. NEW TIRES WORE UNEVEN & WORE OUT BEFORE 12,000 MILES. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER. *AK
Aug 17, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
FUEL INJECTION WIRING HARNESS, IDLE SET TOO LOW, COULD NO FIX IT THE LAST TIME, ENGINE STALLS
Jul 23, 1998
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
FRONT SUSPENSION/BRAKES AND STEERING FAILED.
May 02, 1998
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
FUEL PIPE ASSEMBLY FAILED CAUSING VAPOR LOCK.
Apr 28, 1998
INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
DOME LIGHT FAILED.
Nov 05, 1997
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
SYNCHRONIZER FOR TRANSMISSION FAILED. ALSO, WIRING HARNESS/VAPOR HOSE/AIR BAG LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED.
Apr 23, 1996
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
SYNCHRONIZER FOR TRANSMISSION FAILED. ALSO, WIRING HARNESS/VAPOR HOSE/AIR BAG LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED.
Apr 23, 1996
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1997 KIA Sephia have?
The 1997 KIA Sephia currently has 266 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 1997 KIA Sephia?
The most common problems reported for the 1997 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 1997 KIA Sephia problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1997 KIA Sephia comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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