1998 KIA Sephia Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
713
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
189 complaints
MY 1998 KIA SEPHIA REAR BRAKE PAD FELL OFF FELL OFF THE SHOE. APPARENTLY THEY ARE HELD ON BY GLUE. IT WAS REPLACED BUT I STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WHEN IT RAINS A LOT , THEY LOCK UP WHEN PARKED. I DON'T DARE USE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE BECAUSE THE BRAKES LOCK UP. *TR
Jul 17, 2008
THE CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT BRAKES ARE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE PART HAVE BEEN REPLACED FIVE TIMES HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL EXIST. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
Oct 15, 2004
THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Sep 07, 2004
REAR BRAKE SHOES CAME APART AND LODGED IN THE DRUM, LOCKING THE STEERING WHEEL. *PH THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE SHOES AND LEFT REAR BRAKE DRUM. THEY ALSO RESURFACED THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE DRUM. THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE HE FEELS THIS FAILURE WAS NOT DUE TO NORMAL WEAR. *NM (NAR)
Jan 23, 2004
ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM WAS REPLACED WITHIN 30,000 MILES DUE TO EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, NECESSARY FOR BRAKE EFFICIENCY. *AK
Aug 13, 2003
+ 184 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
85 complaints
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 1998 KIA SEPHIA AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO STALL. SHE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. MY WIFE RAN AWAY FORM THE VEHICLE. THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS BURNED UP. *NM
May 20, 2006
THE ENGINE/THROTTLE FAILS CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PRESS DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR WITH EXTREME FORCE TO GET THE VEHICLE RUNNING. *JB
Jan 10, 2003
CONSUMER STATES HAVING A PROBLEM W/ITH "CABLE" THAT GOES FROM GAS TANK TO ENGINE. CONSUMER ADVISES THAT CABLE IS ATTACHED TO A WIRING HARNESS THAT GETS VERY HOT AND IS SHOWING SIGNS OF MELTING. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE STALLS W/O WARNING AND WIRINGS HAVE TO BE ADJUSTED BEFORE VEHICLE IS ABLE TO RESTART. MR
Oct 15, 2002
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, 00V175000, AFTER FOUR ATTEMPTS THE RECALL WAS FIXED, THE PROBLEM IS BETTER BUT AT CERTAIN TIMES THE VEHICLE STILL BLOWS OUT GAS *YD REFERENCED IN RQ03-006
Jan 30, 2002
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, 00V175000, AFTER FOUR ATTEMPTS THE RECALL WAS FIXED, THE PROBLEM IS BETTER BUT AT CERTAIN TIMES THE VEHICLE STILL BLOWS OUT GAS *YD
Jan 30, 2002
+ 80 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
78 complaints
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC WITH THE 1998 KIA SOPHIA IT STALLED. WHEN THIS HAPPENED INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE STALLED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AND SHE HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART IT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED HER THAT SHE NEEDED A NEW VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALERSHIP FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. AT TIMES WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED, AND SHE TRIES TO RESTART IT, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. *AK
Mar 29, 2007
DT: VEHICLE ENGINE STALLS. KIA 1998 HAD BEEN RECALLED. PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FIXED, HOWEVER, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEM. *TT
Jun 06, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES TO REPORT. HOWEVER, VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE WAS A HARD START THAT WOULD NOT HOLD FUEL PRESSURE. *SC *JB
May 11, 2004
BATTERY WASN'T HOLDING CHARGE, NEEDED CONTINUOUS REFILL WITH DISTILLED WATER, OVERHEATING, OVERFLOWING AND SPILLING ACID CORRODING OTHER PARTS. (NAR) *PH *CB
Mar 26, 2004
I OWN A 1998 KIA SEPHIA AND EVER SINCE I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IT SOMETIMES WILL NOT START EVEN THE BATTERY IS WORKING FINE. THE DEALER REMEDY FOR THIS IS JUST REPLACE THE STARTER. I HAVE REPLACED THE STARTER SEVERAL TIMES AND THIS SEEMS TO PROVIDE A CURE TEMPORARILY. JUST RECENTLY I HAD THIS HAPPEN AGAIN... I HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC THAT HAD JUST AGAIN REPLACED THE STARTER FOR ME...THIS TIME HE TOOK THE STARTER BACK TO THE REBUILDER AND THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE STARTER...THE MECHANIC DID SOME MORE SEARCHING AND FOUND THE THE SOLENOID THAT WAS DESIGNED TO NEED A MINIMUM OF 11 VOLTS TO START WAS ONLY RECEIVING 7 VOLTS....THE MECHANIC FELT THE THIS WAS A DESIGN FAULT WITH THE CAR. THE STARTER REBUILDER RECOMMENDED THE USE OF AN ALTERNATE SOLENOID FROM AN EARLY MODEL FORD THAT ONLY REQUIRED 6 VOLTS....WITH THIS FIX THE CAR HAS BEEN STARTING VERY WELL... THE PROBLEM THAT I AM HAVING IS THAT WITH ALL OF THE KIA HIGH PAID ENGINEERS WHY COULDN'T THE FIGURE THIS OUT.... *LA
Oct 16, 2003
+ 73 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
30 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 KIA SEPHIA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT HIS VEHICLE WOULD PERIODICALLY FAIL TO START. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP. A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MECHANIC CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP RELAY, BUT THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED. THE MECHANIC REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 99V317000 AND 99V318000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP) AND SHOWED THE CONTACT A WIRE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM THAT WAS NOT INSULATED AND HAD BEEN OVERHEATING. ONCE THE WIRE WAS REMOVED, THE FAILURE SEEM TO BE RESOLVED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED ALL THE WIRES AND CONNECTORS AND RE-SAUTERED EVERYTHING. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS ALREADY PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AND WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,250 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,083.
Mar 12, 2009
FLASHING OVERDRIVE DASH LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUALLY LIT DUE TO FAULTY PRESSURE SENSOR AT FUEL INJECTOR. *NM
Feb 24, 2006
PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S FUEL GAUGE AS WELL AS VEHICLE HOLDING FUEL.*LA *MR
Feb 24, 2004
I PAID TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED BUT I PROBABLY SHOULDN'T HAVE HAD TO. WHEN REFUELING MY 1998 KIA SEPHIA, THERE WAS A SMALL AMOUNT OF GASOLINE THAT WOULD SPILL ON THE GROUND UNDER THE FUEL TANK--WHETHER I COMPLETELY FILL THE VEHICLE OR SIMPLY PUT A GALLON OR TWO IN THE TANK. I COULD NOT PUT MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AT NIGHT BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID THAT THE GAS WATER HEATER WOULD CAUSE AN EXPLOSION--THE LINGERING FUMES WOULD EXIST FOR A DAY OR TWO AFTER EACH VISIT TO THE GAS PUMP. *LA
Oct 22, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE FUEL TANK CRACK CAUSING FLUID TO LINK OUT. DEALER NOTIFIED TS
Oct 31, 2002
+ 25 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
30 complaints
WHILE SHIFTING TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTED ON ITS OWN, AND THE SHIFT LOCK SYSTEM FAILED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE SHIFT LEVER IN ORDER TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK
Aug 27, 2004
I BOUGHT A 1998 KIA SEPHIA FROM TOYOTA CARLSBAD 2 YEARS AGO IN MAY, 2001 THAT I PAID CASH FOR. RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT THE KIA SEPHIA THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT BACK TO TOYOTA CARLSBAD AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I DIDN'T PUT THE GAS CAP BACK ON CORRECTLY. AUGUST, 2002 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AT FUTURE AUTOMOTIVE IN RANCHO BERNARDO AND HE TOLD ME IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. FUTURE AUTOMOTIVE SENT THE CAR TO MIKE'S TRANSMISSION IN POWAY. MIKE WORKED AND WORKED ON THE TRANSMISSION. IT WAS IN HIS SHOP FOUR TIMES. THE LAST TIME THE KIA SEPHIA WAS IN THE SHOP, IT WAS THERE FOR THREE WEEKS. TOYOTA CARLSBAD TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T HELP ME BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED, BUT THEY WOULD GLADLY SELL ME ANOTHER CAR. WHEN I TOLD THEM I COULDN'T AFFORD THAT, TOYOTA CARLSBAD TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT HELP ME WITH MY PROBLEM. BOTH TIMES THE BBB TRIED TO HELP ME, KIA STATED THE FIRST TIME THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE SECOND TIME, KIA STATED THAT THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING BECAUSE YOUR VEHICLE EXCEEDS THE AGE REQUIREMENTS SET OUT IN THE MANUFACTURER'S PROGRAM SUMMARY. LIGHT COMES ON. I WAS INFORMED THAT I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO TOYOTA CARLSBAD OR ANOTHER DEALERSHIP. WHEN I STATED THAT I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA CARLSBAD TO TAKE IT TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, I WAS TOLD TO CONTACT THE DVM FRAUD UNIT. WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WOULDN?T SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR, I HAD IT TOWED TO NORTH COUNTY GMC JEEP KIA IN ESCONDIDO. MY KIA WAS AT NORTH COUNTY GMC JEEP KIA FOR SIX WEEKS WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AGAIN. MY CAR HAS HAD THREE TRANSMISSIONS PUT IN THE CAR. THE KIA TECH SPECIALIST WORKED ON MY CAR SEVERAL TIMES DURING THAT TIME. IN ORDER TO GET THE TRANSMISSION WORK CORRECTLY, I REPLACED THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER, A NEW FUEL FILTER AND A WHOLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. I ONLY NEEDED A SMALL PART REPLACED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, BUT I HAD TO BUY THE WHOLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.
Jan 15, 2004
WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. THEN, THE VEHICLE LOST SPEED. *AK
Nov 04, 2003
I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR ABOUT 7 MONTHS, AND I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD 5 RECALLS AND THE PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD CONSISTS OF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND O/D LIGHT FLASHING. ALSO, CAR ACTS AS IF IT DOES NOT WANT TO GO INTO GEAR. WHEN IT IS PUT INTO REVERSE IT ALSO SEEMS AS IF HESITATE TO CRANK UP AS WELL. *LA
Oct 08, 2003
VEHICLE WOULDN'T START INTERMITTENTLY. ABOUT A MONTH AGO IT STARTED TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY. SHIFTER ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. VEHICLE WOULD ALSO ROLL WHILE IN PARK. DEALER TOLD CONSUMER THAT TRANSMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Aug 13, 2003
+ 25 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
30 complaints
WHILE IN MOTION, THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW CRACKED IN TO VERY SMALL PIECES. *JG *JB
Jan 10, 2003
WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CAME LOOSE WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. CONTACTED DEALER . PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.*AK
Sep 28, 2001
THE PASSENGER AIR VENTS ARE BROKEN. *YH
Aug 09, 2001
GLOGGED NOZZLE CAUSED THE WASHER TO BE INOPERTIVE, THE NOZZLES WERE ALSO MISADJUSTED. NLM
Aug 07, 2001
DRIVER SIDE WIPER LINK FALLS OFF WHEN WINDSHIELD GETS ALITTLE DRY & WIPERS START TO DRAG
Sep 04, 2000
+ 25 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
24 complaints
THE AIRBAG IN MY DAUGHTERS KIA SEPHIA 1998 PASSENGER SIDE ONLY DEPLOYED WHILE SHE WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AND NO REASON FOR THE AIRBAG TO GO OFF. TOOK TO DEALSHIP FOR REVIEW AND WAS TOLD THAT THE EXPERT LOOKED AT THE CAR AND SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO AND NO IDEA WHY IT HAPPEN. THEN CONTINUED TO SAY THAT SOMEONE COULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING WRONG TO THE CAR AND WE WOULD NEVER NO, BUT THEY WERE NOT GOING TO SPEND ANY MORE TIME OR MONEY TO FIND OUT WHAT REALLY MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS. MY DAUGHTER, THE DRIVER, WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED AND NOW IS AFFRAID WHILE DRIVING OR RIDING IN A CAR.
Sep 12, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 KIA SEPHIA. A RELATIVE WAS DRIVING THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE AND HE SAW HIS BROTHER DRIVING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. HE SWERVED TO PLAY A GAME WITH HIS BROTHER, BUT INSTEAD HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVERS AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY, HOWEVER THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND THERE WERE NO PASSENGERS. UPDATED 04/30/08. LJ THE CONSUMERS ALSO OWNS A 2000 TOYOTA TACOMA WHICH WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVERS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. UPDATED
Jul 23, 2007
WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. THE DUAL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED BRUISING FROM THE SEAT BELT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Oct 14, 2004
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THEY WAS HIT IN THE FRONT CENTER OF THE VEHICLE THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSING MINOR INJURIES TO THE CONSUMER. DEALER NOTIFIED.
Dec 30, 2002
AIR BAG LIGHT HAS ILLUMINATED ON DASHBOARD FOR ABOUT A YEAR OFF AND ON. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED; HOWEVER, WANTED TO CHARGE CONSUMER FOR PROBLEM.*AK
Jun 27, 2002
+ 19 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
22 complaints
THE VEHICLE'S REAR BRAKE LIGHT FAILED. THE PART HAS BEEN REPLACED FIVE TIMES WITHIN ONE YEAR. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THERE IS A SHORT IN CIRCUIT. *NLM
Nov 21, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THERE IS WATER INSIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT COMPARTMENT CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE CONSUMER FAIRS. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
Nov 08, 2002
CONSUMER STATES RECIEVED RECALL LETTER, CALLED DEALER TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE PARTS FOR RECALL WERE NOT AVAILABLE. CONSUMER STATES ITS BEEN A MONTH AND PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. CONSUMER FEELS UNSAFE DRIVING UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. MR
Oct 16, 2002
THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED.*YH
Aug 09, 2001
THE LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT IS OUT, DEALER REPLACED BULB. *YH
Aug 09, 2001
+ 17 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
19 complaints
THE DASH BOARD IS CURLING UP AROUND THE FRONT WINDOW VENTS WHICH IS KICKING THE VENTS OUT. *TR
Jul 17, 2008
DASHBOARD IS BEGINNING TO LIFT AND BUBBLES ARE FORMING NEAR THE VENTS FOR THE DEFROSTR. CONSUMER BELIEVES DASHBOARD MAY OBSTRUCT VISION. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN.*AK
Sep 05, 2003
THE WHOLE WHEEL APRON CAME LOOSE, GOT CAUGHT UNDER THE TIRE AND WAS THROWN OFF THE CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEED CAUSING INSTABILITY TO MY STEERING AND AS PARTS FLEW OFF, CAUSING A HAZARD TO OTHER DRIVERS.*AK
Aug 09, 2002
THE WINDOW SEAL IS FAULTY CAUSING RAIN TO LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE ONTO THE RIGHT FRONT FLOOR, THE WEAHTERSTRIP ON THE RIGHT REAR DOOR IS DISTORTED. NLM
Aug 07, 2001
THE GLOVE BOX LATCH IS LOOSE. NLM
Aug 07, 2001
+ 14 more complaints for this component
EQUIPMENT
17 complaints
THE SEEK BUTTON ON THE RADIO IS INOPERATIVE. NLM
Aug 07, 2001
AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TWICE. *MJS
Aug 10, 2000
A/C VENTS BROKEN. *MJS
May 04, 2000
AIR CONDITIONER LEAKING DUE TO FAULTY EVAPORATOR AND VACUUM HOSE. *MJS
May 04, 2000
RADIO FAILED. YH
Apr 12, 2000
+ 12 more complaints for this component
STEERING
16 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 KIA SEPHIA. THE CONTACT WAS REVERSING FROM A PARKING SPACE WHEN HE HEARD AN UNUSUAL CLICK. THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO LOCK YET THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE WHEEL. HE PROCEEDED TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE AS THE STEERING BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THE RACK AND PINION MOUNTING BRACKET HAD FRACTURED FROM THE FIRE WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,553.
Aug 04, 2010
WHILE MAKING A TURN AT THE INTERSECTION STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND WILL NOT TURN. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Aug 29, 2002
DRIVING WITHIN 25 MPH WHEN A THUMP/BREAK WAS HEARD. THE VEHICHLE BECAME INOPERABLE TO DRIVE UNABLE TO STEER OR TURN STEERING WHEEL. DIAGONAL TO ROAD AND FEARED FOR LIFE AS THIS WAS RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. HAD PASSENGERS IN VEHICLE INCLUDING DIASABLE PERSON. WAS ABLE TO TURN WHEEL SLIGHTLY AND DRIVE STRAIGHT TO GAS STATION WITHIN 50 FEET. IMMEDIATELY CALLED TOW TRUCK AND HAD TAKEN TO DEALER HALLEEN KIA IN NORTH OLMSTEAD, OHIO AND CONTACTED MANUFACTURER KIA CORPORATION TO ASCERTAIN DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT OR RECALL HISTORY. NO SATISFACTION AS I FEEL KIA SHOULD FIX FRAME SINCE THIS MAJOR COMPONENT FAILED. *AK
Dec 07, 2001
CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING STEERING PROBLEMS. *YH
Aug 09, 2001
POWER STEERING PUMP WHINES. *YH
Aug 09, 2001
+ 11 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
15 complaints
THE VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT, THE DEALER PERFORMED 4 WHELL ALIGMNENT AND ROTATED THE TIRES. NLM
Aug 07, 2001
ON FRIDAY MAY 12, 2000 MY STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE VERY ERATICALLLY. AFTER MAKING A THREE POINT TURN AND STRAIGHTING THE CAR OUT AND PROCEEDING FORWARD, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS CLOCKED UPSIDE DOWN AND BEGAN TO SHAKE. AS MY FIANCE PROCEEDED TO PULL OVER TO THE RIGHT YOU COULD HEAR A LOUD POP SOUND COME FRONT THE FRONT AND IN THE STEERING COLUMN. AFTER SHE PULLED OVER SHE TRIED TO TURN THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT, YOU TURN THE WHEEL ABOUT A QUARTER TURN AND THEN ANOTHER LOUD POP. THE WHEELS WOULD TURN TO THE RIGHT BUT, AS YOU TURNED THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT THE TIRES WOULDN'T MOVE. THE STEERING WHEEL TURN AND POP BUT, THE TIRES WOULD NOT RESPOND. I GUESS I'M VERY FORTUNATE THAT MY FIANCE AND 2 YEAR OLD SON DIDN'T GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION AND HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME. THANK YOU, MR. RICHARD SOTO. *AK
May 16, 2000
WHILE DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN COULD HEAR NOISE COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE, LIKE TOUCHING THE SIDES. BUT, MANUFACTURER NOR DEALER COULD FIND THE CAUSE. *AK
Mar 24, 2000
WE HAVE HAD REPEATED RECALLS. WE OWN TWO KIAS PURCHASED AT THE SAME TIME . THE DEALERSHIP HAS MADE MANY ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLES. THEY ARE AS FRUSTRATED AS WE ARE. THE CARS HAVE HAD SIMILAR BUT ADDITIONAL ISSUES. THEY DO NOT SEEM TO HOLD AN ALIGNMENT. WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH SETS OF FRONT TIRES. WE HAVE HAD MULTIPLE BRAKES RENEWED IN THE ONE YEAR WE OWN THE VEHICLES. THERE HAVE BEEN ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. WE HAVE HAD CONNECTORS AND BATTERY RENEWAL. THE DEFROSTERS DO NOT ADEQUATELY DEFROST THE WINDOWS CAUSING HAZERDOUS AND LIMITED VISIBILITY. THE DOOR HANDLE ON ONE VEHICLE HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE. THE STARTERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. THEY BOTH FAILED INSPECTION RECENTLY BECAUSE OF SERIOUS EMMISSIONS FAILURE. FUMES WERE COMING INTO THE PASSENGER AREA FROM A CORRRODED TAILPIPE THAT IS GIVING WAY AT THE SEAMS. KIA SAYS THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THIS. THIS OCCURED IN BOTH CARS. THE TAILPIPES WERE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THIS GHAS BEEN AN OCCURENCE BEFORE. OUR WARRENTY IS RUNNING OUT AND WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT WILL FAIL NEXT. PLEASE ADVISE US OF A REALISTIC COURSE OF ACTION. THANK YOU. ELLEN L. OPPENHEIMER PLEAE NOTE MY DATES ARE OFF AS I DO NOT HAVE ALL THE PAPER WORK HOWEVER IT CAN BE OBTAINED. *AK
Mar 09, 2000
LEFT BEARING FAILED. YH
Mar 08, 2000
+ 10 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
11 complaints
COMPUTER SYSTEM FAILURE FOR KIA SEPHIA THAT CONTROL AIR INTAKE, EMISSION. *NLM
Apr 16, 2003
CONSUMER HAD FOUND OUT THAT DASHBOARD WAS LIFTING UP AND OUT VEHICLE. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER WHERE THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAAS CAUSING LIFTING, AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR VEHICLE. *AK
Jan 05, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
May 05, 2000
HEADLINER REPLACED, HEAT CAUSED SAGGING AND FALLING OFF. *MJS
May 04, 2000
I REPORTED THIS TO KIA AND TRIED TO TRADE THE CAR, BUT KIA WOULD NOT MAKE AN EVEN TRADE THEY WANTED ME TO FINANCE THE NEW CAR WHICH WOULD HAVE PUT ME UP SIDE DOWN WITH FINANCING. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
Jan 20, 2000
+ 6 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
8 complaints
THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES FOR VARIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS AND ALTHOUGH REPAIRS WERE MADE I DO NOT HAVE ANY CONFIDENCE IN THE RELIABILITY OF THIS CAR. AND, NOW THAT TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED, WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE, I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE THE CAR. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT KIA IS NOT AWARE OF ALL THE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLES! THANK YOU FOR LOOKING OUT FOR OUR SAFETY.
Jun 26, 2001
I BOUGHT MY KIA SEPHIA IN 1998. SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD THE BRAKES FIXED 2 TIMES AND TAY REPLACED ONCE. I HAVE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED ALSO. RECENTLY MY CAR HAS BEEN RIDING VERY SLUGGISH. WHEN I PRESS ON THE GAS IT MAKES A VERY LOUD SOUND. WHEN I TR TO ACCELERATE THE CAR DOES NOT SEEM TO WANT TO CHANGE INTO GEARS. IT ALSO CONSTANTLY MAKES A LOUD HUMMING SOUND WHEN I AM AT ABOUT 40-50MPH. THIS CAR HAS GIVEN ME NOTHING BUT TROUBLE AND $$$. I AM TRYIN TO FIGURE OUT IF THERE HAS BEEN A WHOLE BUNCH OF RECALLS I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT OR IF THERE IS SOMETHING THAT I MAY BE ABLE TO DO HERE TO SAVE MONEY. I STILL OWE 9,000 AND FEEL LIKE I AM CONSTANTLY INCONVININCED BRINGING THE CAR IN FOR CONSTANT REPAIR. HELP!*AK
Apr 14, 2001
I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH 7000 MILES ON IT, IT HAS NEEDED 4 BRAKE JOBS (EVERY 7K -FRONT THEN REAR THEN FRONT THEN REAR) IN THE 28K THAT I'VE OWNED IT. THE REAR BRAKES DO NOT ENGAGE SO THE FRONT BRAKES WEAR OUT. I HAD IT PUT ON A RACK AND SOMEONE STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE REAR TIRES COULD BE TURNED EASILY. WITH STRONG PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL, THE REAR TIRES WERE HARD TO MOVE, BUT STILL COULD BE MOVED BY HAND. THE 2X THE REAR BRAKES WERE SERVICED, THE CYLINDERS HAD CRACKED AND LEAKED. A FRIEND HAS SUGGESTED THIS MEANS THE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE IS GOING INTO THE CYLINDERS BUT THEY WERE A 'BAD CASTING' AND THE PRESSURE ISN'T PUSHING THE PISTONS OUT, BUT EVENTUALLY CAUSES THEM TO CRACK. 09/18/00 A FLEXPLATE IN THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. LESS THAN 6 WEEKS LATER, THE CAR WENT OUT OF GEAR AS I PULLED INTO AN INTERSECTION. IT COULD NOT BE DRIVEN. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, DRIVE SHAFT, AND FRONT AXLE ON THE CAR. *AK
Feb 07, 2001
VEHICLE WAS NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY. IT WOULD SHIFT ROUGHLY AND HARD. ALSO, BRAKES MADE A SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN DRUVING. *AK
Jun 19, 2000
OVERDRIVE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, AND THE FRONT BRAKE PADS HAD TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Sep 03, 1999
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
6 complaints
VEHICLE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *MR WHEN THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO COME TO STOP THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKES FAILED. CONSUMER HAD TO DRIVE ON THE LAWN IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. AND THEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TT *JB
Jun 27, 2003
I HAVE HAD THIS CAR IN SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE BRAKING SYSTEM, AND HAVE BEEN TOLD VARIABLE THINGS, SUCH AS THE PROBLEM IS FIXED WE NOW HAVE HONDA BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE, TO IT'S NOT COVERED BECAUSE IT THE WAY YOU DRIVE AFTER JUST HAVING THE ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED 2000 MILES AGO 2 TIMES IN A ROW.*AK
Apr 26, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Jul 11, 2000
THE BREAKS HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I GOT THE CAR EVERY 2MO THEY NEED TO BE CHECKED. THE FIRE THEY SAID A ROCK OR SOMETHING CUT A HOSE AND IT LEAKED CAUSING THE FIRE. PLS HELP ME I HAVE A LEMON.
Dec 02, 1999
WHILE BRAKING BRAKES PULSATED AND CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO, THE HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE THERMOSAT TO THE ENGINE LEAKED AND CAUSED FLUID TO SPRAY ONTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, RESULTING IN VEHICLE OVERHEATING WHICH COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Sep 29, 1999
+ 1 more complaint for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
6 complaints
FUEL TANK WILL ONLY FILL UP 95% OF FUEL CAPACITY. A RECALL 00V175000 DEALT WITH SAME PROBLEM. BUT, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Nov 01, 2001
SENDING UNIT SHORTED OUT CAUSING THE FUEL GAUGE TO READ FULL. *MJS
May 04, 2000
FUEL GAUGE INOPERATIVE. NLM
Oct 13, 1999
GAS GAUGE INOPERATIVE. NLM
Oct 13, 1999
FUEL GAUGE FAILED. NLM
Oct 13, 1999
+ 1 more complaint for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 KIA SEPHIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE TO 50 MPH ON ITS OWN. THE DRIVER STATED THAT HE HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL EXCESSIVELY IN ORDER TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 171,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE DRIVER ALSO STATED THAT HE NOTIFIED THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD HIM THAT SOMEONE WOULD CONTACT HIM.
Feb 24, 2010
THE THROTTLE STUCK WHILE DRIVING . *YH
Aug 09, 2001
WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER EXPERIENCED ENGINE STICKING AND REVVING TO A HIGH RPM OR BEHAVES AS IF IT GOING TO STALL. *AK
Jan 12, 2001
CRUISE CONTROL FAILED. MJS
Jul 16, 1999
VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. WHENEVER SHIFTING FROM PARK TO REVERSE OR DRIVE, VEHICLE JUMPED. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER & HAD PROBLEM REPAIRED. INFORMED WAS A THROTTLE SENSOR THAT WAS CAUSING THE ACCELERATION. A MONTH LATER, THE PROBLEM HAS REAPPEARED. *AK
Nov 23, 1998
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
5 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE HOOD OPENED AND DENT THE WINDSHIELD. CONSUMER INDICATED FOR THE LAST PAST SIX MONTHS THE HOOD HASN'T BEEN OPENED. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *LA
Jul 20, 2004
DOOR LATCHED WILL FREEZE IN KIA, SEPHIA AND SPECTRA VEHICLES. *AK
Mar 31, 2003
BOTH FRONT DOOR LOCKS DO NOT STAY LOCKED AT TIMES WHEN LOCKING WITH THE INSIDE BUTTONS. NLM
Mar 16, 2001
DIFFICULTY IN UNLOCKING PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. *MJS
Jan 13, 2000
INTERIOR LOCKS INOPERATIVE. NLM
Oct 13, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaints
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE, WENT TO STOP & HAD NO BRAKES. PULLED UP ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, LOOKED IN REARVIEW MIRROR AND NOTICED SMOKE ALL OVER. PULLED OVER & GOT OUT QUICKLY. OPENED PASEINGER DOOR TO GET BELONGINGS & NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDERNEATH. CALLED 911. CAR WAS BURNING TREMENDOUSLY. A TOTAL LOSS. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING, AND GOT OUT SAFELY. THIS HAPPENED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. WHAT A TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE, ESPECIALLY FOR A 17 YR. OLD.*AK
Feb 25, 2002
NUMBEROUS PROBLEMS - NOT STARTING/ BRAKES NEED TO BE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES/ SHIMMIES BETWEEN 15-45 MPH, I HAD TO HAVE MY TIRES REPLACED PREMATURLY/ HAS HORRIBLE RATTLE/GAS TANK SPILLING GAS AND GAS NEVER SHOWING FULL/DEALER NEVER COOPERATIVE CAN NEVER FIND PROBLEM UNTIL A RECALL OR CAR HAS TO BE TOWED. THEY HAD MY CAR FOR 6 WEEKS AND COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING SHIMMY PROBLEM IT HAS BEEN ALMOST A YEAR. I AM ABOUT TO CONTACT ATTORNEY TO SUE DEALER AND MANUFACTURE. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE CARS THEY ARE A HAZARD TO THE CONSUMER!!!!*AK
Apr 08, 2001
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Dec 05, 2000
THE BRAKES HAVE FAILED TWICE AND THE STARTER ONCE. THE DEALERSHIP AND KIA HAVE NOT BEEN OF ANY HELP
Nov 01, 1999
I PURCHASED THE CAR IN AUG. 1998, ONE MONTH LATER THE OIL, BATTERY, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED. AS OF MARCH, 1999 I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR BRAKE FAILURE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. I HAVE ALL THE SERVICE ORDER SLIPS. SOMETIME IS JULY OR AUGUST I HAD TO CALL THE TOW TRUCK AGAIN, CAR WOULD NOT START. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAID IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE A/C. I HAD A DEFECTIVE BATTERY. AS OF JULY 31, 1999 I HAD NO A/C TOOK CAR IN FOR SERVICES ON AUG 4TH. REPAIR DONE, NOT! AS OF AUG 6TH NO A/C . BERNICKIE HAD TO ORDER THE HOSE. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER, ON SEPT 9TH I CALLED SERVICE THE HOSE FINALLY CAME IN. HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIX THE A/C DUE TO SOME TYPE OF BLOCKAGE THEY SAID. THIS CAR IS STILL NEW, I 'VE ONLY HAD IT FOR ONE YEAR. I NEED SOME FEED BACK PLEASE.
Sep 15, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaints
OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, APPROXIMATELY 70,00 MILES ON MY CAR, THE AC/HEATER FAN MOTOR WILL BLOW AIR INTERMITTENTLY, REGARDLESS OF THE FAN'S SPEED SETTING. EVENTUALLY, THE FAN STOPS BLOWING ALL TOGETHER. THIS SAME THING HAS HAPPENED WITH MY 1999 KIA SEPHIA. *JB
Sep 03, 2005
PURCHASED THE CAR IN 1999. HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS STARTING IT. REPLACED THE STARTER 3 TIMES. STILL HAVE PRBLEMS STARTING IT. 2002 DIDN'T PASS INSPECTION BECAUSE OF EXAUST, KIA DEALERSHIP WAS SUPPOSE TO FIX PROBLEM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING AND EXAUST INSPECTION FAILED AGAIN. *AK
Aug 01, 2003
VEHICLE WILL INTERMITTENTLY STALL WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENS AT ANY SPEED. CONTACTED DEALER, AND THE DEALER STATED THAT STARTER'S FUSE BURNED OUT. *AK
Sep 28, 2001
THE ENGINE IS NOT STARTING, BATTERY REPLACED AND OTHER REPAIRS COMPLETED HOWEVER THE ENGINE IS STILL NOT STARTING. *MJS
Aug 10, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
4 complaints
CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT ROTORS OVERHEAT AND WARP, AFFECTING THE BRAKING ABILITY. WHEN BRAKING AT ANY SPEED THERE IS PULSATION AND VIBRATING. DEALER HAS TURNED THE FRONT ROTORS THREE TIMES. TS
Jan 17, 2003
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS.
Sep 08, 1999
BRAKES PROBLEM.
Mar 05, 1999
SPEEDOMETER FAILED DUE TO FAULTY SPEED SENSOR.
Feb 08, 1999
SEAT BELTS
4 complaints
JUST RECENTLY MY SEALBELT STARTED FAILING. MY WIFE NOTICED THE PROBLEM A FEW WEEKS AGO AND NOW THE BELT FAILS ALMOST EVERYTIME WE PUT IT ON! THE BELT DOES CLICK AND THE DASH LIGHT DOES GO OFF WHEN WE PUT ON THE BELT. WE WILL BE DRIVING AND WE WILL HEAR A CLICK AND THEN LOOK AT THE LATCH ON THE BELT AND IT HAS SEPARATED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY DANGEROUS FAILURE OF THE DRIVERS BELT. AFTER THE BELT IS LATCHED AND YOU GIVE IT A LITTLE TUG IT USUALLY POPS OPEN.*AK
Jan 06, 2002
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO FASTEN SEAT BELT LATCH DID NOT CATCH. SHE HAD TO TRY UNTIL IT WORKED. *AK
Oct 29, 2001
WHEN STOPPING DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WILL UNBUCKLE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. CONSUMER CRASHED INTO A TREE, AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD DUE TO ACCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
Feb 08, 2001
REAR LAP SEATBELTS ARE TOO LONG WHICH WILL NOT SECURE A CHILD OR A SMALL GROWN PASSENGER CORRECTLY, LAP BELT WILL REST AGAINST RIBS. *AK
Jul 31, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
I BROUGHT A NEW KIA SEPHIA IN 1998, AND HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH IT! TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED 2 TIMES BY THE MECHANIC FOR KIA MOTORS, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN ON 7/2007. ALSO , THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES AND NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. NOW THE HEADLIGHTS KEEP TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, BUT NO MECHANIC CAN LOCATE THE ELECTRICAL SHORT PROBLEM. *AK
Jul 18, 2007
CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING ONGOING PROBLEMS: TRANSMISSION MADE LOUD NOISE WHEN CHANGING GEARS , AND GEARS DID NOT LOCK INTO PLACE WHEN PUT IN PARK/FUSES KEPT BLOWING OUT, HAD REPLACED ELECTRICAL WIRES/STARTER WAS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO START VEHICLE & NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR OF FRONT BRAKE ROTORS, CALIPERS & PADS. BRAKE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
Jul 15, 1999
MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR SOME HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE DEALER
Jan 30, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
SINCE MAY OF 2002, THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 9 TIMES AND OF THIS DATE IT IS STILL THERE. FIRST THEY SAID IT WAS FUSES. ACTUALLY IT HAS NEVER RUN OR STARTED RIGHT. IT HAD TO BE TOWED AT LEAST 4 TIMES. THE LAST TIME THAT IT WENT IN WAS 8/5/03, THEY FIXED THE WATER PUMP, BELTS, CRANK PULLEY. THIS WAS ALL UNDER WARRANTY. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR IT MADE A TERRIBLE SOUND. THEY SAID IT WAS THE NEW BELTS. SO I DROVE IT HOME AND 2 DAYS LATER IT?S BACK IN THERE. THE NEXT DAY SABRINA CALLED AND SAID THAT IT WAS THE AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR. IT WAS GOING TO COST ME OVER 600.00 TO FIX IT. I HAVE A LIMITED INCOME OF 535.00 A MONTH, AM DISABLED AND IF THE CAR BROKE DOWN I DON'T KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO.. THE CAR IS STILL AT KIA DEALER SHIP, THAT'S AS OF TODAY.
Jan 15, 2004
I ALSO HAD TO BRING THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE 5 TIMES FOR THE SME PROBLEM. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WOULD COME ON 02/06/99 TOOK CAR IN BECAUSE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEY FOUND CODE PO 440 FOR EVAP EMISSIONS SYSTEM MALFUNCTION THEY FOUND HOSE THAT RUBBED AGAINST BRACKET CREATED LEAK 02/27/99 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AGAIN AND SMELL GAS FUMES FOUND ENGINE SURGES AND HARD TO START PERFORMED G300 GROUND WIRE REPAIR UNDER DRIVERS SEAT TO CORRECT PROBLEM 03/15/99 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AGAIN CODE PO172 REPLACED DEFECTIVE MASS AIR FLOW METER SOLENOID VALVE DURING ROAD TEST ENGINE MISFIRE #3 SPARK PLUG FOULED REPLACED PLUGS 03/10/99 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AGAIN CODES PO270,P1505,PO0300 INJECTOR CIRCUIT TO LOW , RANDOM MISFIRE THEY FOUND EGIHARNESS WAS CUT AND PINCED GOING THROUGH FIREWALL REPLACED ECI HARNESS & CONTROL UNIT CAR WOULD NOT START AFTER CHECK OVER FOUND NO POWER TO STARTER SOLENOID. FOUND NEW HARNESS MISSING A WIRE REPLACED WIRE. THE CAR WAS A LEMON, KIA REFUSED TO TAKE CAR BACK.
Apr 10, 2001
THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYS ON, AND THE ENGINE CUTS OFF INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING. DEALER SAYS GAS PEDAL IS BEING APPLIED TOO HARD. *AK
Jan 12, 1999
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
THE IGNITION SYSTEM IS HARD STARTING AT TIMES, EVEN RIGHT AFTER I GOT A TUNE UP FROM THE DEALER. GLOVEBOX HAS BEEN REPLACED ONCE BEFORE BECAUSE THE CLOSING MECHANISM JAMS AND WILL NOT OPEN. TRANSMISSION HAS SLIPPED, SHIFTS ROUGHLY SINCE NEW. THE BRAKES GRIND CONSTANTLY, DEALER HAS REPLACED ROTORS, THEN REPLACED BRAKE PADS AFTER THAT, NOW GRINDING AGAIN. *AK
Mar 14, 2001
THE FIRST PROBLEM WAS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, THE CAR KEPT BLOWING FUSES AND WOULD NOT START. AFTER 4 VISITS TO A KIA SERVICE CENTER IT WAS LEARNED THAT THE FUSE BOX HAD BEEN BUILT WRONG. KIA HAD A REBUILD KIT ON HAND FOR THIS PROBLEM AND CORRECTED IT, AS WELL AS REPLACEING A NUMBER OF SENSORS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT DAMAGED BY THIS PROBLEM. NEXT WAS THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH WHOULD AND DOES SWITCH GEARS FOR NO REASON, JUMPING INTO HIGHER GEAR OR DOWNSHIFING INTO LOWER GEAR WITHOUT WARNING AND STAYING THERE UNTIL THE CAR IS BROUGHT TO A COMPLETE HALT. THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN TRACED, KIA SERVICE TECHNICIANS CLAIMED TO HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE EXTENSIVELY BUT COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM, DISPITE THE FACT THAT IT OCCURES FREQUENTLY FOR MYSELF AND MY WIFE. THE BRAKES STARTED ACTING FUNNEY AT AROUND 11,000 MILES AND UPON INSPECTION BY KIA PERSONELL WERE FOUND TO BE WORN EXCESSIVELY IN THE CENTER OF THE ROTORS, DISPITE TELLING ME THAT IT WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM KIA REFUSED TO REPAIR IT, SAYING THAT IT WAS A MAINTIANCE ISSUE, AND NOT A DEFECT. THE DOOR LATCHES FAILED ON A TRIP TO INDIANA AND THE DOORS HAD TO BE LOCKED OR THEY WOULD NOT STAY CLOSED. THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT LATCH FAILED AT THE SAME TIME, FALLING OPEN AT ANY BUMP AND THE HANDLE WAS FALLING OFF, SO IT HAD TO BE LEFT OPEN THE ENTIRE TIME. THE WEATHER STRIPPING BEGAN FALLING OFF SHORTLY THEREAFTER CAUSEING WATER LEAKS INTO THE CAR, AND SOMETIMES PREVENTING THE DOORS FROM CLOSEING CORRECTLY. I HAVE ATTEMPTED ON NUMERIOUS OCCASIONS TO HAVE THESE ISSUE DELT WITH BY KIA MOTORS AND THEY HAVE FAID TO DO SO, BEYOND THE BARE MINIMUM. I HAVE EVEN BEEN ATTEMPTING TO RETURN THE CAR IN ACCORDIANCE WITH MICHIGAN'S `LEMON LAW' AND KIA'S ONLY RESPONSE IS TO ATTEMPT TO HALF-HARTEDLY REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT MY EXPENSE. DISPITE THE FACT THAT SOME OF THESE ISSUES COULD BE DANGERIOUS.*AK
Jun 20, 2000
THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN JUNE OF 1998, IT HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR MORE THAN 40 DAYS FOR REPAIRS FOR VARIOUS ELECTRICAL, BRAKING, TRANSMISSION, AND VARIOUS OTHER DEFECTS THAT HAVE RENDERED THE CAR INOPERABLE SINCE FEBRUARY, 1999.
Sep 20, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
THE BATTERY HAD BLOWN UP AND SPEWED LIQUID/ACID. THE CONSUMER HAD RECEIVED TWO RECALLS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, ONE IN RE: GAS VALVE AND THE OTHER WAS ELECTRICAL. THE DEALER CONTINUES TO POSTPONE THE DATES FOR REPAIR. (RECALL# 102944) SCC
Jan 30, 2003
I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED W/42K MILES. I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TPS SINCE 2MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT IT. I HAVE HAD IT IN THE KIA REPAIR SHOP 8 TIMES AND HAVE SPENT OVER $1500.00 IN REPAIRS, TOWING AND RENTAL CARS. I HAVE HAD IT TOWED 3 TIMES. IT HAS HAD A NEW COMPUTER, NEW SENSORS, NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTER AND NEW CIRCUIT CONNECTORS INSTALLED, IN ADDITION TO ALL OF THE FUEL RELATED SAFETY RECALL PARTS. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO MY WORST ENEMY. KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE IS CLUELESS---THIS MAKE AND MODEL SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED COMPLETELY! I AM IN THE PROCESS OF FILING LEMON LAW AND AM COMPLETELY DISGUSTED WITH THIS CAR, AS WELL AS THE COMPANY.
Feb 10, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
THE BRAKES ON THIS CAR ARE TERRIBLE! I HAVE BEEN IN AND OUT OF THE SHOP SINCE THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT. I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PAD AND ROTOR REPLACEMENTS. I EVEN GOT INTO A REAR-END ACCIDENT 1 1/2 YEARS AGO THAT I COULD HAVE AVOIDED WITH COMPETENT BRAKES. I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE THE DRUMS AND REAR SHOES BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN WORKING OVERTIME TO COMPENSATE FOR THE POOR FRONT BRAKES. THANKS A BUNCH KIA! WORST CAR I'VE EVER DRIVEN.
Dec 26, 2002
BRAKES PADS/ROTORS CALIPERS WERE REPLACED 3 TIMES BECAUSE THEY PREMATURELY WORE OUT AND CAUSED SQUEAKING AND GRINDING NOISES, WHICH RESULTED IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE AND MAY CAUSE A CRASH. DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. *AK AIR CONDITION FAILED. *YH
Jul 20, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON & O/D LIGHT FLASHES AFTER ALMOST EVERY 300 MILES SINCE RECALL CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE ORVR VALVES WAS SERVICED BY DEALER. O/D LIGHT FLASHES WOULD THEN FOLLOW ENGINE STALLING (AFTER DRIVEN 150 MILES) AND WOULD ONLY CRANK ENGINE BUT WONT START. ALSO AFTER ORVR WAS REPLACED, EVERY FULL TANK OF FUEL ( 12.7 GALS.) WOULD CAUSE HESITATION BUT WOULD GO AWAY AFTER DRIVEN FOR 8 MILES . ENGINE STALLING LUCKILY OCCURRED ONLY ON STREET ROADS BUT COULD POSE SERIOUS RISK IF IT WOULD HAPPEN ON FREEWAYS.*AK
Jan 01, 2001
VEHICLE STALLS AND LOSES POWER FROM 50 MPH TO 40 MPH. DEALERS ARE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. ALSO VEHICLE HAS MANY OTHER DEFECTS. *AK CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING 45-55 MPH, VEHICLE WILL DECREASE IN SPEED APPROXIMATELY BY 3-15 MPH, THIS HAPPENS ALMOST ON A DAILY BASIS. DIFFICULTY SHIFTING INTO REVERSE AND 5TH GEAR, WITH VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND ON AN INCLINE, VEHICLE WILL STALL WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BACK UP. *SLC
Jul 07, 1998
WHEELS
2 complaints
SPARE TIRE WOODEN COVER IS WARPED. *MJS
May 04, 2000
WHEEL RIMS OUT OF ROUND CAUSING VIBRATION. *MJS
May 04, 2000
PARKING BRAKE
2 complaints
EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE FAILURE CAUSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GO TO FLOOR. YH
Apr 25, 2000
FRONT PARKING BRAKE CABLE FAILED. NLM
Jan 07, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
SLIDING DOOR KEEPS AJAR, AND OVERHEAD LIGHT COME SON. BRAKES ARE SQUEALING AND THE CAR SHAKES BADLY IF I GO 65 MILES PER HOUR. I NOTICED THAT WHEN IT IS RAINING THAT THE CAR MAKES A TERRIBLE BUZZING SOUND. I AHVE HAD AN EXHAUST LEAK AND THE BRAKES REPLACED ALREADY ONCE AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED BUT I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT.
Apr 17, 2000
SLIDING DOOR KEEPS AJAR, AND OVERHEAD LIGHT COME SON. BRAKES ARE SQUEALING AND THE CAR SHAKES BADLY IF I GO 65 MILES PER HOUR. I NOTICED THAT WHEN IT IS RAINING THAT THE CAR MAKES A TERRIBLE BUZZING SOUND. I AHVE HAD AN EXHAUST LEAK AND THE BRAKES REPLACED ALREADY ONCE AND THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED BUT I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT.
Apr 17, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
NHTSA RECALL 99V318000 AND MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 99V318000 CONCERNING FUEL PUMP FAILURE. DEALERSHIP HAS THE PARTS, BUT ONLY HAS 1 MECHANIC THAT WORKS ON THIS TYPE OF CAR. THEY SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT FOR 02-182-00 FOR THE BACKUP LIGHTS, BUT NOT FOR ENGINE STALLING. CONSUMER WILL TRY TO GET RECALL REPAIRS FOR THE FUEL PUMP DONE ON THE DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT. *AK
Feb 09, 2000
WHENEVER FUEL IS PUMPED INTO TANK, IT WOULD SPILL BACK OUT. VEHICLE CANNOT BE COMPLETELY FILLED. HAS TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER & ENTIRE FUEL TANK SYSTEM HAS BEEN REPLACED. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. ALSO ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON/TURN SIGNALS WOULD NOT SHOW, AND HEADLIGHTS WOULD GET MOISTURE INSIDE OF LENS. *AK
May 24, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
CAN FEEL BRAKES PULSATING WHEN ATTEMPTING STOP VEHICLE. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. WOULD MAKE GRINDING NOISES WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE. INSIDE THE VEHICLE, THE STRUCTURE WOULD LEAK. BEEN TO DEALER & HAD ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM REPLACED. *AK
Oct 13, 1999
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, VEHICLE SHAKES WHEN COMING TO A STOP. ALSO, WHENEVER IT RAINS WATER GETS INTO VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. *AK
Sep 15, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
SINCE PURCHASE DATE I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SUCH AS VEHICLE STALLING IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY, ENGINE LIGHT STAYING ON, RADIO, AIR CONDITIONER AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THE BRAKES. THE ORIGINAL BRAKES FAILED AT 5560 MILES, REPLACEMTS AT 7520 MILES, AGAIN AT 10750 MILES. THIS IS A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE AND I AM AFRAID AN ACCIDENT WILL OCCUR.
Oct 02, 1999
SINCE PURCHASE DATE I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SUCH AS VEHICLE STALLING IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY, ENGINE LIGHT STAYING ON, RADIO, AIR CONDITIONER AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THE BRAKES. THE ORIGINAL BRAKES FAILED AT 5560 MILES, REPLACEMTS AT 7520 MILES, AGAIN AT 10750 MILES. THIS IS A MAJOR INCONVENIENCE AND I AM AFRAID AN ACCIDENT WILL OCCUR.
Oct 02, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY
2 complaints
WHEN GENTLY BRAKING AT HIGH SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES BADLY. ALSO, WHEN BRAKING TO A STOP, THE CAR DOES NOT STOP SMOOTHLY. IT JERKS AND VIBRATES WHEN THE BRAKES ARE USED UNTIL I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE ROTERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ONCE ALREADY. ONE WINTER MORNING, I NOTICED THAT MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE NOT WORKING. UPON CLOSER INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT THEY HAD SOMEHOW LOOSENED. FORTUNATELY, THERE WAS NO PRECIPITATION THAT DAY. WHEN HAVING THE PROBLEM LOOKED AT BY ONE OF KIA'S SERVICE CENTERS, THE GUY THERE INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS COMMON.
Sep 24, 1999
BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED DISCS WARPED AND PADS DEPLETED. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT DURING A SNOW STORM, DRIVERS SIDE ONLY. DEALER FIXED BUT WE WERE ADMONISHED ABOUT USING WIPERS DURING HEAVY SNOW STORM. DUH?
Jul 18, 1999
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 KIA SEPHIA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V317000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED FOR THE RECALL IN 1999. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HANSON KIA (2300 CARRIAGE LOOP SW, OLYMPIA, WA 98502, (360) 943-2120) AND WAS INFORMED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.
Nov 19, 2019
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 KIA SEPHIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE ACTIVATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THE WIPER SCRATCHED THE WINDSHIELD AND DID NOT CLEAR THE RAIN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V271000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Apr 18, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
1-LEAKING BRAKE FLUID INSIDE FIREWALL 2-DASHBOARD DISFIGURING 3-EXAUST MANIFOLD GASKETS NOT LASTING
Jul 16, 2005
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
REAR DRUM BRAKES SQUEALED LOUDLY, AND IT DID NOT FEEL AS IF THEY WERE WORKING IN MOIST CONDITIONS. ALSO, A STEERING GEAR BRACKET WELD CRACKED, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER VEHICLE. AT LOW SPEEDS CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULT MAINTAINING CONTROL. STEERING WHEEL WAS FLOPPING AROUND. *AK
Apr 19, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
DEAR SIR: KIA SEPHIA 1998 HAS SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS WHICH NEVER BEEN REPORTED. MY CAR (VIN# [XXX]; 52,000 MILES) HAS (1) AN OIL LEAK FROM THE ENGINE HEAD (VALVE COVER) GASKET, WHICH CAN POTENTIALLY CREATE A FIRE, AND IT HAS (2) VERY PURE AIR FLOW ON THE WINDSHIELD WHICH REDUCE MY DRIVING VISABILITY DUE TO FOG ACCUMULATION INSIDE OF THE WIENDSHIELD. BOTH CONDITIONS ARE VERY DANGEROUS AND MAY LEAD TO A CAR CRASH. PLEASE INFORM KIA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION THAT THESE DEFICIENCIES SHOULD BE FIXED FOR FREE. THANKS! SINCERELY, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] *AK UPDATED 07/26/2012 *JS
Jan 06, 2004
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I PURCHASED A KIA IN MARCH 02' I USED THE CAR FOR LONG TRIPS THE FIRST YEAR I HAD OWNED THE CAR AND I HAD NO FAULTS IN JAN.- FEB 03' THE CAR BEGAN TO SHIFT IN TO NUMEROUS GEARS AND THEN STALL. I WAS THEN DEPLOYED TO IRAQ. I LEFT THE CAR WITH A GOOD FRIEND. WHEN I CAME BACK HE INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR WOULDN'T START. DEALER SAID IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. FRIEND REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP.FRIEND THEN REPLACED FUEL PUMP AGAIN WHEN CAR WOULDN'T START. FRIEND LEFT THE CAR ALONE,WHEN IT DIDN'T START, UNTIL I HAD RETURNED FROM IRAQ. I CAME BACK AND TOOK THE CAR TO MIDAS, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE DEALER DIDN'T HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT WAS GOING ON. MIDAS THEN SAID IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. I HAD IT REPLACED FOR A THIRD TIME. CAR RAN FOR A DAY THEN DIED. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO MIDAS THEY SAID IT WAS THE WIRING HARNESS. I HAD THAT REPLACED. CAR STILL DIDN'T START. SO MIDAS SAID THREE WEEKS LATER THEY SAID IT WAS THE FUEL MODULE. THE CAR THEN WORKED FOR ABOUT A MONTH THEN WOULDN'T START. TOOK CAR TO SEVERAL SHOPS ALL SAID IT WAS THE PUMP. I THEN HAD A MECHANIC FROM MY UNIT CHECK IT OUT. HE SAID IT WAS WITHIN THE WIRING TO THE FUEL PUMP STILL HASN'T FIGURED IT OUT. SINCE THEN I HAVE FOUND THAT IT HAS A FAULTY CONNECTION WITH THE CONNECTING CABLES NEAR THE FUEL PUMP UNDER THE BACK SEAT. THE CONNECTORS HAVE BEEN MISS FIRING AND HAS BURNT A HOLE IN MY BACK SEAT. I'VE TRIED TO GO TO THE DEALER BUT THEY INSIST ON DOING A DIANOSTIC AND CHARGE ME $60.00 JUST TO TELL ME THE SAME THING THAT I ALREADY KNOW. THEY ALSO SAID THEY CAN'T ORDER THE PART UNTIL A DIANOSTIC WAS DONE. I'VE ALSO HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL TANK OVER FILLING AND NOT READING FULL ON THE GAUGE. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES FOUR TIMES IN 18 MONTHS.THE POWER STEERING ALSO GOES OUT QUITE FREQUENTLY. I HAVE ALSO HAD A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE ALIGNMENT OF THE CAR. I UNDERSTAND THAT WEAR AND TEAR OCCURS ON A VEHICLE BUT THE PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE HAD WITH THIS CAR IS NOT NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. IAM DISSAPONTED IN KIA
Dec 30, 2003
SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I JUST REPLACED ALL 3 BELTS ON MY CAR AND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR EVERYDAY THE CAR MADE A REAL BAD GRINDING NOISE AS IF THE BELTS WERE NEVER REPLACED. *AK
Dec 01, 2003
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I BOUGHT A 1998 KIA SEPHIA IN FEB OF 2000 I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 GEAR SHIFTERS AND THREE TRANSMISSIONS AND THE CAR HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN 2/3 OF THE TIME THAT I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. MY SIGNAL LIGHT ON ONE SIDE HAS NEVER REALLY WORKED PROPERLY AND THE THE HEADLIGHT CONSTANTLY SHORTS OUT. OF COURSE NOW I'M OUT OF WARRANTY AND STILL EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMS AND MANY MORE I DONT KNOW WHERE ELSE TO TURN BECAUSE ALL I'M EVER TOLD IS THAT'S A KIA FOR YOU. I STILL HAVE A LOAN OF THIS CAR AND DONT THINK IT'S RIGHT THAT ALMOST EVERY YEAR THE GEAR SHIFTER AND TRANS NEED TO BE REPLACED. I WOULD GREAT APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME BECAUSE I HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR FOR THE LAST 2 MONTHS BECAUSE THE GEAR SHIFTER WONT COME OUT OF PARK AND WHEN IT DID THE TRANS RACED WHEN REACHING 2 GEAR. THERE IS NO WAY ANYONE SHOULD EXPERIENCE THIS MUCH TROUBLE WHETHER BEING A USED CAR OR NOT. PLEASE HELP ME. *AK
Nov 04, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
THE CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER MOTORIST AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY*AK THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE BRAKES FAILED. *JB
Oct 01, 2003
VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
PRE OWNED VEHICLE PURCHASED IN VERY GOOD CONDITION AND STILL IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. AT PURCHASE FRONT OF DASHBOARD WAS SLIGHTLY WARPED. SINCE PURCHASE, FRONT OF DASHBOARD HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY WARPED, DEFROST VENTS ARE SEVERELY CRACKED, CAUSING FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFROST NOT TO FUNCTION PROPERLY.*JB
Mar 01, 2003
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I WAS IN A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON AUGUST 7TH, AT 10:30 AM WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF THE MASS PIKE RT. 90 FRAMINGHAM, MASS. I THOUGHT MY KIA SEHPIA WAS IN ACCELENT CONDITION, BUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE, THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN STARTED SHAKING AND I COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. I TRIED TO KEEP THE VEHICLE IN THE LANE BUT COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING. THE CAR SCREECHED AND WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. TO MY IMMEDIATE RIGHT WAS A LARGE RYDER RENTAL TRUCK, I BRACED MYSELF AND HIT THE LEFT FRONT END OF THE TRUCK. THE REST IS A BLUR, I SPUN AROUND AND THE REAR OF MY CAR HIT THE GUARD RAIL AND I FORTUNATELY STOPPED IN THE BREAKDOWN LANE. IT HAPPENED SO FAST, BUT WHAT IS MOST UPSETTING, I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. I'M NOT SURE IF IT WAS A STEERING COLUMN PROBLEM OR A TIRE PROBLEM. ALL I KNOW IS, I WAS DRIVING SAFETLY AND THEN MY CAR WHEN OUT OFF CONTROL. THE RIGHT FRONT OF MY VECHICLE WAS SEVERLY DAMAGED, AND MY PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK
Sep 04, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
1 complaint
MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP TEN TIMES! I CANNOT SPECIFY A PART, MOST PARTS HAVE BEEN REPAIRED. WHEN I SAY TEN TIMES, IT IS IN THE SHOP FOR THE 10TH TIME NOW BUT NEEDS 8 DIFFERENT REPAIRS. (NOT TEN TOTAL REPAIRS) AS FAR AS SAFETY, THE TIRES (DIFFERENT BRANDS) HAVE TO BE REPLACED EVERY SEASON... 2 SETS A YEAR! THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THEY CHECKED OUT OKAY LAST TIME IT WAS IN, BUT THEY CONSTANTY SHUDDER AND GRIND, AND HAVE COMPLETELY GONE OUT. THEY ALSO SQUEAL VERY LOUD AT ABOUT 60 MPH WHILE DRIVING. NOT SURE IF IT IS THE BRAKES OR TIRES. I JUST FEEL UNSAFE IN MY VEHICLE. IT HAS BEEN TOWED THREE TIMES, LEAVING ME STRANDED. MY HEATER ALSO QUIT WORKING AND I LIVE IN ALASKA. I DON'T KNOW IF THESE ARE COMMON PROBLEMS, BUT I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE THAT I FELT SO UNSAFE IN. I ALSO GOT INTO A CAR ACCIDENT IN 200, IN WHICH I WAS HIT HEAD ON BY AN EXPLORER. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH AND SHE WAS DRIVING ABOUT 10 MPH. IT BROKE OUT MY HEADLIGHT, DENTED THE HOOD UP AND PUT A HOLE IN THE BUMPER.... THIS MUCH DAMAGE AND THE AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED! THIS WAS NOT CALLED IN TO THE POLICE, I JUST LET HER GO (IT WAS HER FAULT). I WISH I HAD REPORTED IT.*AK
Jan 15, 2002
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,TIRES,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, HOOD RELEASED AND SMASHED INTO WINDSHIELD WHICH BLOCKED VISION OF DRIVER, CONSUMER FELT PROBLEM WAS DUE TO BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS THAT CAUSE SEVERE VIBRATION AND HAD TO BE REPLACED FREQUENTLY, THERE WAS NO CRASH OR INJURY TO REPORT WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED.*AK BRAKES WOULD VIBRATE AND WERE NOISY, REQUESTED REAR BRAKES BE CLEANED LUBED, DEALER FOUND ROTORS WARPED AND PADS WORN AND EXCESSIVE DUST IN REAR BRAKES, NUMEROUS ENGINE PROBLEMS SUCH AS COOLING FAN RUMBLE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, ENGINE STALL, BURNING SMELL, BELT SQUEAKS, ELECTRIC COOLING FAN INOPERATIVE, FAN BLADE, PLUG WIRES AND COIL BOOTS, VALVE COVER GASKET WERE REPLACED, EVAPORATOR WAS REPLACED AND RECHARGED, MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING IGNITION SWITCH, STARTER, ALTERNATOR, MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH, BATTERY TERMINAL, AND BULB FAILURE, DEALER HAS ALSO FOUND CORROSION, POOR CONNECTIONS AND LOW VOLTAGE, CONSUMER STATES NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH SHIFTER, HARSH SHIFTS AND CLUNKS, DEALER REPLACED OLD STYLE FLEX PLATE, BINDING SHIFTER WHICH WAS CLEANED AND LUBED, FLUID LEAKS, DEALER REPLACED LEAKING POWER STEERING HOSE, MULTIPLE STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS MISSING WIPER ARM CAP, KEY WILL NOT OPEN TRUNK, TRUNK LEVER DOES NOT RELEASE, BROKEN TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE, LEFT REAR DOOR MOLDING COMING OFF, DEALER REPLACED TRUNK RELEASE, REINSTALLED DOOR WEATHERSTRIP, FOUND OIL LEAKS, AND UNDERCARRIAGE SHOWING SIGNS OF DAMAGE, BUBBLES IN DASH PAD, SUNVISOR COMING LOOSE, DEALER REPLACED DASH PAD, DEALER FOUND TAIL PIPE DAMAGED, BOTH FRONT AFTERMARKET TIRES (NO TIRE INFORMATION) WORN, LEFT REAR RIM BENT, REAR TIRES (NO TIRE INFORMATION) CUPPED AND FEATHERED DUE TO LACK OF ROTATION AND ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS, CONSUMER ALSO REQUESTED DEALER TO CHECK CV BOOTS FOR GREASE LEAK, DEALER FOUND NO PROBLEM. *TT
Jan 04, 2002
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
DASHBOARD IS LIFTING UP AND AFFECTING FRONTAL AIR BAG ON PASSENGERS SIDE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK *SLC
Oct 17, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
IN 2 YEARS I HAD TO GET A NEW TRANSMISSION, REPLACE MY BRAKES 6 TIMES, SERVICE ENGINE PROBLEMS 7 TIMES, FUEL PUMP, 8 RECALLS, WIPERS, NEW TIRES, AND MANY OTHER PROBLEMS... COPIES OF REPAIRS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. I HAVE ALSO BEEN DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BY THE DEALER MANY TIMES.
Jun 02, 2001
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND OVERDRIVE LIGHT WOULD FLASH, SECOND TIME VEHICLE JUST QUIT, THIS WAS SECOND TRANSMISSION VEHICLE HAS HAD. *AK
May 07, 2001
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
11 MAJOR FAILURES WITH MY VEHICLE. NOT ALL ARE LISTED IN THIS COMPLAINT. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED. *AK
Apr 26, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN WORKED ON OVER PAST YEAR. *AK ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON DUE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILURE. WHEEL BEARING FAILED AND WAS REPLACED. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAD NO ENGAGEMENT DUE TO HALF SHAFT FAILURE. ENGINE STALLED AT A STOP DUE TO TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY FAILURE. BRAKES WERE NOISY AND WERE REPLACED, INCLUDING THE ROTORS. ENGINE WILL NOT START DUE TO BATTERY AND STARTER FAILURE. *YH
Mar 21, 2001
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
FRONT OF DASHBOARD HAS WARPED, AND DEFROST VENTS ARE CRAKCED CAUSING DEFROST ON FRONT WINDSHIELD TO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. *AK
Feb 09, 2001
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I HAD THE CAR FOR LESS THAN 10 HOURS WHEN IT DIED ON THE ROAD, FUEL PUMP REPLACED, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM REPAIR SHOP
Jan 03, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
SIGNAL LIGHTS FAIL TO WORK PROPERLY WHEN IN USE DURING COLD WEATHER FOR 15 MINUTES OR SO. SOMETIMES THIS HAPPENS WHEN IT'S RAINING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY FAILURES SINCE. SEAT BELTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL. HEAD GASKET REPLACED AT 3500 MILES. MOLDING ON THE DOORS FELL OFF AND WAS REPLACED. TAILPIPE WAS REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE EXHAUST FUMES. *SLC
Dec 07, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON GAS GAUGE. AFTER TAKING IT IN GAS GAUGE DID NOT GO TO FULL. CURRENTLY, GAS GAUGE STILL DOES NOT GO TO FULL. JUST RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL LETTER FOR PCV VALVE. *AK
Nov 16, 2000
SUSPENSION,TIRES
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING REAR END SLIDES FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. ALSO, TIRES ARE BALD. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
Nov 07, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SEATS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
BRAKES,LIGHTS,SEATS,BATTERY,AIRBAGS,ODOMETER,LEAKS,AIRCONDITION,LEFTDOORHANDLE (TIRESIZE: 14`)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 14` )
Sep 29, 2000
TIRES
1 complaint
3 TIRES HAVE SLIPPED BELTS CAUSING SEVERE VIBRATION AND THEY REQUIRE AIR ROUTINELY. *AK (DOT NUMBER: 85H TIRESIZE: P185/65R14)
Sep 28, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
PREMATURE WEAR OF BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. DEALER HAS REPAIRED AND REPLACED THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES.*AK IN ADDITION HEATER CORE, ALTERNATOR, STARTER,SPARK PLUGS, FRONT WINDSHIELD AND DOOR WEATHER STRIPS FAILED. *YH
Aug 30, 2000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
LIGHTS IN THE INTERIOR DASH AND EXTERIOR GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY. *MJS
Aug 10, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN 1999, I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER 4 TIMES FOR THE ENGIN LT STAYING ON; STILL ON AND NOT REPAIRED. LT WOULD BE BACK ON THE SAME DAY OR NEXT DAY AFTER PICKING UP FROM DEALERSHIP; BRAKES NEEDED FOR INSPECTION; NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY; SQUEEKY AND WHOLE FRONT END MAKES NOISES WHEN YOU TOUCH THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP.
Jul 11, 2000
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON OLD ROUTE 50 ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT ACROSS IN FRONT OF CONSUMER'S VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS NOT ABLE TO STOP, AND HIT VEHICLE BROADSIDE. NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CONTACTED MANUFACTURER, AND WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG. SINCE THE ACCIDENT, AIRBAGS HAVE BEEN ON ALL THE TIME. ALSO, HAD BRAKES REPLACED 5 OR 6 TIMES. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES. ALSO, DONE AN ALIGNMENT. *AK
May 17, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I WOULD NEVER BUY A KIA AGAIN. THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. THE TRANSMISSION PREMATURELY WENT OUT WITH NO WARNING. HAD TO BE COMPLETLY REPLACED. BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES MELTED DUE TO REASONS STILL UNKNOWN. THE BRAKES WORN PREMATURELY. NOT TO MENTION ALL OF THE OTHER HASSLES I'VE HAD WITH THIS CAR. SOMETIMES I WISH SOMEONE WOULD JUST TAKE IT, I HATE IT SO MUCH!
Apr 30, 2000
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
ONGOING PROBLEM WITH EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES A CLICKING NOISE WOULD APPEAR FROM THE FRONT WHEELS. PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Apr 24, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. ALSO, TRANSMISSION STICK SHIFT KEPT STICKING, AND ENGINE HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT. DEALERSHIP REPLACED ENGINE HEAD GASKET AND STICK SHIFT.*AK
Mar 23, 2000
SEATS
1 complaint
DRIVER'S SEATBACK BROKE WHILE DRIVING, WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A LOSS OF CONTROL OR INJURIES IF AN OCCUPANT WAS SITTING BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT. CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Mar 21, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
CAR NEEDS FRONT AXLES. ALSO, MOTOR MOUNTS WERE REPLACED ALONG WITH FLYWHEEL AND FUEL PUMP. IN ADDITION, CONSUMER JUST RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE 99V271/ WINSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE. CAR IS 1 YEAR OLD AND HAS 26000 MILES, OWNER HAS ALREADY EXPERIENCED MANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. *AK *ML
Mar 08, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
SINCE THE TIME THAT I HAVE PURCHASED THIS CAR IT HAS BEEN FALLING APART. THE CAR IS CONSTANTLY SHUTTING DOWN OR IT JUST WON'T START. AT THIS PRESENT TIME MY CAR IS SITTTING AT STONEMOUNTAIN KIA WHEREAS IT IS IN NEED A THIRD BATTERY ALL WITHIN LESS THAN A YEARS TIME. EVENTHOUGH THEY KNOW THE DANGEROUS HISTORY OF THIS CAR THAT I PURCHASED NEW, THEY CONTINUALLY RETURN THE CAR TO ME WITHOUT DOING A SAFETY CHECK. I HAVE HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THEIR LOCATION SEVERAL TIMES IN THE SAME WEEK BECAUSE THEY HAVE FELLED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. ONCE AGAIN MY CAR IS CONTINUALLY SUFFERING FROM THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT ARE CONTINUING TO GROW WORST. THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FAILS TO WORK PROPERLY. THE DRIVESHAFT IS ALWAYS STICKING IN THE GEARS. THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUALLY BLINK AND STAY ON FOR PERIODS AT A TIME. THE EXHAUST STILL MAKING LOUD NOISE THAT I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT SINCE I BROUGHT THE CAR. THE ENGINE JERKS AND THE CAR IS BURNING A LOT OF GAS. THE BATTERY ACID CONTINUES TO LEAK OUT INTO THE CAR. THE AIR VENTS BROKE JUST FROM A SLIGHT TOUCH AND SO DID THE KNOB THAT CONTROL THE AIR CIRCULATION. THE CAR IS CONSTANTLY STALLING. THE CAR SHAKES BADLY WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKES. FIRESTONE REFUSES TO WORK ON KIA'S BECAUSE THEY ARE AWARE OF ALL THE FAULTY SYSTEM PERTAINING TO KIA'S. LATION
Mar 07, 2000
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
BRAKES FAILED CAUSING ACCIDENT, THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES ALSO ROTORS FUEL PUMP, TRANSMISSION, GLOVEBOX,WIRING HARNESS, MANY OTHER THINGS TOO... COULD HAVE LOST MY 2 OF MY GRANDSONS IN THE ACCIDENT... ARE WE GOING TO PUT UP WITH THIS??? I CAN BE REACHED AT [email protected]
Feb 06, 2000
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
A/C AND DEFROST DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY. NLM
Jan 27, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES 99V318000 AND 99V271000. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS YET TO TAKE CARE OF THE RECALLS. ALSO, DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS. *AK
Jan 19, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THIS CAR HAS HAD NEW TRANSMISSION/BRAKES/RADIO AND BATTERY, AND I AM WAITING ON SOMETHING NEW TO HAPPEN SOON. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE I THOUGHT THAT MY FEET WAS NOT AAS DEPENDABLE AS A CAR..MY MISTAKE. IF THE REPAIRS KEEP UP I WILL HAVE A NEW CAR WITHOUT EVEN TRADING!!! THIS CAR GIVES NEW MEANING TO LEMON. *AK
Jan 07, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS IN REVERSE, IT WOULD POP OUT OF GEAR INTO NEUTRAL. THEN VEHICLE WOULD STOP. ALSO, ABS BRAKES WERE REPLACED TWICE DUE TO EXCESSIVE WEAR TO DRUMS. HEADLIGHTS WOULD HAVE CONDENSATION, AND DASHBOARD WAS REPLACED DUE TO CRACKS. VEHICLE NOW ON THIRD TRANSMISSION AND IT STILL SLIPS OUT OF REVERSE WHEN BACKING UP. *AK
Dec 21, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT/AIR BAG LIGHTS ARE ON. CAR WILL NOT START, ALSO, THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, CONSUMER ALMOST HAD A COLLISION. *AK
Dec 13, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
FAILURE OF FRONT BRAKES 3 TIMES, DASH BOARD WIRE HARNESS FAILURE CAUSING DASH BOARD DISPLAYS, STARTER WIRE HARNESS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, PAINT RUBBING OFF AND BLISTERING, LOWED NOISES/VIBRATION UNDER DRIVER SIDE WHEN DRIVING IN WET CONDITTIONS,, POOR GAS MILAGE, FAULTY GAS GUAGE, BROKEN RIGHT REAR SPEAKER, BACK RIGHT DOOR WEATHER GASKET FALLING OFF FOR THE THIRD TIME, SLOPP STEERING RESPONCE DURING QUICK TURNS
Dec 08, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Dec 07, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM WAS THE GAS GUAGE NOT READING THE PROPER LEVEL, AFTER IT WAS REPAIRED IT OCCURRED AGAIN. THE SAME DAY AS THE SECOND REPAIR THE GAS TANK DEVELOPED A LEAK. THREE MONTHS AFTER THIS REPAIR THE LEAK REOCCURRED. IT WAS REPAIRED AND WITHIN 1 WEEK WAS BACK IN THE SHOP WITH ANOTHER LEAK. THE VEHICLE IN NOW THE NORTHTOWN KIA BEING REPAIRED FOR THE THIRD LEAK. *AK
Nov 17, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,TIRES
1 complaint
GOT FLAT TIRE CAUSE BY TEAR AND WEAR, REPLACED WITH ALL 4 NEW TIRES, ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE NOISE AFTER 35000 MILE, LEAKING OIL OR FROM BRAKE FLUID, PEDAL TO FLOOR TO BRAKE, EARLY BRAKE PADS AND ROTOR OUT OF ROUND, BRAKE DISC IS STILL OK, BRAKES PADS WERE FIX TWICED WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY. ARE THEY STILL COVERED IF MY CAR IS AT 39000 MILES. SHOULD THE ENGINE STILL IS COVERED. OTHERWISE, EVERYTHING OF THE CAR IS EXCELLENT. THANK YOU.
Nov 10, 1999
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THE POWER WINDOWS & DOOR LOCKS WOULD GO UP & DOWN ON THEIR OWN. THE DOORS ARE NOT LOCKED SECURELY. THE WINDOWS FAIL TO REMAIN CLOSE OR OPEN WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD VIBRATE AFTER VEHICLE IS STARTED. WHENEVER THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, VEHICLE SHAKES. THE TIRE MOULDING & THE TRIM IS PEELING OFF. EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE STOPS, IT WOULD TO BE JUMP STARTED, CONSTANTLY. TAKING VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER TO REPAIR PROBLEMS. *AK
Oct 28, 1999
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE AT HIGH SPEEDS,AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, VEHICLE WILL PULL TO EITHER SIDE, AND THERE IS STRONG VIBRATION IN THE STEERING COLUMN AREA. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Oct 27, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
HARD STARTING UP VEHICLE IN THE MORNINGS, AND GAS GAUGE DOES NOT READ FULL TANK. ALSO, PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR IS BROKEN AT THE HINGES. HAD THE PANEL REPLACED. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD REPAIR. *AK
Oct 20, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
ENGINE STALLS, ESPECIALLY WHEN STARTING UP VEHICLE IN THE MORNINGS. GAS GAUGE DOES NOT READ FULL, AND PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR IS BROKEN. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD REPAIR. REPLACED DOOR PANEL. DOOR HINGES WERE BROKEN. *AK
Oct 18, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE UP VEHICLE DOESN'T START UP PROPERLY. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THEY GO HALF WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD, AND VEHICLE JERKS. IN ADDITION, COMPUTER CHIP/ GEAR SHIFT MALFUNCTIONED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN INTO THE SHOP OVER TEN TIMES. AIR BAG LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEP COMING ON. DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS. *AK
Oct 14, 1999
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
A/C NOT COOLING VEHICLE PROPERLY. NLM
Oct 13, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WAS STARTING TO SLOW DOWN & HAD PRESSED BRAKE PEDAL. HEARD A GRINDING NOISE. PRESSED HARDER & VEHICLE WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN.AGAIN PRESSED LIGHTLY & VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO STOP. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & MECHANIC INFORMED DRIVER OWNER ENTIRE BRAKING SYSTEM NEEDED REPLACING. THIS WAS THE 5TH TIME IT HAPPENED. ALSO, VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN OVER WHEN STARTING. HEARD CLICKING NOISE. NEEDED 4 TRIES TO START. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & STAYED ON. *AK
Oct 12, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
HAS BEEN IN 17 TIMES AND STILL NEED BRAKES AND EVERYTHING ELSE. WHAT A PIECE OF JUNK !!MANUFACTOR REFUSES TO HONOR WARRANTY.
Oct 11, 1999
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY
Oct 11, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS
1 complaint
THE FRONT BRAKES WOULD DANGEROUSLY PULSATE AFTER BEING APPLIED. HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED AT DEALER. THE SAME PULSATING PROBLEM HAS SINCE REAPPEARED, 3 MONTHS LATER, WHEEL STUDS HAD BROKEN. INFORMED BRAKES HAD GONE BAD AGAIN. *AK
Sep 28, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
OH SIRS, THERE ARE PLENTY MORE PARTS/COMPONENTS ON THIS VEHICLE THAT HAS FAILED.
Sep 20, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE FAILED TO WORK PROPERLY IN SNOW, IT WENT OUT. ALSO, DISC BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING WHEN APPLIED. TOOK TO DEALER & INFORMED DISC BRAKES WERE WARPED. CATALYTIC CONVERTOR HAD FAILED. IN ADDITION, MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE MUFFLER DID NOT WORK PROPERLY DUE TO HAVING A HOLE IN IT. ALL PARTS HAS TO BE REPLACED. OWNER FEELS ITS A LEMON. MFG IS NO HELP. *AK
Sep 16, 1999
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION WOULD MAKE FUNNY NOISES WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR. A NEW TRANSMISSION WAS INSTALLED. VEHICLE STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. BRAKES: WOULD SQUEAL WHEN APPLIED. HAD ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM CHANGED TWICE & PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. ALIGNMENT: DUE TO THE BRAKES, THE TIRES WERE WORN OUT ON THE INSIDE & HAD TO BE CHANGED. *AK *YC
Aug 25, 1999
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,WHEELS
1 complaint
SINCE PURCHASED THE MV HAS BEEN IN SHOP FOR NUMEROUS (13+) PROBLEMS AND DEFECTS. MY CONCERN OVER SAFETY ISSUES HAS BEEN DISMISSED OR GIVEN MANY DIFFERENT ANSWERS. DEALERSHIP DOES NOT ALWAYS GIVES REPAIR ORDER SLIPS WHENEVER THE CAR IS LOOKED AT OR SERVICED. THE SAFETY AND DEPENDABILITY OF THIS MV IS QUESTIONNABLE GIVEN THE NUMBER OF TIMES IN THE REPAIR SHOP. DEALERSHIP/MANUFACTURER'S REPRESENTATIVE CLAIMS NOTHING WRONG, ALTHOUGH MANUFACUTER'S REPRESENTATIVE DID OFFER REIMBURSEMENT OF 3 CAR PAYMENTS. THE ISSUE OF THE LACK OF DECELERATION HAS STILL TO BE RESOLVED. AS A FEMALE CONSUMER, I FEEL THAT I AM BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF BY BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. I BELIEVE THAT THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE IS A "LEMON" AND IN ALL LIKELIHOOD WILL CONTINUE TO PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE.
Aug 14, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
BREAK PADS AND ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED APPROXIMATELY EVERY 3000 MILES WHEN CAR IS TAKEN IN FOR OIL CHANGE. I COULD NOT FILL THE GAS TANK COMPLETELY WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THE CAR BECAUSE THE AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF. GAS TANK AND FLOAT VALVE WERE REPLACED AFTER WAITING A MONTH FOR THE PARTS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD STAY ON AND O/D OFF LIGHT WOULD FLASH, CALLED DEALER AND HAD TO WAIT A WEEK FOR APPOINTMENT. DEALER STATED NEW COUPLING WAS NEEDED. WAITED MONTH FOR PART. WHEN I WENT TO PICK UP CAR, DEALER STATED IT NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION INSTEAD. I WAITED TWO WEEKS FOR PARTS. NOW CAR IS AT DEALERSHIP AGAIN BECAUSE IT WILL NOT START. LIGHTS, HORN, RADIO, ETC. STILL OPERATE
Jul 18, 1999
STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
Jul 08, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
FUEL LINE WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE PASSENGER'S SEAT HAS SEPARATED, CAUSING FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PASSENGER'S COMPARTMENT, ALSO, EXCESSIVE WEAR OF BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED SENDING UNIT/PUMP/ROTORS AND PADS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Jun 28, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TAIL LIGHT HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF LEAKING, THIS IS 4TH TIME FOR BRAKES SQUEAKING AND PULSATING, COW PANEL BAFFLE NEEDED REPLACED BECAUSE OF WATER POURING IN BEHIND GLOVE BOX.PEOPLE I DON'T KNOW PULL ME OVER AND COMPLAIN ABOUT THEIR KIA SEPHIAS AND SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THEM. ALSO THE ENGINE SOMETIMES WON'T START THE FIRST TIME. IT TAKES TWO OR THREE TIMES ONCE IN A WHILE. IT ALSO SOUNDS LIKE THE ENGINE WILL JUMP RIGHT OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE IT JERKS SO HARD WHEN STARTING. THE GAS TANK HAS YET TO LET ME FILL IT ALL THE WAY. IT GETS ALMOST FULL, THEN SPITS THE GAS OUT AND WON'T LET YOU "SQUEEZE " IT FULL. IT'S LIKE THERE IS NO VENTING GOING ON. I HAVE HEARD SIMILIAR REPORTS FROM OTHER OWNERS. *AK
Jun 22, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WE HAVE REPLACED THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS 4 TIMES AND THE DRUMS ONCE. THE CAR HAS DIFFICULTY STARTING AND TAKING OFF. VARIOUS PROBLEMS CONCERNING MINOR PROBLEMS, SEAT CUSHION , LIGHTER, A/C, GAS SPEWING BACK OUT OF TANK ETC. OUR MAJOR CONCERN IS THE BRAKING SYSTEM WHICH STARTED SIX WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE AND HASN'T ENDED YET. THE KIA REPRESENTATIVE IS UNCOOPERATIVE.
Apr 15, 1999
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE FLOOR SHIFTER HAS A RATTLING NOISE. HAD SHIFTER REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DASHBOARD RATTLES. GLOVE COMPARTMENT FELL DOWN. RADIO SPEAKERS BLOWN. BEARINGS IN WHEEL GRIND. DOING FWY SPEED, VEHICLE WOULD SHIMMY & SHAKE. WHEN SLOWING TO STOP, BRAKES WOULD JERK. WHILE WAITING AT STOP, ENGINE WOULD BE SURGING. *AK
Apr 02, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
BRAKES AND ROTORS PULSATING.
Feb 01, 1999
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,SEATS
1 complaint
VEHICLE VIBRATES DUE TO WARPED FRONT BRAKE ROTORS/PADS. ALSO, DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD/PLASTIC PIECES ON SEATS STICKING AND DIGGING INTO SKIN, AND STTERING WHEEL RUBBE RLOOSE ON SPOKES. AK
Nov 18, 1998
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
FRONT AXLE MADE A NOISE DUE TO A WRONG SIZE OF THE AXLE ON THE VEHICLE. ALSO THERE WAS A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION/ EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM. AXLE AND TRANSMISSION REPLACED. GAS TANK WILL NOT FILL PROPERLY, SPITS GAS BACK ONTO THE GROUND. *AK *ML
Nov 10, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING SEVERAL PROBLEMS WIT VEHICLE. THE HORN, BRAKES, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT, AND GAS LIGHTS HAS BEEN MALFUNCTIONING. WHEN THEY PUT IN GASOLINE IN VEHICLE, IT SHOOTS BACK OUT AND THE GAS LIGHT CONTINUES TO ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Nov 09, 1998
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WARPING/ STRIPPING OF WINDSHIELD WIPER GEARS/ SPEEDOMETER HEAD BROKEN.
Oct 19, 1998
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
WHENEVER BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THEY WOULD START TO MAKE A POPPING NOISE. IT WOULD SOUND LIKE METAL RUBBING. TOOK TO DEALER & INFORMED A NUT WAS LEFT OUT OF THE SUSPENSION. IT WAS REPLACED, BUT VEHICLE STARTED VIBRATING AGAIN LIKE IT'S OUT OF BALANCE. *AK THE GAS GAUGE DOES NOT REGISTER RIGHT AND SPOSE GAS OUT WHILE FILLING. *YH
Oct 14, 1998
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1998 KIA Sephia have?
The 1998 KIA Sephia currently has 713 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 1998 KIA Sephia?
The most common problems reported for the 1998 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 1998 KIA Sephia problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1998 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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