1999 KIA Sephia Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
518
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
124 complaints
HAVE REPLACED PADS AND TURNED ROTORS MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE MAY 07. IN MAY 08 MY ABS SYSTEM FAILED CAUSING A WRECK! HAD PADS REPLACED IN JANUARY 08. *TR
Apr 13, 2008
KIA SEPIA 1999 SOUND COMING FROM REAR BRAKES. *BF THREE OF THE FOUR BRAKE PADS HAD FALLEN OFF OF THE SHOES. THE PADS WERE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION BUT THE GLUE THAT HELD THEM TO THE SHOES HAD DISINTEGRATED. *NM
Feb 24, 2005
HAD TO GO TO HOSPITAL FOR SURGERY. CAR WOULDN'T MOVE THE BRAKES WERE LOCKED. COULDN'T GO FORWARD OR BACKWARDS. THE BACK WHEELS WOULD JUST SLIDE. THE BRAKES ARE STILL IN GOOD SHAPE HALF THE PAD IS LEFT AND WHEN WE GOT HOME FROM MY SURGERY HUSBAND WENT OUT TO CHECK THE PROBLEM AND HERE THE BRAKES JUST FELL APART IN PIECES. WE HAD TO BUY NEW BRAKES AND PUT THEM ON I CAN SEND THE OLD BRAKES IN THEY ARE THE ORIGINAL BRAKES THAT WHERE ON THE CAR WHEN WE BOUGHT IT. I FEAR THIS COULD HAPPEN WHILE SOMEONE IS DRIVING AND COULD CASE A BAD ACCIDENT.*AK
Sep 30, 2004
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL AT 35 MPH THE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND WOULD NOT RETURN. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THEM. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED. PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES, AND REFUSED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE. *AK
Aug 17, 2004
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP, WHICH RESULTED IN A REAR END COLLISION. *JB
Oct 24, 2003
+ 119 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
69 complaints
I OWN A 1999 KIA SEPHIA AND MY DAUGHTER USES IT AT SCHOOL. THE PROBLEM IS THAT KIA WILL NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY FOR THE REPAIR OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CASE REF NBR IS K1085742. MANY REASON WERE GIVEN, ALL RELATING TO A MANUAL ENGINE FLUSH, COOLANT FLUSH,ETC. MY RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THERE IS NO CORRELATION BETWEEN THE DEFECTIVE PART AND THE SELECTED MAINTENANCE ITEM. MY DAUGHTER SHOULD NOT HAVE PAID FOR THE CONVERTER. (ALSO THEY ARE ABOUT 50% OF THEIR COST ON THE OPEN MARKET). *NM
Oct 20, 2006
NHTSA CAMPAIGN 99V317000; KIA ISSUED AN ENGINE STALLING RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING EVEN AFTER REPAIR. THE FUEL PUMP WILL NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH CURRENT TO MAINTAIN THE VEHICLE ON. *NM
Feb 17, 2005
THERE WAS AN ONGOING / INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE STALLING WHILE TAKING OFF FROM A STOP POSITION OR WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH OR MORE. THE VEHICLE HESITATED BEFORE IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO CORRECT/ DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. *JB
Dec 31, 2003
REPEATED PROBLEM WITH BATTERY. REPLACED 3 TIMES. NEVER LIKED TO START, ALWAYS SHIMMIED.RETURNED TO DEALER FOR TUNE UP. CAR WAS RETURNED WITH MORE PROBLEMS THAT TURNED IN WITH. CAR WOULDN'T KEEP A CONSTANT GAS FLOW.*AK TRADED IT IN AND THE DEALER SAID THE MOTOR WAS BAD AND HEADED FOR A TOTAL BREAK DOWN. WHEN IT DIED - IT WAS THREE YEARS OLD WITH 60,000 MILES.
Jul 14, 2003
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *MR *CB *NLM
Jul 11, 2003
+ 64 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
41 complaints
I AM UNABLE TO START MY CAR IN COLD WEATHER. ANYTIME IT GETS BELOW 30 DEGREES, THE CAR WILL CRANK AND NOT TURN OVER. I TRIED REPLACING THE BATTERY. THAT DID NOT WORK. THE CAR OTHERWISE STARTS IN WARMER WEATHER. THIS IS UNREASONABLE. I CAN'T BE STUCK IN THE WINTERTIME WITH THIS VEHICLE. I'VE HEARD THERE ARE OTHERS WHO HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. MAYBE YOU SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS AND MAYBE PROCESS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. *JB
Feb 04, 2005
WHILE IN THE STREET VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND THE KEY WAS TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THEN, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED. FLOOR MANAGER INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER THERE WAS NOTHING WE COULD DO. *AK
Jun 30, 2004
KIA SEPHIA, BOUGHT APRIL 1999 NEW. REPLACED BATTERY WITHIN FIRST YEAR, TURN RADIO UP IT GOES DOWN AND THE OTHER WAY. INTERMITTENTLY, SPEEDOMETER UNSTEADY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF FREQUENTLY. OD OFF LIGHT FLASHES OCCASIONALLY. DOME LIGHT COMES ON BY ITSELF WHEN IN DOOR MODE. DASHBOARD INDICATOR ALSO COMES ON AT THIS TIME. *JB
May 18, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING BEING LOOSE. *SLC
Sep 27, 2002
ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENTAL PANEL COME ON AND STAY ON AT DIFFERENT TIMES. CONTACTED DEALER. THIS COULD BE AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORT. HAD DIFFERENT PART REPLACED, PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRED. *AK
Aug 12, 2002
+ 36 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
34 complaints
(1)CLUTCH PEDAL WOULD STICK NEAR FLOOR, WOULD'NT RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION. (2)WITH CLUTCH PEDAL DEPRESSED TO FLOOR WHILE AT A LONG LIGHT, VEHICLE BEGINS TO CREEP FORWARD, NO FURTHER PEDAL TRAVEL TO DISENGAGE AVAILABLE. (3)NOTHING YET.
May 29, 2005
SUDDEN BRAKE FAILURE; LEAKAGE AROUND WINDOWS, TRUNK; GAS SPLASH BACK (FOUND OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS, NEVER FIXED BY PREVIOUS OWNER); FEAR SHIFT BUTTON WON'T GO IN TO CHANGE FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE; TRANSMISSION HESTITATES AT TIMES, THEN LUNGES; CAR OVERHEATS WHILE SITTING OR DRIVING AT SLOW SPEED (FAN WORKS AND RADIATOR FULL); SMELL COMES FROM AIR CONDITIONING WHEN STOPPED (IT REALLY STINKS, WORSE THAN A SKUNK); WHEN FILLING GAS TANK TO FULL, MARK NEVER REGISTERS FULL. I SPOKE TO KIA ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS AND THEY SAID I'D HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THEM FIXED. I THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE RECALLS ON THESE PROBLEMS AS THE PEOPLE AT KIA ARE NOT VERY FRIENDLY NOR WILLING TO HELP OUT PEOPLE. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AND THOUGHT SOME OF THE PROBLEMS STEMMED FROM THAT. HOWEVER, IN RESEARCHING THE BRAKE PAD ISSUE, I FOUND MANY OF THESE SAME PROBLEMS BEGAN EARLY IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THESE VEHICLES. UNFORTUNATELY, I AM NOT UNDER WARRANTY LIKE OTHERS SO HAVE NO RECOURSE BUT TO SELL THIS VEHICLE AS SOON AS I GET THE BRAKE PADS FIXED. I DO WISH THE NTHSA COULD DO SOMETHING TO HELP US OUT ON THESE PROBLEMS WHICH ARE NOT BEING FIXED BY KIA. THANKS - DON'T BUY A KIA SEPHIA 1999 MODEL. TOO MANY PROBLEMS.*AK
Mar 10, 2004
WHEN ACCELERATING, THE DRIVER NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GAIN ANY POWER. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACE AGAIN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS THE THIRD TRANSMISSION THAT HAS BEEN PLACED IN VEHICLE. *PH WHEN ACCELERATING, THE DRIVER NOTICED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT GAIN ANY POWER. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP TO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. A FEW MONTHS LATER, THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACE AGAIN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS THE THIRD TRANSMISSION THAT HAS BEEN PLACED IN VEHICLE.*MR
Nov 12, 2003
WHEN STARTING VEHICLE WILL NOT START. CONSUMER HAS TO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFTER TO ANOTHER GEAR, AND THEN BACK TO PARK. THEN ,THE VEHICLE WILL START. *AK
Jul 15, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED UP HILL AND WITH NO WARNING TRANSMISSION WILL DECELERATE EVEN WHEN FOOT IS ON THE ACCELERATOR, AND IT WILL BE HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Jun 30, 2003
+ 29 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
32 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SEPHIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V317000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP). HE WAS NOT EXPERIENCING ANY FAILURES AT THE TIME, BUT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTORS. IN 2003 (THREE YEARS LATER), THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY STALL AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED A NO START CONDITION. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED IN 2006. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR WAS CORRODED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AGAIN; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE RECALL REPAIR IS NOT THE CORRECT REMEDY BECAUSE THE CORROSION OCCURS EVERY THREE YEARS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 08/06/09.*JB
Jul 17, 2009
FUEL SPIT BACK FROM FILLER SPOUT: WHEN TRYING TO ADD FUEL, THE FUEL SPITS BACK OUT AT YOU. IT'S NOT JUST A LITTLE BIT, BUT ENOUGH TO SOAK YOUR CLOTHING, THE SIDE OF YOUR CAR, ETC. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT IS BEING SHUNTED BY KIA CORP. ON THIS VEHICLE, THE RECALLED VALVE WAS REPLACED, THEN REPLACED AGAIN . THIS DID NOT SOLVE THE SPIT BACK PROBLEM. I CALLED KIA DIRECTLY AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE THAT I WOULD HAVE TO BRING IT TO A KIA DEALER. I TOLD THEM THAT WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS THAT ARE ON THIS SITE AND MOST LIKELY, MANY OTHERS, THAT THEY MUST KNOW. THEY SAID NO, BRING IT TO A DEALER. THEY ALSO TOLD ME TO LET THEM KNOW WHEN IT WOULD BE THERE AND THEY WOULD CALL THE DEALER TO VERIFY THE PROBLEM. THIS WAS A MONETARY SET UP IN MY OPINION.... I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEN THE DEALER CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THE CAR NEEDED A GAS TANK, I ASKED THEM WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE ORIGINAL ONE. THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS FUNNY THAT KIA CALLED THEM FIRST THING IN THE MORNING AND TOLD THEM THAT IT NEEDED A GAS TANK. THERE IS A VALVE THAT IS MOST LIKELY TO MALFUNCTION AND THAT THERE IS NO REPAIR OTHER THAN TO REPLACE IT. A BAD VALVE DOES MAKE SENSE AND ALSO THE WAY KIA INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THEY DIDNT KNOW , YET THEY TOLD THE DEALER THE FIX , AND ALSO, I GOT CHARGED $ 95.00 FOR 1 HOUR LABOR. THEY DID NOTHING TO THE CAR, JUST ANSWERED THE PHONE. THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE ADDRESSED MORE AGGRESSIVELY CAUSE WITH THE PROBLEM OF STATIC ELECTRICITY AND FUEL ALL OVER THE CAR AND YOUR CLOTHING, THERE COULD BE SEVERE PROBLEMS. BEWARE OF KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE. *LA
Oct 22, 2003
I HAVE A 1999 KIA SEPHIA THAT WAS PURCHASED USED. AFTER CALLING THE KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER I WAS INFORMED ON THE RECALL CONCERNING THE FUEL TANK . MY PERSONAL PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL TANK WAS THE "SPITTING OUT" OF FUEL WHEN ATTEMPTING TO FILL UP THE GAS TANK. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE COLUMBUS, GA KIA AUTOSPORT WHERE THEY FIXED THE RECALL ISSUE AND STATED THAT I SHOULD NO LONGER HAVE THE ISSUE WITH GAS RUNNING OUT WHEN TRYING TO FILL THE TANK. AFTER THE RECALL WAS FIXED, I WENT TO PUT GAS IN MY CAR AND THE ISSUE STILL EXISTED. AFTER TAKING THE CAR BACK I WAS TOLD THAT THE ISSUE HAD BEEN REPAIRED TWICE AND THE MANUFACTUERER WOULD NOT ALLOW THEM TO REPAIR AGAIN. I WAS ALSO TOLD DIFFERENT THINGS TO DO WHEN PUMPING FUEL IN ORDER TO KEEP THE PROBLEM FROM HAPPENING. THE ISSUE STILL EXISTS. THE PAINT BELOW AND AROUND THE AREA IN WHICH YOU DISPENSE FUEL IS BEGINING TO FADE AWAY DUE TO GAS RUNNING DOWN THE SIDE OF THE CAR WHEN FILLING THE TANK. THERE WAS ALSO AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE CAR SMOKING. THE SERVICE CENTER SAID THAT IT WAS THE SHORT BLOCK OF THE ENGINE AND REPLACED THAT, BUT THE CAR CONTINUES TO SMOKE. AFTER READING MORE ON THE RECALL I AM CURIOUS AS TO WHETHER ENGINE PROBLEMS CAN BE A AFFECT OF THE FUEL RECALL ISSUE NOT BEING PROPERLY TAKEN CARE OF. THE SERVICE CENTER NEVER CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANOTHER ISSUE AS TO WHY THE FUEL CONTINUES TO RUN OR "SPIT" OT WHEN FILLING THE TANK. THE DATE PLACED IN "INCIDENT DATE" IS APPROXIMATE, BUT THE ISSUE IS ONGOING.*AK
Aug 25, 2003
I HAVE OWNED A 1999 -2000 KIA SEPHIA FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS NOW AND IT HAS CAUSED ME NOTHING BUT TROUBLE, AT THE MOMENT I HAVE HAD A KIA DEALERSHIP FIX THE FUEL CENSORS THREE TIMES AND THIS TIME WE WENT TO GO GET IT CHECKED CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINES LIGHT CAME ON AND ALL THEY DID WAS TURN THE LIGHT OFF AND SAY THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT NEW AGAIN WHEN WE WENT BACK THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT , ALL I KNOW IS THAT ONE DAY ME OR SOMEONE ELSE DRIVING ME CAR IS GOING TO BE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH A VERY DEAD CAR EITHER HURT OR HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE HURT . *NLM
Mar 16, 2003
CONSUMER STATEED WHILE DRIVING SHE SMELLED GAS, THEN VEHICLE CUT OFF BECAUSE OF THE FUEL RAIL POPPING OFF WHICH CAUSED THE FUEL TO LEAK. NLM *TT
Apr 19, 2002
+ 27 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
27 complaints
I HAD A COLLISION AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.I HIT FULL ON THE FRONT END AT ABOUT 45 MPH. THE FRAME WAS BENT. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE.*AK
Dec 27, 2004
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THIS CAUSED DRIVER TO SUSTAIN MINOR INJURIES, AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO A HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK
Sep 03, 2004
CONSUMER STATED WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD ON. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK *JB
Oct 01, 2003
THE VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONTAL COLLISION WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH BUT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *NLM
May 13, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING AT 35 MPH, CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. CONSUMER STATED NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. NO PROBLEMS PRIOR WITH AIRBAGS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*JB
Jan 13, 2003
+ 22 more complaints for this component
STEERING
14 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 KIA SEPHIA. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO MOVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.
Dec 10, 2015
THERE IS SEVERE VIBRATION WHEN DRIVEN OVER 55 MPH. THERE IS ALSO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL OVER 55 MPH, WHEN OVER 55 MPH AND YOU TRY TO GO AROUND A CURVE OR CORNER THE FRONT END FLOATS LIKE IT IS ON ICE AND THEN SUDDENLY GRABS ALLOWING YOU TO STEER THE VEHICLE. HAD THE FRONT TIRES CHECKED AND THEY ARE FINE. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW WITH ONLY 7 MILES ON IT IN 1999. THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE AND IS TO THE POINT THAT I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR. *JB
Mar 22, 2006
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN , THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND ALMOST HIT A CURVE. *AK THE CONSUMER THEN PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE 2-3 TIMES. (IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC & BUSY INTERSECTION) THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE INCIDENT RECURRED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING TO THE DEALER. THERE HAD BEEN NO ACCIDENTS WITH THIS VEHICLE, BUT THE SUB FRAME RACK & PINION HAD BROKEN APART. ONE SIDE HAD BEEN BROKEN FOR A WHILE AND STARTED TO RUST. (LOOKED LIKE POOR WELDING/MANUFACTURER DEFECT) *SCC *JB
Jul 24, 2003
CONSUMER HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS RECALL#02V286000 RACK AND PINION. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR BECAUSE VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED. TS
Nov 25, 2002
CONSUMER STATES. THE STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH, VEHICLE WENT INTO A 120 FF RAVINE AND WAS TOTALED LOST. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Nov 08, 2002
+ 9 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
9 complaints
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 75 MPH THE TOP LAYER OF THE HOOD (SKIN) SEPARATED FROM THE HOOD AND FLEW UPWARD INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND DETACHED ITSELF FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE DRIVERS VISION OF ROADWAY TO BE BLOCKED. ONCE IT DETACHED ITSELF CAUSING HIGH RISK OF SAFETY FOR OTHER DRIVERS BEHIND THE KIA SEPHIA.
Feb 03, 2020
CONSUMER STATES DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE POPPED PREVENTING OCCUPANT FROM EXISTING . DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Jan 02, 2003
THE DOOR SEAL BUNCHES UP WHEN THE DOOR IS CLOSED, THE DEALER REPLACED THE DOOR WEATHER STRIP. NLM
Jul 31, 2001
WEATHER STRIP ON RIGHT REAR DOOR CAME LOOSE. *SLC
Sep 22, 2000
WEATHER STRIP ON RIGHT REAR DOOR CAME LOOSE. *SLC
Sep 22, 2000
+ 4 more complaints for this component
SEAT BELTS
9 complaints
SEAT BELT PATCH CLICKS BUT WILL COME LOOSE WITH TENSION. THIS IS THE SECOND RECALL NOTICE THAT HASN'T BEEN REPAIRED OR REPORTED BY KIA AFTER 17 YEARS.
Nov 09, 2016
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT SOUNDED AS IF IT WAS LOCKED/STUCK IN THE RETRACTOR WHEN IT REALLY WAS NOT. *AK THE PROBLEM WAS SIMILAR TO A RECALL ON 1998 KIA SEPHIA (RECALL NO. 02V-216), WHICH IS ALSO EXPERIENCED BY CONSUMER ON HIS 1999 KIA SEPHIA. *LA
Apr 20, 2004
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT LOCK.*AK*EA04007*
Jun 17, 2003
THIS IS A COMPLAINT REGARDING EQUIPMENT ON THE 1999 KIA SEPHIA LS, MANUFACTURED BY KIA IN KOREA ON 08/25/98, AND TARGETS AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT SAFETY ITEM, SPECIFICALLY THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WHICH HAS A DEFECTIVELY DESIGNED LATCH, SINCE WHEN THE TAB IS INSERTED SECURELY SEATED INTO THE LATCH, IT PULLS OUT WHEN PULLED, OR WHEN ONE LEANS FORWARD SLIGHTLY STRESSING THE SEAT BELT. IT IS VERY , VERY DANGEROUS, AND I INFORMED THE CLOSEST DEALER TO MY LOCATION, BAY RIDGE KIA WHEN I BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR CORRECTION OF RECALL ITEMS, BUT THE BELT WAS NOT ON THE LIST. I AM INFORMING DOT IN THE HOPE OF PREVENTING ANYONE FROM BEING INJURED BY THIS DEFECT. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND AT MY EXPENSE IMMEDIATELY ORDERED A NEW LATCH SECTION OF THE BELT, PART NO. 0K2AB-57-680-96. OF COURSE I ASKED, IF THAT PART HAD BEEN MODIFIED? THE ANSWER WAS, NO SURPRISE, YES. I ALSO HAD SENT A LETTER TO KIA SERVICE HEADQUARTERS IN SAN DIEGO , CALIFORNIA . DO NOT HESITATE TO RECALL THIS ITEM, AS THE BELT SEEMS LOCKED, BUT IT ISN'T.*EA04007*
Dec 26, 2002
SEAT BELT TANGLED UP AROUND CHILDS CHEST AND STOMACH. BELT KEPT GETTING TIGHTER AND TIGHTER.CHILD WAS COMPLAINING OF NOT BEING ABLE TO BREATH. CONSUMER TOOK A PAIR OF SCISSORS AND CUT THE BELT. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX BECAUSE CONSUMER CUT SEAT BELT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Sep 04, 2001
+ 4 more complaints for this component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
7 complaints
WHEN IT GETS COLD, ABOUT 20 DEGREES, THE FRONT DOORS WILL FREEZE OPEN. FOR INSTANCE, IN THE MORNING I WILL HAVE TO PULL ON THE DOOR HARD TO GET IT TO OPEN BECAUSE IT'S FROZEN AND THEN THE DOOR WILL STAY OPEN (THE LATCH WILL FREEZE) UNTIL IT GETS ABOVE 35 DEGREES. EVEN WITH THE HEAT GOING FOR OVER AN HOUR IT WILL NOT UNFREEZE. I HAVE TO HOLD THE DOOR CLOSED AS I DRIVE. *TR
Apr 21, 2009
THE DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH /FREEZES UP IN WINTER, AND THE DOOR CANNOT BE CLOSED. ONCE THE WEATHER WARMS UP, THE DOOR CLOSES.*AK
Jan 28, 2006
THE DRIVERS DOOR DID NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE, HOWEVER IT OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE.*JB
Feb 24, 2003
VEHICLES' MANUAL DOORS ARE INOPERATIVE. THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR HESITATED TO OPEN. AFTER CONSUMER ENTERED THE VEHICLE ALL FOUR DOORS UNLOCKED BUT THEY WILL NOT OPEN, CONSUMER WAS TRAPPED IN THEIR VEHICLE. A PASSER BI HAD TO PRY OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THIS WAS CAUSED BY MOTHER NATURE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. PH
Jan 06, 2003
REAR PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Jan 08, 2001
+ 2 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
7 complaints
THE HIGH BEAMS ARE NOT AIMED CORRECTLY. WHEN YOU TURN THE HIGH BEAMS ON THEY SHINE TO THE LEFT INTO THE ONCOMING LANE OF TRAFFIC. WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING AND HAVE THEM ON THE RIGHT HALF OF THE LANE YOU ARE IN THE DARK BECAUSE THE AIM OF THE HIGH BEAMS ARE OFF. IT IS VERY HARD TO SEE IF ANYTHING OR ANYONE IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND IT MAKES IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THE LANE WHEN YOU GO AROUND A RIGHT CORNER OR CURVE. I HAVE TOLD THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM DUE TO HOW THE HEADLAMPS WERE DESIGNED AND INSTALLED. *JB
Mar 22, 2006
TURN SIGNAL FAILED DUE TO EMERGENCY FLASHER FAILURE. YH
May 08, 2000
TURN SIGNAL FAILED DUE TO EMERGENCY FLASHER FAILURE. YH
May 08, 2000
TURN SIGNALS FAIL CONTINUALLY, SIX REPAIR ATTEMPTS HOWEVER CONTINUE TO FAIL. MJS
Oct 26, 1999
TURN SIGNALS FAIL CONTINUALLY, SIX REPAIR ATTEMPTS HOWEVER CONTINUE TO FAIL. MJS
Oct 26, 1999
+ 2 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SEPHIA. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS COMING APART FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR GUARDS WERE BEGINNING TO CRACK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,030 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
Oct 20, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SEPHIA LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER IT WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL FLEW OFF AND THE REARVIEW MIRROR STRUCK HIM IN THE HEAD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, A FRACTURED STERNUM AND RIBS, AND A BROKEN LEFT ELBOW IN TWO PLACES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND POLICE AND FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 00V175000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL), 99V317000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP), AND 99V318000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP) WERE REFERENCED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Jul 16, 2008
I'VE HAD THIS PROBLEMS 4 OTHER TIMES AND THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT RESPOND TO MY REQUEST OF A REFUND OR TO GIVE ME ANOTHER VEHICLE WHICH I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR A YEAR AND MY PROBLEM STARTED OCCURRING BEFORE THAT .I WANT TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM BUT NEED YOUR HELP. *NO SAFETY DEFEC TMENTIONED. *AK
Oct 02, 2000
TEMPERATURE LEVER GOES UP AND DOWN QUICKLY. *SLC
Sep 22, 2000
TEMPERATURE LEVER GOES UP AND DOWN QUICKLY. *SLC
Sep 22, 2000
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
6 complaints
THE DEALER HAD REPLACED TWO AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS IN THE LAST TWO YEARS. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS A LEASE AND HAD ONLY ONE YEAR REMAINING AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE NEEDED A TRANSMISSION AND BRAKES. THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE TRANSMISSION LINES LEAKED, AND WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THEY WERE NOISY. *SCC *JB
Dec 10, 2003
I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. FIRST IT WAS THE ROTORS AND BRAKES, THEN ALL THE RECALLS. BRAKES ARE GOING AGAIN, HAD TO GET A NEW BATTERY AFTER ONE YEAR. THEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT. THE FIRST TIME WAS ON 11/16/01 AND I WAS OUT OF STATE. DIDN'T GET A CAR WHILE IT WAS BEING FIXED. HUSBAND HAD TO RENT A CAR. ONLY HAD 24825 MILES. I MISSED THREE DAYS OF WORK BECAUSE OF IT. NOW, IT HASS HAPPENED AGAIN. ON 1/19/02 ON MY WAY TO WORK. I MISSED WORK THAT DAY. OF COURSE IT IS A WEEKEND AND CAN'T GET AHOLD OF ANYBODY. IT HAS ONLY BEEN TWO MONTHS SINCE LAST TIME AND I WAS TOLD IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN, CAUSE THEY HAVE A NEW AND IMPROVED TRANSMISSION. IMAGINE THAT. COULD SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME, I AM SO SICK OF THIS CAR. I NEED A CAR I CAN RELY ON FOR WORK. I HAVE TO GO ON MEETINGS OUTSIDE AND THIS IS KIND OF HARD WITHOUT A VEHICLE. IF I CAN'T WORK I CAN'T PAY MY PAYMENTS NOW CAN I. CYNETTE CHEAL, VA. *AK
Jan 20, 2002
I STARTED TAKING MY CAR IN TO THE MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP SHORTLY AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR ABOUT THE CAR NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY AND BEING SO SLUGGISH. I'M NOT SURE ABOUT THE DATES I TOOK THE CAR IN BUT IT WAS SEVERAL TIMES. I WAS TOLD THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG OR THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS. IT HAS JUST GOTTEN SO BAD THAT I'M NOT ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW. I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, THE AIR CONDITIONER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND STAYING ON AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT FLASHING ON AND OFF. I'M SURE THEY DON'T HAVE A RECORD OF THE MANY TIMES I'VE GONE BY BECAUSE THEY WOULD USUALLY JUST LOOK AT IT OR DRIVE IT AROUND THE BLOCK AND SAY THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. NOW THAT THE WARRANTY IS OUT , THEY HAVE COME UP WITH SOME SUGGESTIONS AT MY EXPENSE. THE CAR HAS NEVER PERFORMED PROPERLY AND THEY JUST KEPT PUTTING ME OFF UNTIL I FINALLY GAVE UP. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR NOW BECAUSE IT WILL BARELY GET UP TO 35 MILES PER HOUR. I WILL GREATLY APPRECIATE ANYTHING YOU MAY BE ABLE TO DO TO ASSIST ME. THANKS
Aug 03, 2001
BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED 3 TIMES ONCE AT 8208, 16257, AND 20368 HAVING SAME PROBLEM AND TRANSMISSION REPLACED WITH REBUILT ONE O\D LIGHTS FLASHES AND CHECK ENGINE STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AGAIN 1 DAY AFTER THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT
Jun 11, 2000
I HAVE TURNED THIS CAR INTO SERVICE TWO TIMES AND THEY STATE THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. BUT I STILL HAVE THE PROBLEMS AND THEY WANT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. ALSO THE VEHICLE WAS STOLEN FROM THE DEALERSHIP SERV. DEPT. ON 3/6/00 AND LOCATED IN ANOTHER STATE WITH PHYSICAL DAMAGE AND THERE ARE NO ID #'S ON CAR ANY LONGER. I FEEL LIKE THIS DEALERSHIP SHOULD HAVE TO REPLACE OR THE LEMON LAW NEEDS TO BE IN EFFECT FOR THIS CAR. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED WITHIN SUMMARY. *AK
Mar 19, 2000
+ 1 more complaint for this component
VISIBILITY
6 complaints
AT SLOW SPEED VEHICLE WAS SIDESWIPED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, DRIVERSIDE MIRROR WAS DESIGNED TO FOLD INWARD WHEN THIS HAPPENED; INSTEAD, MIRROR EXPLODED, AND DRIVER WAS HIT BY GLASS, WINDOW WAS DOWN. DRIVER SUFFERED MULTIPLE FACIAL CUTS. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.*AK
Aug 27, 2002
INTERMITTENTLY WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME INOPERABLE, OBSTRUCTING VIEW OF DRIVER. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK
Feb 21, 2001
DEFROSTER NOT KEEPING WINDSHIELD FREE OF ICE. *AK
Apr 17, 2000
DEFROSTER NOT KEEPING WINDSHIELD FREE OF ICE. *AK
Apr 17, 2000
POWER WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED. YH (ATTORNEY FOR CONSUMER)
Feb 09, 2000
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SUSPENSION
6 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH FRONT END SUPPORT SYSTEM ON PASSENGER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE STARTED TO VIBRATE VERY HARD AND PULLING TO THE RIGHT. BOLTS CAME OUT OF SUPPORT SYSTEM, AND NUTS CAME OFF DRIVERS SIDE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Jan 28, 2002
TRAILING ARM WAS BENT CAUSING DAMAGE TO TIRES, BECAUSE OF TIRE PROBLEMS THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED VIBRATIONS INCLUDING IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND PULLING TO THE RIGHT. *SLC
Oct 15, 2001
WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 55 AND 70 MPH THE VEHICLE VIBRATES SEVERELY CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN STEERING AND LEAVING CONSUMER WITHOUT CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. NLM
Aug 16, 2000
WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 55 AND 70 MPH THE VEHICLE VIBRATES SEVERELY CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN STEERING AND LEAVING CONSUMER WITHOUT CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. NLM
Aug 16, 2000
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 65 MPH THE VEHICLE START VIBRATING AND NOISE COME FROM DASHBOARD. *AK *SLC
Feb 02, 2000
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
5 complaints
FAX ON BEHALF OF, RE AN ACCIDENT WITH HIS 1999 KIA SEPHIA THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE BACK BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. *KB *JB
Nov 01, 2007
BRAKES WENT OUT AFTER BEING APPLIED. WAS TRAVELING 30MPH & WAS TRYING TO STOP. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT. UPON UMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOWED HOME.*AK
Oct 23, 2000
WHILE DRIVING ON THE BELTWAY CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO STOP VEHICLE ON HEAVY TRAFFIC BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP. THE CONSUMER PRESSED ON THE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL HIT THE FLOOR WITHOUT STOPPING. THE CONSUMER SERVED TO THE SIDE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN AND COAST. THE CONSUMER HAD THE BRAKES ALREADY REPLACED AT 9,000. ALSO, BRAKE FAILURE CAUSED CONSUMER INTO AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. PER DEALER, MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF BRAKE PROBLEM.*AK
Jul 06, 2000
WHEN CONSUMER'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF ANOTHER VEHICLE, THERE WAS NO DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 10-15 MPH WHEN CRASH HAPPENED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. ALSO, BRAKE ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE , ONCE AT 3,000 MILES, AND AGAIN AT 6,000 OR 7,000 MILES. HOWEVER, BRAKE ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *AK
Mar 29, 2000
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY CONSUMER TRIED TO SLOWDOWN AND BRAKES DID NOT WORK ,AND STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. HAD TO HIT A GUARDRAIL TO STOP, AIRBAGS DIDNT DEPLOY.
Jan 04, 2000
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
5 complaints
I HAD TO GET NEW BRAKES PUT ON WITHIN ONE WEEK OF OWNING THE CAR 632 MILES, AND I'VE HAD A CRACKED BRAKE LINE, FUSE PROBLEMS WHICH THEY BLAME ON THE ALARM, BUT ANOTHER WOMEN HAD THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH NO ALARM ATTACHED, I'VE BROUGHT MY CAR IN NUMEROUS TIMES REGARDING THE BRAKES, AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOTHING. I JUST BROUGHT MY CAR IN WITH 23580 MILES ON IT, AND I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS, BUT THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR. I HAVE FELT THE SAME KIND OF BRAKE PROBLEMS EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR, EVEN WHEN THEY SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE CAR DRAGS FEELING LIKE IT'S NEVER GOING TO STOP, AND THEN THE BRAKES PUMP ALL THE TIME. I'VE CALLED KIA REGARDING THIS AND THE FUSE PROBLEM EXPLAINING, WHAT IF THIS CAUSES A FUSE TO BLOW WITH MY BRAKES, HEADLIGHTS, ETC....AND THEY DID NOTHING. I ALSO HAVE BUZZING COMING FROM MY ENGINE WITH THE IGNITION JUST SWITCHED TO ON. IT SOUNDS LIKE A WIRING PROBLEM, WHICH I'M AFRAID COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. YOU NAME IT, THIS CAR HAS HAD NUMEROUS SAFETY PROBLEMS.*AK
Aug 31, 2001
I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT I AM VERY UPSET THAT THE PROBLEMS I HAVE SEEM TO BE REPETITIVE. THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN DONE 4 MAYBE 5 TIMES AND KIA WILL NO LONGER REPLACE THEM. THE POWER STEERING HAS BEEN MALFUNCTIONED TWICE. I HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU AND HAVE WORKED OUT THE FIRST 3 TIMES THE BRAKES WENT BAD BUT I HAVE SINCE BEEN BACK TWICE AND HAD A POWER STEERING LEAK AND NOW MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN. AS FOR THE BRAKES EACH TIME THEY WENT BACK THERE WAS SEVERE PULSATION WHEN BREAKING AND SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKED AND WAS FIXED AND NOW LEAKED AGAIN AND IS BEING FIXED CURRENTLY.*AK
Mar 05, 2001
TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER BECAUSE BRAKES WERE SQUEALING WHEN BRAKING AT ANY SPEEP. AFTER REPAIRS STILL DOING SAME THING. CONSUMER HAD BRAKES REPAIRED AT HER EXPENSE AFTER THAT. ALSO POWER STEERING WENT OUT. TOOK TO DEALER FOR REPAIR. ONE DAY LATER, NOTICED THAT PUMP WAS LAYING UBDER HOOD, NOT CONNECTED. CALLED KIA AND RECEIVED NO HELP. *AK
Dec 05, 2000
CONSUMER WAS AT INTERSECTION WAITING TO MAKE A TURN, WENT TO APPLY BRAKES AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES OR STEERING. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC COULDN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM. CONSUMER PICKED VEHICLE UP, AND A FEW MINUTES LATER, VEHICLE DID THE SAME THING.*AK
Sep 29, 2000
THE RACK AND PINION STEERING WAS REPLACED, AFTER THE REPLACEMENT THE STEERING MADE A GRINDING SOUND AND VIBRATED WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, ALSO THE STEERING HAS A LOT OF PLAY IN THE WHEEL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
Jul 27, 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 PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ON MY 1998 KIA SEPHIA AS WELL. *JB
Sep 03, 2005
VEHILCE CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE INVESTIGATOR THINKS IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. CLAIM NUMBER 59-V593-419. *YH
Jan 17, 2002
VEHILCE CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE INVESTIGATOR THINKS IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. CLAIM NUMBER 59-V593-419. *YH
Jan 17, 2002
VEHILCE CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE INVESTIGATOR THINKS IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. CLAIM NUMBER 59-V593-419. *YH
Jan 17, 2002
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
4 complaints
VEHICLE WILL MAINTAIN A SPEED OF 35MPH EVEN WHEN APPLYING GAS PEDAL, VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY SURGE UP TO 55MPH. DEALER CONTACTED.*JB
May 01, 2002
ENGINE SURGED IN SECOND AND THIRD GEAR. DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. *AK DEALER STATES SURGING IS A DESIGN FLAW, CANNOT BE CORRECTED. *YH
Aug 15, 2000
WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND UPON DEPRESSING GAS PEDAL INTERMITTENTLY VEHICLE WOULD NOT GAIN SPEED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED NINE TIMES, AND PROBLEM RETURNED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
May 02, 2000
WHILE DEPRESSING THE GAS PEDAL VEHICLE IDLES HIGH, CAUSING CONSUMER TO FIGHT WITH VEHICLE TO KEEP IT UNDER CONTROL. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK
Nov 19, 1999
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
4 complaints
FRONT END DISC BRAKES KEEP WEARING OUT. AT APPROXIMATELY 12000 MILES ALL FOUR DISC BRAKES AND PADS WERE REPLACED, COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THEN, AGAIN AT APPROXIMATELY AT 25OOO MILES FRONT END DISC AND PADS WERE REPLACED. PADS WERE REPLACED UNDER CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. CURRENTLY, AT 31OOO MILES, FRONT END DISC AND PADS ARE WEARING OUT. ALSO, CONSUMER FEELS VIBRATION ON PEDAL AND STEERING WHEEL WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT 55MPH OR GREATER. *AK
Dec 11, 2000
HAS HAD A BRAKE PROBLEM, AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY. THE CAR VIBRATES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP.*AK
Mar 28, 2000
WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO, VEHICLE VIBRATES UNCONTROLLABLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. DEALER HAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRED THE VEHICLE FIVE TIMES, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
Mar 13, 2000
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED THE FRONT END IS PULLING TO THE LEFT AND THE TIRES ARE BALD. ALSO, WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES, THERE IS A SQUEAKING NOISE. *AK *YC
Aug 09, 1999
PARKING BRAKE
3 complaints
EMERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT WORK WELL. *AK AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES ROLLS WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. EMERGENCY CABLE WAS REPLACED BUT VEHICLE STILL EXPERIENCE THE SAME FAILURE. *LA
May 11, 2004
CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE WAS NEEDED.*JB
Jun 04, 2001
CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT A NEW EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE WAS NEEDED.*JB
Jun 04, 2001
SEATS
3 complaints
VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTISIDE HOUSE, AND NEXT MORNING CONSUMER NOTICED THAT WINDOWS LOOKED TINTED. SHE OPENED VEHICLE AND SMOKE CAME OUT. DRIVER'S SIDE BOTTOM SEAT WAS BURNED. VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE OVERNIGHT. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
Oct 31, 2001
DURING FRONTAL 65 MPH IMPACT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BACK BROKE AND JAMMED FORWARD, NO DEPLOYMENT OF BOTH AIR BAGS RESULTING IN INJURY. MJS
Oct 28, 1999
DURING FRONTAL 65 MPH IMPACT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BACK BROKE AND JAMMED FORWARD, NO DEPLOYMENT OF BOTH AIR BAGS RESULTING IN INJURY. MJS
Oct 28, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
WHILE AT A STOP SIGN AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN VEHICLE DIED. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE. PROBLEM STILL WAS OCCURRING. RECALL 99 V 318 000 CONCERNING ENGINE STALLING, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYED ON, AND AFTER REFUELING IT WILL NOT START. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
Sep 26, 2001
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATES, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Mar 26, 2001
FUEL GAUGE WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY (REPORTING EMPTY WHEN THER WAS STILL ABOUT 5 GALLONS IN TANK) - DEALER SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED GAUGE, BUT IT IS STILL NOT ACCURATE - ALSO, ENGINE MAKES AWFUL "SQUEALING" SOUND WHEN FIRST STARTED IN THE MORNING - DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY PROBLEM ???
Oct 03, 1999
TIRES
3 complaints
HANKOOK MODEL UNKNOWN, P185/65R14, DOT T7HCA3Y478, ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON A 1999, KIA, SEPHIA WITH 29000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH RIGHT FRONT TIRE HAD TREAD SEPARATION, DID $ 1200.00 DAMAGE TO VEHICLE. PLEASE ADD MODEL OF TIRE.*AK
Jul 10, 2001
TIRES WERE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT ON A KIA, SEPHIA 1999, DOT7HCA3Y478, AND TIRE SIZE P185/65R14. RIGHT FRONT TIRE TREAD CAME COMPLETELY OFF, CAN ONLY SEE STEEL BELTS GOING AROUND TIRE. CONSUMER MANAGED TO KEEP CONTROL OF VEHICLE . *AK THERE WAS 1225 DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGES TO VEHICLE, TIRE WAS HANKOOK.*SLC
Jun 29, 2001
ORIGINAL TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE THREAD WITH LEST THAN 7,000 MILES ON THE TIRE. VEHICLE ALSO WILL NOT START AT TIMES. WIND SHIELD WIPERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK
Aug 02, 2000
STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Mar 15, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Mar 15, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Mar 15, 2000
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
TRANSMISSION FAILURE 3 TIMES/ REPLACED 2 TIMES. *JB
Nov 23, 2006
TOOK CAR TO BRENNER AND THEY SAID IT WAS OK THE FIRST TIME. OVERDRIVE KEPT TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING. 7/03 TOOK MY CAR BACK AND NOW IT NEEDS A TRANSMISSION AND THEY DON'T WANT TO PUT IT IN, BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE THEM DO THE MAINTENANCE ON MY CAR. I SHOWED PROOF THAT THE WORK WAS DONE. THEY ARE WAY OVER PRICED WHEN IT COMES TO MAIN. THAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *AK
Jul 16, 2003
AIR BAGS,SEATS
2 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE 45MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THIS RESULTED IN A COLLISION, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO THE DRIVER'S SEAT FELL BACKWARD DURING THE COLLISION. INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED; THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN HOME. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED , NO REPAIRS MADE.
Mar 06, 2006
DURING FRONTAL 65 MPH IMPACT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BACK BROKE AND JAMMED FORWARD, NO DEPLOYMENT OF BOTH AIR BAGS RESULTING IN INJURY. MJS
Oct 28, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT 30,000, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT EVENTUALLY THERE WOULD BE PROBLEMS WITH THE ENGINE, CONSUMER STATED IT TOOK NUMEROUS TIRES TO GET THE VEHICLE TO START. TS *JB
Oct 21, 2002
WHILE TRAVELING AND WITHOUT ANY INDICATION TRANSMISSION HOSE BURSTED, CAUSING TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK AND SPRAY ON WIRES RESULTING IN A FIRE. *AK DEALER DID NOT REPLACE WIRING, BUT INSTEAD APPLIED ELECTRICAL TAPE OVER BURNT WIRES AND CASINGS, CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY PERSONAL MECHANIC THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID IS NOT FLAMMABLE, THEREFORE COULD NOT HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, CONSUMER HAS A LAWYER TO INVESTIGATE, POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE. *TT
Mar 19, 2002
EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
CONUSMER STATED THE FLOOR MATS AND RADIO ANTENNA WERE MISSING.*NLM
Oct 03, 2002
THE FIRST TIME I DRIVE MY CAR FOR THE DAY AND I TURN ON MY AIR, IT MAKES A VERY LOUD "KNOCKING" NOISE. MY HUSBAND SAYS IT'S METAL TO METAL. THE DEALER SAYS IT IS NORMAL THAT ALL KIA'S DO THIS. I KNOW OTHERS WHO HAVE NO PROBLEM W/ THEIR A/C. NOW DEALER SAYS SOME KIA'S DO THIS & THEY DON'T KNOW WHY SO IT IS NORMAL. DEALER SAYS KIA ENGINEERS KNOW ABOUT PROBLEM BUT DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. THREE PEOPLE I TALKED TO AT KIA'S CONSUMER LINE HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROMBLEM. THEY REPLACED MY COMPRESSOR WHICH WAS USELESS & THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WOULD BE. NOW THE DEALER TOLD ME TO CALL KIA'S CONSUMER LINE TO TELL THEM THE DEALER SAYS THEY CAN'T FIX IT. DEALER TELLS ME EVERYONE W/ THE PROBLEM TAKES HIS WORD THAT THE NOISE IS OKAY. DEALER SAYS I AM THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS PRESSED THE ISSUE. ALSO MY ROTARS HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A LOW MILEAGE. I'VE ALSO HAD A SHORT IN MY DOME LIGHT. AFTER READING OTHER COMPLAINTS I WONDER ABOUT SAFETY OF THE CARS.*AK
Oct 27, 2000
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 40-65MPH TRANSMISSION WILL DOWNSHIFT, AND ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON, MAKING IT HARD FOR CONSUMER TO CONTROL VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Sep 10, 2002
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON, AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT COMES ON ALSO. DEALER SAYS IT'S DUE TO A WIRE BECOMING LOOSE AND SHORTING OUT. DEALER HAS REPAIRED, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
Dec 17, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
SINCE EARNHARDT KIA RE-GROUND TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS AND WORKED ON FUEL PUMP (ANOTHER RECALL), CAR HAS STILL STUCK IN GEAR, DRAGGED, MADE GRINDING SOUND AND SHAKES FROM 45 TO ESP. 55-75 MPH, PARTIC WHEN RUNNING HOT (OVER 15 MINUTES). IT ALSO STILL RANDOMLY STALLS ON COLD START OR WHEN RAINY/WET. KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS CALLED AND REQUESTED I NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO EARNHARDT OR TO THOMAS MOTORS AUTHORIZED KIA DEALERSHIPS AND TO PLEASE TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP AND THEY WOULD CALL BACK TO CONFIRM A LOANER VEHICLE....WHICH THEY DID NOT. SURE ENOUGH, THIS MORNING, ON THE WAY TO WORK, IT WAS DOING IT'S USUAL DRAGGING, GRINDING, AND SHAKING WHILE I DROVE EXCEPT, THIS TIME, IT STUCK IN 1-2 GEAR ALL THE WAY UP TO 45MPH, THEN JUMPED, AND THEN WHEN IT WENT UP TO 65MPH (FREEWAY) RIGHT AFTERWARDS, I SMELLED A STRANGE SMOKEY CHEMICAL SMELL AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON IMMEDIATELY. I WAS TWO EXITS FROM WORK SO WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO WORK AND CALLED KIA AND ANOTHER DEALERSHIP (CHILDRESS KIA) RIGHT AWAY. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 28,800 MILES AND KESS THAN 2 YEARS OLD. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, I TWICE HAD TO CALL KIA BACK WHEN ONE OF THEIR REPRESENTATIVES AND THEN THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER THEY HAD ARRANGED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE INDICATED THAT KIA HAD PLACED A NOTE IN MY FILE THAT MY WARRANTY WAS "PRE-EXPIRED." IT TOOK CALLING BACK, BEING PUT ON HOLD NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE THEY FINALLY INDICATED THAT THEY HAD MADE AN ADMINISTRATIVE MISTAKE AND, OF COURSE, STILL WARRANTIED. THIS MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTHING LESS THAN UNRESPONSIVE AND INCOMPETENT MECHANICALLY AND ADMINISTRATIVELY IN RESOLVING THIS VEHICLES MAJOR POWERTRAIN DEFECTS (PAST AND CURRENT) AND REQUEST INVESTIGATION REMAIN OPEN UNTIL VEHICLE RECALLED AND RETURNED.*AK
May 22, 2001
DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP, CAUSING INTERMITTENT STALLING. ALSO, GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF GEAR. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK *ML
Feb 15, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE . DEALER WILL REPLACE FUEL INJECTION HARNESS/ COOLING SYSTEM, AND VARIOUS OTHER PARTS.*AK
Feb 02, 2001
WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY CAR SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. CONSUMER HAD TO PULL OVER TO AVOID BEING HIT. ALSO, GAS WAS LEAKING EVERYWHERE. *AK
Mar 29, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT 3062 BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHECKED BY A KIA REP AND I WAS TOLD "BREAKS ARE NOT MENT TO STOP THE CAR ONLY SLOW IT DOWN "
Sep 07, 2000
ENGINE WAS REPLACED AT 3062 BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHECKED BY A KIA REP AND I WAS TOLD "BREAKS ARE NOT MENT TO STOP THE CAR ONLY SLOW IT DOWN "
Sep 07, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
THE SWITCH BLOCK UNDER THE SEAT WAS MESSED UP HAD TO BE FICKED SO CAR WOULD START. WAS LOW ON TRANSMISSION FLUID 3 DAYS AFTER BUYING CAR. TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AFTER 6500 MILES. THE ROTORS BEGAN SQUELLING AT ABOUT 5000 MILES HARD TO STOP SOMETIMES LOCKS UP SOMETIMES KEEPS ROLLING......ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED AND STILL KEEPS ACTING UP
Feb 06, 2000
WHENEVER BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY WOULD MAKE NOISES.THE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. BRAKE PADS & ROTORS NEEDED REPLACING DUE TO METAL TO METAL NOISE. VEHICLE HAD DIED. MECHANIC INDICATED BATTERY WAS PROBLEM & NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, TRANSMISSION GEARS WOULD NOT SHIFT PROPERLY & NEEDED SERVICING. *AK
Dec 20, 1999
SEAT BELTS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
SEAT BELTS WORK IMPROPERLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK, FUEL PUMP IS WORKING INEFFICIENTLY.
Dec 01, 2016
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
FILLED TANK & HAD OVERFLOWING SPILLAGE DOWN SIDE OF CAR (INDICATED VERY FULL TANK) FINISHED CLEANING UP EXCESS FUEL & TURN CAR ON BUT THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD ONLY READ 2/3 FULL, THEN NEEDLE ROSE TO 3/4- I JUST GOT THE CAR ON MONDAY 11/7/16 & THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW, ONCE WHEN LEAVING LA AFTER BUYING/TRANSFERRING TITLE & AGAIN TODAY. DECIDED TO GOOGLE THE 'SYMPTOM' & I'M SHOCKED THAT A 17-YEAR-OLD CAR FROM 1999 HAD RECALL RECORDS BUT WAS NEVER FIXED!!! PREVIOUS OWNER(S) WAS OLDER COUPLE THAT HAD BOUGHT IT FROM A DEALERSHIP & OWNED IT SINCE 2004. THE 17-YEAR-OLD '99 SEPHIA HAS ONLY 75K MILES ON ODOMETER AS OF NOVEMBER 2016 HOWEVER WAS NEVER REPAIRED UNDER RECALL ORDER.
Nov 09, 2016
ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SEPHIA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVEN TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
Jul 10, 2015
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SEPHIA. SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, IT FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED. ONE MONTH LATER, WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND EVENTUALLY SHUT OFF. PRIOR TO SHUTTING OFF, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING ABILITY AND THE CONTACT STRUCK A CURB. THE CV AXLE JOINT WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Apr 16, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
1999 SEPHIA BRAKES, TRANSMISSION WERE REPLACED. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE EXHAUST SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TS THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINE THAT THERE WAS A SPLIT IN THE CENTERPIPE OF THE EXHAUST WHICH CAUSED IT TO BE LOUD. THE PART IS A PIECE OF FLEXIBLE HOUSING. THE PART COULD NOT BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY BUT THE CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE THE ENTIRE PIPE. THE PART WAS REPLACED BUT SPLIT AGAIN THREE MORE TIMES. *NM SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED AND GAS LEAKAGE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPAIRED.
Jun 01, 2006
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
THIS CAR HAS BEEN A CONSTANT REPAIR AND FINANCIAL PROBLEM FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS STARTING TWO WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR. IT IS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND CAN NOT BE KEPT MAINTAINED FOR SAFETY OR RELIABILITY IT WAS PURCHASED WITH 21000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND A MAJORITY OF REPAIRS HAS HAD TO BE FIXED. 4 STARTERS, IGNITION SWITCH, IGNITION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS (IGNITION STILL DOESN'T WORK), AIR BAG SENSOR, AIR BAG WIRING (AIR BAGS STILL DOES NOT WORK), ALTERNATOR, FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DRIVE AXEL BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, RIGHT PASSENGER BALL JOINT FELL OFF THE CAR WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, MASTER CYLINDER AND REAR BRAKE CYLINDER WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, HEATER/AIR CONDITIONING MOTOR. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED 3 TIMES, AND HAS LEFT ME AND MY CHILDREN STRANDED TOO MANY TIMES TO COUNT. THE CAR IS STILL IN NEED OF MAJOR REPAIR. THE DRIVER REAR STABILIZER BUSHINGS NEED REPLACED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DRIVE AXEL NEEDS REPLACED, THE AIR BAGS STILL DO NOT WORK, THE IGNITION SWITCH STILL GETS STUCK AND WON'T TURN OVER, AND TWO WEEKS AGO A PISTON WAS THROWN THROUGH THE ENGINE AND CAUGHT THE CAR ON FIRE. THE CAR IS NOW PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY LEAVING ME STUCK WITH A CAR PAYMENT AND A CAR THAT IS NOT WORTH FIXING. *NM
Jan 06, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
1) AIR CONDITIONER HOSES DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT HOLD CHARGE 2) CAR RATTLES AND MAKES NOISE COMING FROM TRUNK AREA, TAKEN TO DEALER REPEATEDLY WITHOUT ANY IDEA OF HOW TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM 3) CAR WOULD LOOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND AT DANGEROUS TIMES, TOOK TO DEALER 3 TIMES BEFORE THE CAR FAILED COMPLETELY AND THEY WERE FINALLY ABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM 4) REAR DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW STICKS AND RATTLES, TAKEN TO DEALER UN-REPAIRABLE 5) REAR DOOR LOOK DOES NOT WORK, TAKEN TO DEALER REPAIRED BUT NOW IT DOESN'T WORK YET AGAIN 6) ENGINE LIGHT ON, TOLD BY DEALER THE GAS CAP WASN'T TIGHT ENOUGH 7) POWER LOCKS OPEN AND CLOSE AT INTERVALS WHILE DRIVING THE CAR 8) ENGINE LIGHT BLINKING, NO IDEA WHAT PROBLEM IS THIS TIME CONTACTED KIA AND ASKED TO SPEAK TO FIELD REPRESENTATIVE AND WAS TOLD THAT KIA COULD DO NOTHING TO ASSIST OWNER IN FIXING OWNER. THIS CAR IS A MONEY PIT AND DO NOT RECOMMEND TO ANYONE TO BUY A KIA UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. *JB
Dec 27, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
LIGHTS ARE BLINKING OFF AND ON CONSTANTLY WHEN I DRIVING AT NIGHT. I WENT TO KIA DEALERSHIP IN WILLIAMSBURG. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. THAT IT WILL TAKE THEM A COUPLE OF DAYS. THAT I WOULD BE CHARGE BY THE HOUR. I WAS SO UPSET I LEFT THE DEALERSHIPS AND THEY CHARGE ME 350 DOLLARS AND MY CAR WAS NOT FIX. I WAS TOTALLY RIP OFF BY THEM. I ALSO TOLD THEM THAT SAME DAY TO FIX MY AIR CONDITIONER DUE TO IT WAS SHUTTING OFF AND ON WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES. WHEN I USING THE GAS PEDAL MY AIR CONDITIONER WORKS AND THEN WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES THAT AIR CONDITIONER SHUT OFF. THE KIA DEALER DID NOT HAVE CLUE WHAT TO DO>>>>HELP!!IT ALSO DOING THIS WITH THE HEAT ALSO.....I NOT SURE ON THE EXACT DATE OF SERVICE. I WILL FIND RECEIPT AND BANK STATEMENTS TO GO ALONG WITH THIS. *NM
Sep 12, 2005
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
1999 KIA SEPHIA DASHBOARD HAS BECOME DETACHED FROM WHERE THE WINDSHIELD MEETS. *MR THIS PROBLEM HAD CONTINUED TO GET WORST. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A MOTORIZED NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. THE CONSUMER WAS AWARE OF OTHER KIA VEHICLES EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT HER VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. *SC
Aug 18, 2005
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE DASHBOARD IS SEPARATING FROM THE WINDSHIELD, PREVENTING THE DEFROSTER FROM CIRCULATING TO THE WINDSHIELD. MANUFACTURER STATES THEY CAN NOT ASSIST THE CONSUMER.*AK *TC
Jan 04, 2005
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,SEATS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD REPEATEDLY. BATTERY LEAKED. BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR THE ENTIRE CAR AT 60,000 MILES. THE VENTS ON THE DASHBOARD HAVE POPPED UP AND BROKEN. NOW THE DEFROSTER DOES NOT BLOW THE AIR ON THE WINDSHIELD. THIS VEHICLE WAS STORED IN A GARAGE. THE SEAMS ON THE SEAT COME UNDONE. THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER BROKE AND FLOPS IN THE DASH. THE SWITCH TO OVERRIDE THE TRANSMISSION LOCK IS BROKEN. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT BROKE WHEN REPLACING THE STRUTS WHICH YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE BACK DASH TO GET TO. THE BOARD THAT IS UNDER THE CARPET IN THE TRUNK WARPED. THE CARPETS CAME UP FROM THE SIDES OF THE CAR. THE STORAGE BIN IN THE CENTER CONSOLE BROKE, TWICE. THE WIND SHIELD CHIPS AND ERRODES WHEN IN A CAR WASH. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A WINDSHIELD IN THIS BAD SHAPE BEFORE. THE BACK SEAT DOES NOT STAY DOWN. THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE A BAD SEAL AND THERE IS WATER NOW IN THEM. THE RUBBER AROUND THE DOORS COMES OUT REPEATEDLY. GEAR SHIFTER IS CONTINUALLY STUCK. BRAKES TAKE TWICE AS LONG TO STOP MY CAR AS ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. I HAVE TO DRIVE 2 & 1/2 HOURS TO GET REPAIRS. THE GAS MILAGE IS CLOSER TO 24 MPG THEN THE 35 THAT WAS MARKED ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. THERE ARE NOISES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT ARE LOUD AND UNPLEASANT. THERE IS A GROUND FAULT WIRE THAT IS BAD THEY WANT $75 AN HOUR MINIMUM OF 10 HOURS TO REPAIR IT. THE FUSE PANEL COVER BROKE. THE HEADLIGHTS CANNOT BE ALLIGNED. *AK
Oct 03, 2004
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
WHEN BELOW FREEZING, DOORS AND LOCKS CONSISTENTLY FREEZE, AND WILL NOT ALLOW ENTRY OR WILL NOT CLOSE PROPERLY (DOORS WILL NOT CLOSE). THIS HAS HAPPENED EVERY YEAR I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. THIS PAST YEAR, THE KIA DEALER TRIED TO FIX, AND ONLY IMPROVED FOR A FEW DAYS (LUBRICATE/OIL ETC). USUALLY HAD TO "WARM UP" CAR FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES TO DEFROST LOCK JUST TO BE ABLE TO CLOSE DOORS (I TRIED TO NOT LOCK CAR ONCE WINTER BEGINS). THE LOCKS ARE FROZEN DAILY AND CANNOT LOCK OR UNLOCK UNTIL INTERIOR IS WARMED UP. NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO WINTER AGAIN.*AK
Sep 11, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE THE MOTOR REBUILT. *PH THE ENGINE WAS REBUILT BECAUSE THE ENGINE KEPT OVERHEATING. NOW THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BUT THE CONSUMER CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAIR IT. THE STARTER WAS ALSO REPLACED. *NM
Apr 20, 2004
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE HORN STOPPED WORKING ON MY 1999 KIA SEPHIA WITH 61,000 MILES. THE DEALERSHIP (WHICH ALSO SELLS AND SERVICES FORDS) ESTIMATED THE REPAIR AT $50 TO $100, WHICH I AUTHORIZED. A FEW HOURS LATER THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLED AND TOLD ME TO FORGET IT. DUE TO A TOTALLY BIZARRE DESIGN, THE HORN IS INTEGRATED INTO THE AIRBAG UNIT AND FIXING THE HORN REQUIRES REPLACING THE ENTIRE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY. THE COST: $650 FOR THE PART AND $150 LABOR, TOTAL $800. IF THE HORN DESIGN WERE NORMAL, HE SAID IT WOULD HAVE COST LESS THAN $100. I CALLED KIA OF AMERICA CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND OFFERED TO PAY $100, THE NORMAL AMOUNT, TOWARD THE REPAIR. THEY DECLINED AS THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND SAID THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY THE FULL COST MYSELF. I HAD PLACED THE CAR ON SALE JUST BEFORE THE HORN WENT BAD AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO SELL IT AS NOBODY WANTS TO BUY A CAR WITHOUT A HORN. ALSO, IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE A CAR WITHOUT A WARNING SIGNAL IN CASE OF DANGER.
Jan 15, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN WHICH SEAT BELT BUCKLE RELEASED FROM LATCH PLATE. SUBSEQUENTLY THE BUCKLE HIT THE DRIVER SHOULD AND HIT HER IN THE HEAD. THE STRAP BRUISED HER SHOULDER. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT THE BRAKE DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. *AK *SLC *PH *NLM*EA04007*
Aug 12, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS RECALLS AND PROBLEMS. WHEN THE CONSUMER PUT FUEL IN THE VEHICLE IT LEAKED OUT. WHEN IT DID HIT SHE HAD TO PLAY AROUND WITH IT, UNTIL THE NOZZLE WAS IN THE TANK JUST RIGHT, THEN IT WOULD TAKE THE FUEL. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, AND ROTORS WEARING OUT TOO QUICKLY AND THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS CRACKED AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE REPAIR SHOP AT LEAST 10 TIMES AND NEEDED TO BE RETURNED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. *AK THE FUEL TANK PROBLEM HAD BEEN WORKED ON FOUR TIMES AND STILL WAS NOT FIXED. THERE WERE GEAR SHIFT PROBLEMS WHERE THE SHIFTER WOULD STICK, MULTIPLE WIRING CONSOLE LIGHT PROBLEMS, THE WIPER BLADE LINKS WERE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED THE BLADE TO COME APART. *SCC *JB REFERENCED IN RQ03-006
Jul 18, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH 1999 KIA SEPHIA. NAR 07/21/2003.*MR TRANSMISSION, REAR BLINKERS, BRAKE PADS, FUEL PUMP AND VALVE. *CB
Jul 04, 2003
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
CONSUMER STATES HAD RECALL 00V175000 REMEDIED IN 06/02. STILL EXPERIENCING DEFECT. NOT ONLY IS FUEL TANK NOT FILLING UP TO CAPACITY, BUT NOW FUEL GAUGE IS NOT REGISTERING AMOUNT OF FUEL IN TANK. TS REFERENCED IN RQ03-006
Nov 25, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES FAILED, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE STOPPED BY PULLING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AT WHICH TIME THE CONSUMER NOTICED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY BRAKE OR ENGINE FAILURE. NLM
Nov 12, 2002
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THIS CAR HAS SO MANY PROBLEMS THEY CANT ALL BE LISTED.THE BATTERY MELTED,THE TIRES WONT STAY INFLATED PROPERLY, THE A/C BROKE,THE CRUISE CONTROL BROKE, JUST TO NAME A FEW. THE CAR SHAKES IF YOU GO OVER 60 AND THE DEALER CHARGED ME TO ALIGN THE FRONT END,TOLD ME IT NEEDED TO BE DONE EVERY 6 MONTHS.ALSO SAID I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THE BATTERY WOULD MELT,ITS KOREAN.*AK
Jun 08, 2002
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CONSUMER STATES WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE SPEED DECREASES INSTEAD OF INCREASING. REPLACED PARTS 4 TIMES. PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. NLMVEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED FOR WIRING HARNESS AND SENSOR FAILURE, THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IS BURNT AND IT IS LEAKING FLUID AT THE SHIFT SHAFT (CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION), THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES DUE TO THE HOLD UNIT NOT BEING APPLIED. *JG
Apr 19, 2002
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR WE HAD A RECALL ON JANUARY OF 2000 FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.AFTER THAT WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE LIGHT GOING ON THAT WAS DUE TO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS,WISH IN FACT HAD TO BE REPAIR TWICE AND REPLACE ONCE.ALSO AIR BAG LIGHT TURN ON DUE TO ALTERNATOR PROBLEM ON 02/05/2002,ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACE.I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RESOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE MATTER OF FACT THE CAR SHOULB BE UNDER THE LEMON LAW.THANK YOU. *AK
Feb 24, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED IN STEERING COLUMN AND FLAMES WERE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO TURN ENGINE OFF BY TURNING THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. INSURANCE COMPANY IS IN POSSESSION OF VEHICLE, BUT HAS NOT INFORMED CONSUMER AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE FIRE TO OCCUR.*AK CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO TURN ENGINE OFF, BUT WAS ABLE TO JUMP OUT OF VEHICLE WHILE MOVING, THREE RECALLS WERE PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE AND CONSUMER BELIEVES THAT RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN PERFORMED PRIOR TO PURCHASE, CONSUMER ALSO COMPLAINS THAT THE VEHICLE IS NOISY, EXHIBITS HARD START CONDITION, SLUGGISH ACCELERATION, AND INOPERATIVE FUEL GAUGE. *TT
Jan 10, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,TIRES
1 complaint
MY LEFT FRONT TIRE IS COMPLETELY THREAD BARE, AND MY MECHANIC TELLS ME THE REMAINING THREE ARE IN DIRE NEED OF REPLACEMENT AS WELL. THIS IS THE SECOND PAIR OF THESE TIRES TO BE REPLACED ON THIS CAR. THE FIRST PAIR WAS AT 2,000 MILES. I HAVE READ OF MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS MANUFACTURER'S TIRES IN THE NHTSA DATA BASE. MOST OF THE REPORTS FOR THE KIA SEPHIA DID NOT MENTION THE MAKE AND MANUFACTURER OF THE TIRE. I WOULD LIKE FOR THIS TIRE TO BE INVESTIGATED BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. HAD I NOT HAD MY CAR IN TO HAVE IT SERVICED AND THE TIRES ROTATED I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THE SEVERITY OF THE WARE PROBLEM AND COULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. IN REFERENCE TO THE TRANSMISSION ON THE KIA SEPHIA I HAVE HAD TWO TRANSMISSIONS INSTALLED IN THIS CAR SINCE APRIL OF THIS YEAR AND THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD RETURNED THE CAR TO THE MANUFACTURER TO HAVE A NEW TRANSMISSION INSTALLED. WHY IS KIA PERMITTED TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE DEFECTIVE MATERIALS FOR THESE VEHICLES?*AK
Nov 08, 2001
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I HAVE ALREADY CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER IN SEVERAL OCASIONS. FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BBB AUTO LINE, BUT CASE WAS CLOSED BECAUSE CAR IS NOT A LEMON. THE DEALERS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEMS OF THE TRANSMISSION AND THE IGNITION. KIA HAD SAID THAT THEY WERE WORKING ON A "GOOD FAITH OFFER" BUT AFTER THE BBB CLOSED THE CASE, DID NOT HEAR FROM THEM ANYMORE. I DO NOT WISH TO KEEP THE CAR. KIA HAS NOT HONORED THE WARRANTY PROMISE; THEREFORE THEY ARE IN DEFAULT OF THE WARRANTY. KIA DEALERS WON'T CHECK THE CAR IF COMPUTER DOES NOT PROMPT A CODE. THE LAST TIME I DROPPED THE CAR AT THE DEALER, LEFT IT FOR OVER 5 DAYS FOR THEM TO INSPECT AND NOTIFIED KIA OF THIS ACTION, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS. MONTHLY PAYMENT ON CAR IS $422.52. CAN'T AFFORD A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE, BESIDES OF PAYING FOR TOW TRUCKS AND MISSING FROM WORK DUE TO CAR FAILURES. TRANSMISSION HAVE BROKEN TWICE. EVERY TIME THEY FIX IT, IT DOES NOT WORK FOR LONG. THIS CAR IS NO LONGER RELIABLE AND I DO NOT WISH TO WASTE MY TIME AT DEALERS. THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR THE PROBLEMS. I AM DESPERATE FOR A SOLUTION. I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR ADVISE BEFORE A PROCEDE LEGALLY.*AK
Oct 01, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THE CAR WOULDN'T START SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT IT. IT TOOK SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE DEALER IN ORDER FOR THEM TO REPLACE THE STARTER. AFTER THE STARTER WAS REPLACED THE PROBLEM CONTINUED AND THE FLYWHEEL WAS FINALLY REPLACED. APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK PRIOR TO RECEIVING A RECALL NOTICE ON THE WIPER BLADES THE WIPERS STOPPED WORKING DURING HEAVY RAIN ON A HIGHWAY WHICH ALMOST CAUSED ME TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE CEILING LIGHT GOING ON AND OFF WHENEVER I TURNED CORNERS. THE CAR BATTERY WAS EVEN REPLACED AFTER THE NEW STARTER AND FLYWHEEL WERE PUT IN BECAUSE THE CAR STILL HAD PROBLEMS STARTING. RECENTLY THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. A WEEK AFTER THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT AND THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING ON AND OFF. THE CAR FINALLY STALLED AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THE CAR WAS GIVEN BACK TO ME AND I WAS TOLD THAT A GASKET IN THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING. A WEEK AFTER THAT THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT AND THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AGAIN AND THE CAR STARTING DRIVING AS IF IT WAS STUCK IN FIRST GEAR. THE CAR FINALLY STALLED AGAIN AND WOULDN'T MOVE.*AK
Aug 13, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD WHEN THE ENGINE IS OFF ONLY WITH TRANSMISSION IN FIRST OR REVERSE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKE INFO WAS MISLEADING IN THE OWNERS MANUAL, THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE BRAKE CABLE IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH, THE PARKING BRAKE HAS BEEN ADJUSTED SEVERAL TIMES, ON ONE OCCASION THE BRAKE WAS SET ON PARK AND THE VEHICLE ROLLED AND HIT A GARAGE DOOR, FRONT DISC PADS AND ROTORS FAILED CAUSING GRINDING NOISE WHILE BRAKING. NLM
May 29, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT ANY MPH WHEN ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND OVERDRIVE LIGHT WILL COME ON. THIS SITUATION HAD BEEN A PROBLEM FOR CONSUMER SIXTH TIMES. WHEN LIGHTS COME ON ENGINE WILL STALL. DEALER COULD NOT FIND OUT WHAT IS CAUSING IT.*AK
Apr 16, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WE HAVE HAD MANY PRBLEMS WITH THIS CAR. FIRST THE ORVR VALVE FOR THE GAS TANK WEAD, THEN WE HAVE HAD PRBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS NOT OPENING OR CLOSING THE OTHER DOORS FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, THEN THE AUTOMATIC WINDOWS ON THE PASSANGER SIDE BOTH THE FRONT AND BACK DOORS HAVE GONE UP VERY SLOWLY ALMOST TO THE POINT OF HAVING TO PUSH THEM UP BY HAND. THEN A DASH WAS REPLACED, DO TO IT BUBLING UP. WE HAVE A BATTERY REPLACED ONCE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN OVER AT ALL. ALSO JUST RECENTLY WE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, AFTER ONLY TWO WEEKS OF THE DEALERSHIP THAT WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DID A ELECTRICAL CHECK ON THE CAR AND SAID THAT IT WAS OK (TEMPE DODGE KIA) LOCATED IN TEMMPE, AZ. THE REASON WE HAD THEM CHECK THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OUT WAS BECAUSE AFTER THE REPLACED THE DASH WE NOTICED THAT THE INDICATOR LIGHTS FOR THE FAN AND THE AIR FLOW SELACTOR WERE DIMMING OUT AND THE A/C WAS RUNNING REALLY SLOW AT IDLE SPEED. ALL IN ALL THIS CAR HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE AND WE HAVED COTACTED KIA MOTTORS CORP. SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO REAL ANSWERS TO ARE PROBLEMS AND NO COMPENSATION OR UPGRADE OF A WARRANTY ON THE EXISTING WARRANTY. IF YOU COULD PLEASE HELP US OUT IN ANY WAY AT ALL OR NOT PLEASE E-MAIL US AT [email protected] OR CONTACT US AT 480-481-0351 OR 602-625-8079. WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION IN THESE MATTERS. JESSICA JUNE BRADY & KEIL WILLIAM CONLEY.*AK
Apr 02, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
WINDSHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO STRESS CRACKS. *AK ROTORS WERE REPLACED TWO TIMES. *SLC
Mar 28, 2001
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES
1 complaint
HAVE TAKEN VEHICLE FOR FUEL PUMP PROBLEMS OVER 6X..3 RECALLS & STILL SEEMS TO RUN HARD/STALL. TRANSMISSION FIRST BROUGHT IN ON 1/1/00, THEY COULDN'T DIAGNOSE AND THEN 3/23/01 DIAGNOSED FOR SAME PROBLEM- REPAIRED. NOW STICKS IN 3-4TH GEAR. ALL 4 ORIGINAL TIRES HAVE SEPARATED AND BEEN REPLACED (15K MILES AND 24K MILES). ELECTRICAL STILL CAUSING POWERTRAIN AND ACCESSORY-RELATED (RADIO) RECURRINGLY FAIL. CAR IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND KIA/DEALERSHIP FAILS TO DIAGNOSE/REPAIR ONLY UNTIL RECALL ON EXACT PREV BROUGHT IN PROBLEMS OCCUR (AND KEEP RECURRING). THIS PARTIC VEHICLE IS EXTREME HAZARD/LIABILITY TO DRIVE. (TIRESIZE: 185/65R14)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: 185/65R14 )
Mar 26, 2001
SUSPENSION,TIRES
1 complaint
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING SEVERAL PROBLEMS RELATING TO THE TIRES, VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT AFTER 45MPH, VEHICLE VIBRATES, 3 TIRES HAVE WENT FLAT, A RING OF ONE OF THE TIRES BENT AND WAS REPLACED, ONE DEALER STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE WEARING AFTER CONSUMER HAD NUMEROUS ALIGNMENTS, TIRE ROTATIONS, BALANCING, AND LOWERED TIRE PRESSURE, CONSUMER DID NOT GIVE A TIRE MAKE, MODEL, OR SIZE, THIS PROBLEM COULD ALSO BE RELATED TO A SUSPENSION PROBLEM. *SLC *SLC
Feb 01, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,SEATS
1 complaint
COMPLETE LEMON. NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. REPLACED BRAKES, TRANSMISSION, 2 AXLES, WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, FLYWHEEL, FAULTY WIRING IN DOOR, BATTERY, STARTING PROBLEMS, BLINKER SWITCH REPLACED, SEAT TORE UPON CAR PICK-UP, TOO MANY THINGS GONE WRONG TO LIST
Jan 28, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
IN COLD WEATHER VEHICLE WILL NOT START NOR WILL DOORS OPEN. ALSO, WHILE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN DOORS WOULD UNEXPECTEDLY OPEN, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Jan 05, 2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WOULD BE DRIVING AND VEHICLE STALLED OUT. THEN, WOULD RESTART ON ITS OWN. CRUISE CONTROL REMAINED UNRELIABLE. BRAKES WOULD NOT RELEASE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN IT WAS ON. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP & MECHANIC REPLACED ELECTRICAL WIRES. ALSO, EXHAUST SYSTEM HAD HOLES IN IT & WAS LEAKING, AND AIR CONDITIONER WAS REPLACED DUE TO COMPRESSOR SEIZING UP. *AK
Dec 21, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THE PROBLEMS I AM HAVING OR HAVE HAD WITH THIS CAR ARE AS FOLLOWS, COOLING SYSTEM HAS COMPLETLY FROZE UP, WATER LEAK INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE UNDER DASH, MOLDING AROUND THE DOORS REPLACED, 4 TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED, WARPED ROTORS WHICH HAVE ALSO WORN THE BRAKE PADS. AND I JUST RECIEVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR THE ON BOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY VALVES, WHICH I AM HOPING WILL STOP THE GAS FROM POURING OUT OF THE CAR ONTO ME WHEN I AM REFUELING. THIS CAR IS NOT ROAD WORTHY. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER THEY BOTH JUST POINT THE FINGER AT ONE ANOTHER, WHEN I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I EXPECTED IT TO RUN. *AK
Dec 01, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT WOULD STAY ON, VEHICLE OVERHEATED & OVERDRIVE WOULD BLINK ON/OFF. GROUND WIRE WAS SUPPOSE TO BE FIXED,BUT VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. MANUFACTURER SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING, FILED A LAWSUIT. WARRANTY WAS NOT UP ON VEHICLE.*AK
Nov 17, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,PARKING BRAKE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
BRAKES ARE WEARING OUT EXCESSIVELY & DETERIORATING. WHENEVER BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THEY CAUSE VEHICLE TO SHAKE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER & MECHANIC CHANGED PADS & WARPED ROTORS. ALSO ROTATED & CLEANED THE BRAKES.*AK REAR SEAT BELT LOCK IS TOO HIGH. AIR CONDITIONER DRAINING ON FLOOR, DEALER CLEANED A/C DRAIN. CONSUMER FEELS A HARD SHOCK WHEN SHIFTING INTO GEAR. ENGINE HARD TO START, DEALER REPLACED THE FLYWHEEL. BINDING LEVER FAILED ON THE PARKING BRAKE. *SLC
Nov 13, 2000
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THIS CAR HAS BEEN, NONSTOP, 1 MECH PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER WITH KIA CO & MANUF CLAIMING 'NORMAL WEAR/TEAR OR FIRST HEARD OF PROBLEMS.' YOUR SITE SHOWS THAT OTHER CONSUMERS OF SAME VEHICLE HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEMS (ESP BRAKES, BATTERY, TIRES, STEERING COLUMN, FUEL ASSEMBLY). KIA & DEALERSHIP UNRESPONSIVE AND UNACCOUNTABLE FOR PRODUCTS SOLD AND REPRESENTED- ESP. HIGHLY DANGEROUS VEHICLE PROBLEMS/DEFECTS. (DOT NUMBER: 96737 TIRESIZE: P185/65R14)
Oct 09, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
RIGHT AFTER I PURCHASED VEHICLE, MUSIC SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACED. BATTERY HAD TO BE REPLACED IN LESS THAN A YEAR.HAD TO TAKE IT IN FOR TWO RECALLS. BRAKES SOMETIMES SQUEAK WHEN YOU COME TO A STOP. WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY CAR WILL START TO VIBRATE. THE LOW FUEL LIGHT COMES ON EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY HAVE OVER A HALF OF TANK OF GAS. ENGINE IS RACING TO HIGH. NOTICE IN JULY/00 WHILE DRIVING CAR STARTS TO JERK OR PLUNG FORWARD FOR NO APPARENT REASON. ALSO WHEN YOU APPLY YOUR BRAKES IT WILL DO THIS. RECENTLY I HAVE TAKEN CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS PROBLEM, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT.
Sep 21, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
CAR IS JUST A LEMON EVERY SIINCE WE PURCHASED IT. WE TRIED TO GET OUR MONEY BACK(PAID CASH)AND WE WERE NOT ABLE TO PER THE CAR DEALER,ETC.NOTHING IS EVER REPAIRED TO THE STANDARD AND WE ARE UPSET.
Sep 17, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES IN LESS THAN 1YEAR AND AT 30,335 MILES RIGHT NOW, SERVICE DEPARTMENT FIGHTS WITH US EACH TIME WE BRING CAR IN. CAR DOES NOT START UP RIGHT AWAY, IT TURNS A FEW TIMES BEFORE IT FINALLY DOES, TOOK TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT 2 TIMES, THEY ARE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE PROBLEM. WHEN DRIVING AT TIMES WHEN YOU STEP ON GAS CAR HESITATES TO GO, ALMOST LIKE IT IS OUT OF GAS, BUT IT IS NOT. AFTER 2MTHS. OF USING AIRCONDITIONER THIS SUMMER, IT COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING, TOOK TO SERVICE DEPARTMENT, DIAGNOSED WITH LEAKY "O" RINGS, THEY REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. REAR DOORS WHEN OPENING HIT THE EDGE OF CLOSED FRONT DOORS, SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THEY NEEDED NEW DOOR STOPPERS, HAVEN'T GOT THEM YET.*AK
Jul 26, 2000
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TIRES WAS REPLACED FEB.29TH 2000 PLUS ALIGNMENT AND FLYWHEEL REPLACED IN TRANSMISSION . AFTER THAT HEARD RUBBING NIOSES WHEN I TURNED WHEEL LT. TO RT. ASKED MECHANIC ABOUT NIOSE HE STATED I KNOW WHAT IT IS , WHEN HE CAME BACK TO RETURN MY CAR (HE STATED) IT WAS YOUR MOUNTS TO THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT ALIGNED, BOLTS . PLUS THIS IS MY SECOND KIA SEPHIA AND I NOT GETTING ANY HELP WITH THE PROBLEMS AND I COULD GO ON AND ON , BUT I WOULD WRITE A BEST SELLER. THANKS FOR LISTENING
Jul 16, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING AND UPON PROCEEDING TO STOP APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL, CONSUMER HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. ALSO, VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE LUGGED FORWARD. ALSO, FRONTAL SAFETY BELTS DO NOT RETRACT, CAUSING THE BELT TO BE VERY LOOSE . CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Jul 06, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES FOR INACCURATE READINGS ON FUEL GUAGE, BRAKES WORN DOWN AFTER 2 MONTHS, TOOK A LOT OF TIME TO PICK UP SPEED ON HIGHWAY CAUSING NEAR COLLISIONS, WHEELS AND STEERING WHEEL VIBRATING VIOLENTLY, AIR CONDITIONER NOT COOL, BURNING LARGE AMOUNTS OF FUEL, ALL PROBLEMS WITHIN THE FIRST 6-8 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP, NO COOPERATION FROM DEALERSHIP ABOUT REPLACING CAR OR EXCHANGING DUE TO NUMBER OF PROBLEMS IN SHORT TIME SPAN. NONE OF THE REPAIRS HAVE LASTED WITHOUT RECURRENCE. *AK
Jun 04, 2000
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
DEALER REPLACED 4 BRAKES/FLEX PLATE/ SPEAKERS3/POWSTEERPUMP/ 2X GEAR SHIFT ASSEMBLEY/ ELECTRIC SYSTEM AND TRANSMISSION. *AK
Jun 01, 2000
INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WHILE TRAVELING DOOR INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD FLASH. DEALER HAS REPAIRED VEHICLE 3 TIMES. BUT, PROBLEM CONTINUES TO RETURN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
May 31, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I THOUGHT THE BRAKES WERE GOING BAD IN DECEMBER, THEY SHAFED THE ROTORS. IN LESS THAN THREE MOTHS THEY REPLACED THEM ON MARCH 2, 2000. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKE PADS THREE TIMES. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE EXHAUST. THEY HAVE TWO RECALLS. THEY HAVE HAD TO FIX MY TRANSMISSION. THE PIN STRIPES ARE NOW STARTING TO COME OFF. THE RUBBER PEICE AROUND THE BACK PASSENGER DOORS ARE ALSO COMMING OFF. *AK( DOT NUMBER: 0 TIRE SIZE: 14 )
May 18, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
RECALLS 99V271 000/WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE AND 99V318 000/ENGINE STALLING. BOTH RECALL NOTICES WERE RECEIVED BY CONSUMER, AND WAS UNABLE TO GET DEALER TO HONOR RECALLS. WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT THEY WERE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST, AND WILL BE CONTACTED WHEN THEIR NAMES COME UP. CONTACTED DEALER ON SEVERAL OTHER OCCASIONS, AND NOW THEY MISPLACED THE LIST. SEEKING HELP FROM NHTSA IN THIS MATTER. *AK
Apr 17, 2000
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY TRAVELLING 75MPH FROM FT LAUDERDALE TO BROOKSVILLE, HAD PROBLEMS WITH STEERING AND KEEPING VEHICLE ON THE ROAD. LOST CONTROL OF STEERING AND SWERVED OFF OF THE ROAD. WAS ABLE TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD AND CONTINUE. GOT VEHICLE BACK FROM DEALERSHIP FOR AN ALIGNMENT AND 4 NEW TIRES AND STILL THE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING. WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. *AK
Apr 05, 2000
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT WHILE DRIVING, ALIGNED 4 TIMES, PULLING CAUSED TIRES TO BE REPLACED TWICE DUE TO WEAR ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TIRES. BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE, LEAKING BOOT AXLE REPLACED ONCE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *ML
Apr 03, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
VEHICLE RECALL REPAIR DENIED DUE TO PROBLEM WITH DEALERSHIP/SCHEDULING. (99V-317/318 AND 99V-271). *MJS
Feb 17, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY TRAVELLING 15MPH IN A HEAVY SNOW STORM, DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPERS JUST STOPPED WORKING. HAD BRAKES AND ROTORS REPLACED 4 TIMES. DEALER SAID THAT BRAKES WERE DEFECTIVE. ALSO, INTERIOR LIGHT BLEW OUT, BUT DEALER REPLACED IT WITH A DIMMER LIGHT.
Feb 02, 2000
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHEN TRYING TO STOP THE VEHICLE THERE IS A HORRIBLE VIBRATION. IT IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL AND STOP THE VEHICLE WHILE BRAKING. OUR GAS TANK WILL NOT TAKE IN GAS. THE TANK COULD BE COMPLETELY EMPTY AND IT WILL TAKE A DOLLAR'S WORTH OF GAS, THEN GAS WILL START SPEWING OUT ALL OVER. OUR CAR DEALER SAID HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT IT COULD BE AND HASN'T HEARD ANYTHING FROM KIA ABOUT THIS BEING A PROBLEM. (IT ISN'T THE GAS GAUGE.) THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED. WE GOT THIS FIXED AND HAVEN'T HAD PROBLEMS WITH THIS AGAIN. ALSO, WE HAVE A MANUEL TRANSMISSION. WE HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH IT KICKING OUT OF GEAR. WE COULD BE GOING DOWN A HIGHWAY AND IT WILL KICK OUT OF FIFTH GEAR. IT DOES ITS OWN THING. WE HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE SINCE AUGUST AND IT HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. MY WIFE AND I NO LONGER TRUST THIS CAR AND THIS IS THE ONLY VEHICLE WE HAVE TO RELY ON. WE ALSO HAVE GOTTEN 2 RECALL NOTICES FROM KIA. ONE FOR THE WIPERS, THEY CAN FLY OFF AT ANY GIVEN TIME AND FOR THE FUEL PUMP BEING IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. WE CONTACTED OUR DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY ARE WAITING FOR KIA TO SEND THEM MORE PARTS, UNTIL THEN WE MUST WAIT TO BRING OUR CAR IN TO BE CHECKED OUT. WE HAVE BEEN WAITING.
Jan 23, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WHENEVER THE BRAKES (ABS) ARE APPLIED, STEERING WHEEL WOULD SHAKE. AFTER GOING 65MPH OR BETTER, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE/VIBRATE. THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED TWICE. THE AIR CONDITIONER MAKES LOUD NOISES WHEN TURNED ON. SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START OR CATCH RIGHT AWAY. NEEDS TO JIGGLE KEY TO GET IT STARTED. *AK
Dec 29, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHEN STARTING THE ENGINE IT WOULD TURN OVER & THEN VEHICLE WOULD STALL. ONCE STARTED, VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE. THE FUEL GAUGE FAILS TO REGISTER FUEL INTAKE. ALSO, VEHICLE IS VERY HARD TO SHIFT INTO GEAR PROPERLY. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE PROBLEMS CHECKED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE FLY WHEEL & THE GAS TANK.*AK
Nov 23, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
DUE TO A DEFECTIVE MODULATOR, AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING, INDICATING A PROBLEM WITH AIRBAG SYSTEM. ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM, WHILE PUMPING THE GAS INTO THE VEHICLE, FUEL SPILLED OUT WHILE FUEL TANK WAS NOT FULL. THIS MAY RESULT IN A FIRE IF THERE IS A SOURCE OF IGNITION. DEALER REPLACED FUEL TANK. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Nov 17, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
CONSUMER STATED VECHICLE WAS DEFECTED WHEN SHE PURCHASED IT ON SEP 11 1999 . CONSUMER TOOK IT BACK ON SEP 13 1999 BECAUSE SHE HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS, SUCH AS TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH HER VECHICLE. ALSO, BRAKES NOT WORKING PROPERLY WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. PEDALS WENT ALLTHE DOWN TO THE FLOOR. ALSO VECHICLE OVERHEATED. ALSO, FRONT GRILL /WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND GAS GAUGE HAD TO B EREPLACED, AND I STILL DON'T WORK . AT THIS TIME THE CONSUMER HAS REGISTERED A COMPLAINT WITH THE LEMON LAW. HER CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR A PART. *AK
Oct 21, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
CAR VIBRATES WHILE DRIVING AND BRAKING, VENTILATION/ AIR CONDITION DOES NOT WORK RIGHT. THE CAR HAS NO DEFROSTOR
Oct 14, 1999
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AND TURN SIGNALS BECAME INOPERATIVE, BOTH WITHIN 500 MILES. *AK
Sep 29, 1999
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE BRAKES SQUEAK AND THE PADS WERE REPLACED AT 1200 MILES, THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN AT 6600 MILES THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND THE PADS WERE WORN AND I RETURNED THE CAR TO NORTHWESTERN DODGE AND KIA AND THEY REPLACED THE PADS AND MACHINED THE ROTORS, HOWEVER THE STERING WHEEL SHAKES AND VIBRATES WHEN I DRIVE ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND THE BRAKES ARE STILL GRINDING. THE STERING WHEEL AND COLUMN VIBRATES AND SHAKES WHEN I DRIVE AT 50+ MPH. AT 6600 MILES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THERE IS A BURNING SMELL. THE CAR DIES OUT WHEN I AM AT A STAND STILL FOR NO REASON AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING. I HAVE TO START THE CAR AT LEAST 3 TIMES BEFORE IT TURNS OVER. OVERALL I WOULD SAY THAT I AM DISAPPOINTED WITH THE CAR AND THE MOMENT THAT I CAN TRADE IT IN I PLAN TO DO SO AND I WILL ADVISE ANYONE WHO IS THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING THIS CAR TO NOT EVEN CONSIDER A KIA (ANY MODEL) BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT WELL MADE CARS.
Sep 27, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
VEHICLE WOULDN'T START, AND THE BATTERY DIED OUT. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOORBOARD. *AK
Sep 22, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I AM WELL AWARE OF OCASSIONAL PROBLEMS WITH NEW VEHICLES , I FEEL THAT SOME ONE MUST RECTIFY THIS SITUATION , I WOULD LIKE VERY MUCH TO BE A PART OF THIS . I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 3 MONTHS AND HAVE HAD MORE THAN MY SHARE OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR AND ATTITUDES FROM THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT HAVING THEM FIXED, I WOULD LIKE VERY MUCH TO BE CONTACTED BY A REPRESENTITIVE OF NHTSA JUST TO LET ME KNOW THAT ALL MY TIME WAS NOT WASTED WITH THIS QUESTIONAIRE, HOPEFULLY YOU CAN DO SOMETHING TO HELP ME AND MY FAMILY AND THE MANY OTHERS I HAVE TALKED TO THAT ARE HAVING THESE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR KIA'S SINCERELY , DONALD R LAVALLEE
Aug 10, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
NEW PROBLEMS ARISE WITH A BLACK, OILY, AND GREASY SOOT ALL OVER MY FRONT TIRES AND ALL OVER MY ENGINE. CAR PURCHASED BRAND NEW. HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A HEADACHE. DON'T BUY A KIA!
Jul 08, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
THE BRAKE ROTORS WARPED AFTER THE CAR WAS 6 MONTHS OLD CAUSING BRAKE PAD DAMAGE. THE WEATHER STRIPPING FELL OFF 2 TIMES AND HAS BEEN REPLACED, BUT IS BEGINNING TO FALL OFF AGAIN. THE LID ON THE CONSOLE BROKE A FEW MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP.IT HAS BEEN REPLACED, BUT STILL DOES NOT FIT RIGHT. THE POWER STEERING HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AFTER 4 MONTHS. THE PAINT IS PEELING ON THE BUMBER AND THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH SCRATCHES THE PAINT. THE DEALERSHIP HAS ALWAYS REPAIRED THE PROBLEMS UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER I CONTINUE TO HAVE PROBLEMS(I HAVE TO TAKE IT IN THIS MONTH). MY WARRANTY IS RUNNING OUT AND I AM WORRIED I HAVE A LEMON.
Jun 27, 1999
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
STARTER WON'T WORK, AND CONSUMER CAN'T START VEHICLE UP UNTIL THE THIRD TIME. ALSO, WINDSHIELD WIPER'S ARE WORKING INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. *AK
Apr 20, 1999
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1999 KIA Sephia have?
The 1999 KIA Sephia currently has 518 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 1999 KIA Sephia?
The most common problems reported for the 1999 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 1999 KIA Sephia problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1999 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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