10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Kia Sephia body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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1998 Kia Sephia Owner Comments

problem #8

Jan 042002

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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. 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.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #7

Sep 241999

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The glove box latch is loose. Nlm

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #6

Aug 102000

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles
Glove box and sunvisor fell off.

- Fairfield, OH, USA

problem #5

Aug 021999

Sephia

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Glove box latch fell out.

- Palmetto, FL, USA

problem #4

Jan 112000

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles
Glove compartment became detached. Nlm

- Reading, PA, USA

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problem #3

Aug 151998

Sephia

  • miles
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.

- Pompano Beach, FL, USA

problem #2

Nov 011998

Sephia

  • miles
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.

- Bedford Heights, OH, USA

problem #1

Mar 201999

Sephia 4WD

  • miles
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.

- Shadyside, OH, USA

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