10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 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 brakes problems

brakes problem

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1998 Kia Sephia Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #36

May 271999

Sephia

  • miles

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

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

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #35

Dec 071999

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles
Brakes are terrible! front rotors and pads have ben replaced 5 times to date!!

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #34

Dec 071999

(reported on)

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving and when brakes were applied they felt funny. Vehicle would shake & take longer to stop. Took vehicle to dealership & the mechanic noticed the pads & shoes were worn & the rotors were warped. Brakes needed to be replaced. This has happened twice before.

- Greenbriar, TN, USA

problem #33

Nov 201999

(reported on)

Sephia 4WD

  • miles

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

Front brake pads and rotors need to be serviced every 6 months or 5,000 miles on this make and model car. I have been informed by Toyota of el cajon, Kia, and the Kia consumer relations department that this is a normal wear and tear issue with this car. I was not informed by Toyota of el cajon at the time of purchase that this was any issue, let alone a normal one. Nor was I told at the time of purchase that this maintenance parts replacement issue is not covered under retail extended warranty nor the dealer warranty. Please inform if this is acceptable, and if falls under defect or lemon law sections.

- San Diego, CA, USA

problem #32

Sep 041999

Sephia

  • miles
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.

- Davie, FL, USA

problem #31

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 #30

Jul 081998

Sephia

  • miles

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

Has been in 17 times and still need brakes and everything else. What a piece of junk !!manufactor refuses to honor warranty.

- New London, OH, USA

problem #29

Sep 151998

Sephia

  • miles
Ongoing problem with excessive wear of brake parts. On five occasions brake pads/rotors, and calipers have been replaced. Can NHTSA help to provide information concerning defective parts or erratic problem with brake system.

- Maldon, MA, USA

problem #28

Apr 091999

Sephia

  • miles
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.

- North Haledon, NJ, USA

problem #27

Apr 091999

Sephia

  • miles
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.

- North Haledon, NJ, USA

problem #26

Jan 111999

Sephia

  • miles

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

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.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #25

Dec 081998

Sephia

  • miles
Oh sirs, there are plenty more parts/components on this vehicle that has failed.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #24

Sep 161999

(reported on)

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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.

- Gloucester, MA, USA

problem #23

Aug 261999

Sephia

  • miles
In less than 6 months, I have had my vehichle in and have brake pads and rotors replaced. I have spoken to several people who own Sephia's, all have problems with the brakes. Each time I bring it in they say there was a problem and they now came out with this new pad. I feel very unsafe driving this vehicle. I have a 3 year old son who travels everywhere with me, and having bad brakes is real scary - not to mention an imposition when I do need to bring it in to be fixed.

- Melrose, MA, USA

problem #22

Jul 011998

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Disc brake failed.

- Laguna Hil, CA, USA

problem #21

Aug 161999

(reported on)

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Brake pads and rotors are prematurely wearing out. Complete brake system has been replaced 5 times.

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #20

Aug 051999

Sephia

  • miles
This wiil be the 3rd time in less than a year that the rotors have warped.

- Bloomingdale, NJ, USA

problem #19

May 221999

Sephia

  • miles
Brake rotors and pads needed to be repaired twice. Which caused extended stopping distance, and may have resulted in a a crash.

- Ellaville, GA, USA

problem #18

Apr 011999

Sephia

  • miles
Brakes wear out fast in front. When pedal is applied extended stopping distance occurs. Dealer contacted, and cannot remedy problem. Problem still exists. Three different instances. Provide further information.

- Brentwood, NY, USA

problem #17

Jul 301999

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles
When applying the brakes entire vehicle shakes or vibrates, and a noise occurs I front end of the vehicle, cause unknown.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

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