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.
Brakes were grinding. Took to dealer, and was informed that warranty on brakes had expired. Consumer took vehicle to another mechanic, and they cut rotors, and replaced front pads. Brakes were wearing too fast. Please provide any further infomation.
When applying brakes they squeal/ pulsate, and there is extended stopping distance. Dealer has replaced defective front rotors 4 times with new and improved rotors. Rear rotors were replaced 2 times. Rear wheel cylinder replaced once. Brakes have been squealing and pulsating again at this time.
I bought my Kia new. Since then, I have had 4 complete brake jobs done. Dealer says it's "normal" wear and tear, said they replaced my rotors on several occasions, yet the last time (6/01), they said my warranty ran out, and I have to pay to have inspected from them. When told of previous prob's with these brakes, they claim that Kia brake pads were bad, thus changing to the new version. Those failed also. They would not do job without me paying, so I had another private mechanic do the job. I had to have, the rear brake shoes, and left rear drum. This is after having my brakes done 3 X by the dealer. These cars give no warning at all, then wham, I have no brakes. I want a replacement car equivilant to mine but one that doesn't make me crazy wondering if my life as well as others are in danger due to crappy brakes Kia made! this is crazy..the dealer are all nice and stuff until my warrantee runs out, then I'm stuck. I'll have to work overtime in oder to keep having rotors replaced if this keeps up! the dealer said that "normal wear" for rotors is below 10K"??? my last car had one brake job done, and traded it for the Kia at 155K, with brakes!!! why isn't anyone doing anything about these brakes on these cars" tons of people have had problems (see consumer complaint listings), yet Kia says their cars are great? also, I have had multiple prob's with trunk not opening with key, door handles falling off, water retention in headlamp (replaced), dorm light not working (fixed), car doesn't always start (dealer can't find problem), constantly unalligned causing wear on tires, side view mirrors don't always work (manual/no problem found), car doesn't always start (no problem found), front seats don't always stay in the upward position (no prob upon arrival at dealer). I think these are all of the problems...I have figured out that buying a new car isn't worth it. I would never recommend a Kia to anyone! I can't even sell my car...nobody wants it!
Vehicle has been examined by the dealership approximately 9 to 10 times for brake problems, and replacement of the brake pads and rotors. Dealership continues to replace components, but has failed to remedy problem. Consumer replaced last set of brakes around 7-10-01 and now has approximately 375 miles and they are starting to warp again, dealer can not remedy problem.
- Clever, MO, USA
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When driving steering will shakes and vibrate. Also, brakes pulsate. Consumer has contacted dealer approximately five times. Dealer has replaced brake pads/drums and rotors, problem still occurs.
When consumerattempts to apply brakes brake pedal will go to the floor, and must be pumped in order to bring vehicle to a stop. Dealership has replaced rotors/ pads, and other components. Defect is still present in vehicle. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
I have had this car in several times for the braking system, and have been told variable things, such as the problem is fixed we now have Honda brakes on this vehicle, to it's not covered because it the way you drive after just having the rotors and pads replaced 2000 miles ago 2 times in a row.
Numberous problems - not starting/ brakes need to be replaced several times/ shimmies between 15-45 mph, I had to have my tires replaced prematurly/ has horrible rattle/gas tank spilling gas and gas never showing full/dealer never cooperative can never find problem until a recall or car has to be towed. They had my car for 6 weeks and couldn't figure out what was causing shimmy problem it has been almost a year. I am about to contact attorney to sue dealer and manufacture. Please do something about these cars they are a hazard to the consumer!!!!
The complaint I would like to make is that, I had to replace my front brakes and roters shortly after getting my 98 Kia Sephia. I had shaking in the steering wheel because the factory rotars and pads were worn out. I was in an accident before they were fixed. I attempted to stop behind someone and my car slid into theirs. I also just recently had to have my front brakes done again and I have only had the car for about 2.5 years.
I bought the car with 7000 miles on it, it has needed 4 brake jobs (every 7K -front then rear then front then rear) in the 28K that I've owned it. The rear brakes do not engage so the front brakes wear out. I had it put on a rack and someone step on the brake pedal, the rear tires could be turned easily. With strong pressure on the pedal, the rear tires were hard to move, but still could be moved by hand. The 2X the rear brakes were serviced, the cylinders had cracked and leaked. A friend has suggested this means the hydraulic pressure is going into the cylinders but they were a 'bad casting' and the pressure isn't pushing the pistons out, but eventually causes them to crack. 09/18/00 a flexplate in the transmission needed to be replaced. Less than 6 weeks later, the car went out of gear as I pulled into an intersection. It could not be driven. It was towed to the dealership and they replaced the transmission, drive shaft, and front axle on the car.
While driving at 35 mph consumer tried to put on brakes and steering wheel was almost ripped out of driver's hand. Rotors were bad, causing vibration. Brake pedal went to the floor, no brakes. Dealer fixed rotors and brakes. However, on Oct 3, 2000 brakes failed again.
Within 35,000 miles, my 1998 Kia Sephia ls has had the front brakes replaced twice (rotors, calipers and pads the first time, rotors and pads the second time). According to the service technician, the design of the rotors is the problem.... they are too.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Braintree, MA, USA