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.
ODI #765565 (continued) I forgot to advise that this new disc brake & new rotors will cost $150 before any labor costs are added onto the bill. Again--why must the consumer pay for this design flaw. I bought a new 1979 Ford fiesta which also had a brake design flaw & that was a recall. And can you please find a way to notify the public to file these complaints so that you can investigate these matters & address them properly. I happened on this website by accident because I didn't know that I could request an investigation. Thank you for your time and effort.
ODI #765565 (continued) I forgot to advise that this new disc brake & new rotors will cost $150 before any labor costs are added onto the bill. Again--why must the consumer pay for this design flaw. I bought a new 1979 Ford fiesta which also had a brake design flaw & that was a recall. And can you please find a way to notify the public to file these complaints so that you can investigate these matters & address them properly. I happened on this website by accident because I didn't know that I could request an investigation. Thank you for your time and effort.
Tried to get disc brakes replaced today--Kia has changed the disc pads & rotors because the original ones are of poor design"? why isn't this a recall?? I knew at about 6000 mi that there was a problem with the brakes. Plus an online forum made comments about these brakes numerous times. The insurance industry rated this car poorly (because of the brakes") I can't even buy the original brake disc pads because Kia has recalled them from the dealers. Why isn't this a recall. Why must the consumer pay for this design defect??
- New Hyde Park, NY, USA
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The rotors on the front of the car were brought to my attention on 2/15/2002. I had taken my car in for 30,000 mile service check. The service person said my brake pads needed to be replaced, but I to also had to get new rotors for the car too. Kia is no longer making the pads for my 1999 Kia Sephia orginal rotor because as stated my the repre at leith car dealership" the rotors were found to have flaws and Kia had replaced the old type with a new design. My concern is, if Kia knows the original rotor have design flaw, should have to do a recall on those vehicles that have these old rotors. I have spoken to the customer care with Kia at 1-800-333-4542. He said not could be done because it is part of the brake system. I just wanted NHTSA to have this on record. Thank you. Jason wynn (919) 752-0023.
There have been no accidents due to this problem, however, we have had to have the pads and rotors replaced 5 times due to wearing of the pads, and warping of the rotors. The company has offered an extended warranty if we sign a release freeing them from any liability for the car other than warranty replacement parts and labor past, present or future, or resposibility for injkuries or property damage.
I am the owner of a 1999 Kia Sephia, which I purchased brand new in August of 99. At 14,843 miles, I experienced serious problems with the brakes. When the brakes are applied at 35 mph, the front of the car and the steering wheel would shake out of control when coming to a stop. The brake pads and rotors were replaced at 14,843, by a certified Kia mechanic. Soon after, on a separate occasion, my vehicle was brought in for repairs to the same mechanic for the same problem. In July of 2001, I experienced the same problem for the 3rd time.the vehicle was brought in for repairs to the same Kia mechanic and the pads were replaced. On 25 Oct 01, I brought my car in again to the same Kia mechanic to tend to the same brake problem. The service director, stated that the brakes would be adjusted and that the rotors would once again be repalced. The general manager, service director and the owner were all notified, via certified letters, regarding the defective brake problem which I have experienced for the past two years. I also contacted Kia motors of America, Consumer Affairs office, of the existing problems to my vehicle's braking system. I was assured by all relevant parties involved, that this is considered normal wear-and-tear. The brake system in my vehicle is very unreliable and defective. The manufacturer insists that the brakes in my vehicle are safe and that my car would not be repurchsed due to monal were and tear to the brakes. I am the owner of another make and model vehicle which is 12 years old. The 12 year old vehicle has not required a brake repair in over 4 years. My Kia is used to drive to-and-from work approx. 4 miles from home. Occasoinally, the car is driven on short trips, but it is evident from the current mileage that the car is not overdriven. A reliable brake system should, on average, last longer than 6-12 months at a time. Quality craftsmanship was not a primary concern of Kia motors when desining their vehicles.
Consumer is replacing rotors and pads too often. Master cylinder has been changed, and brake fluid is leaking through cylinders. Every 900 miles they are being changed. Consumer is not sure why the brakes are having so many problems.
Excessive wear of brake pads and front brake rotors. Had to replace pads and front rotors on three separate occasions by dealer. Problem still reoccurring. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.
Brake system has been serviced by dealership five times within the last 2 years for excessive wear of brake pads and warped rotors. Dealership continued to perform service on vehicle. However, has not been able to effectively remedy problem. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Brakes seem to go out every 3,000 miles. Brakes have a grinding sound and the stopping distance has to be increased. Dealer stated wrong size brakes were made for vehicle and back brakes went out. Vehicle depended on front brakes. Consumer states that now the dealer wants her to pay for the brakes, dealer has replaced brake pads, rotors, and rear drums, pulsation also occurs. Engine light illuminated, dealer stated transmission needed replaced at 30758 miles. Excessive crank in the am, dealer performed wire harness campaign which was also causing lack of power. Squeal in steering, dealer replaced the steering pump and power steering belt.
On or about April 30, 2001 we experienced a brake problem. Upon notifying Kia, the service dept. Told S that our warranty was for 12 mth. Or 12,000 miles. We had passed both. We took the car to our mechanic to fix the brakes. He showed us the brake pad...bare, and the rotor was chewed up. He replaced the rotor on the driver side, as well as the brake pads on both the front areas. Thia was a total cost of $300. I have the rotor and pads. We again contacted Kia due to the fact that brakes should not wear out at 14000 miles, they had a rep tell us that they expect the brakes to go at 12000 miles or so. This is normal. Bologna... this is a safety issue, if my brakes fail...especially when my teenage sons are driving I will not be a happy camper. I want Kia to fix this problem. Period!
Brakes smell like burning plastic when applied going down a hill, brakes have been replaced on 4 separate occasions, 8-30-99, 11-29-99, 3-13-00 and 2-12-01.
Consumer has suffered with brake problems since vehicle was purchased. Consumer has replaced brakes/rotors and pads within 18 months. If dealer repairs brakes they will not issue a warranty. Warranty will be given if consumer pays for repairs. Dealer said warranty wasn't given because of type car it was.
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
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- Cayey, PR, USA