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.
Consumer had to have the motor rebuilt. 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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
- Hummelstown, PA, USA
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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.
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.
While driving between 40-65mph transmission will downshift, and engine light will come on, making it hard for consumer to control vehicle. Dealer notified.
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.
While traveling and without any indication transmission hose bursted, causing transmission fluid to leak and spray on wires resulting in a fire. 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.
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.
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.
While driving transmission will jump out of gear. Dealer has inspected vehicle four times before correcting the problem. Since then, dealer has replaced transmission, but it has failed again. Please provide additional information.
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?
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.
This the third letter I have sent you. I want to complaint about my Kia, I can't take it anymore, this car is making me sick. This car has caused me many inconvinience from missing work, getting late to work, leaving early from work, my daughter had missed school, getting late to school, and plus a lot of headackes. This car its only two years old, its a new car, I'm still paying for this junk. And it does not qualify for the lemon law because the same thing had to happen in order to qualify, but the thing is that every time is a different problem and the botton line is that im driving a lemon and no one can help me. No safety defect listed.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Syracuse, NY, USA