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.

1997 Kia Sephia transmission problems

transmission problem

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1997 Kia Sephia Owner Comments

problem #17

Dec 012002

Sephia

  • miles

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

Consumer states that without warning transmission shifts into overdrive, downshifts and lurches forward excessively. Consumer had transmission and computer command chip replaced at 18K miles. Problem still exists.

- Sullivan, ME, USA

problem #16

Dec 032002

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles
Consumer had problems with transmission. While driving vehicle will switch gear on its own, putting it into neutral. Dealer was contacted, and stated that they wanted to sell them something else.

- Bangor, MN, USA

problem #15

Dec 012001

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving at any speed, vehicle completely shutsdown without warning, dealer has yet to be contatced. Consumer said when he purchased the vehicle engine light was on and engine shuts off whenever stopping, took back to dealer many times for repair, vehicle is experiencing the same problem. Consumer also stated the speedometer is acting erractically, the overdrive light has illuminated.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #14

Aug 292001

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles

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

Transmission- drove car to dealer because of suspected axel problem(reacurring), was unable to drive it out of dealership, they replaced axel (3rd time) then said it was transmission problem. I told them not to do transmission work, they removed new axel( said it wasn't defective after all) had car towed at my expense from dealership. Axel was replaced 1st time, broke within 30 days, repaired again. 11 months later started having same problem. Brakes replaced 3 times. Tires replaced 3 times in 3 years.

- Boynton Beach, FL, USA

problem #13

Jan 252001

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving about any mph vehicle will suddenly accelerate without a prior warning.consumer will step on brakes pedal to stop acceleration, but vehicle will not stop, and concerned about fact of an accident. Transmission failed. Brakes make noise due to rotor failure. Wiper blades failed. Battery failed.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #12

Oct 011998

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
At various speeds overdrive light flashes off and loses power. Dealer has inspected vehicle several times, and have not been able to duplicate problem. After the 7th time dealer replaced the throttle sensor and the car is running fine.

- Pocono Summit, PA, USA

problem #11

Aug 242000

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles

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

While driving differential went out/ digital laser failed to work on cd panel/ power window electrical switch stopped working, and engine check light came on & did not go off. Dashboard covering was separating from window. There was water in the headlights, and battery would go dead. Took vehicle to dealer. Vehicle needed alignment due to problem with transmission & the brake assembly needed replacing due to excessive wear.

- Jackson, MS, USA

problem #10

May 022000

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission was replaced twice/ the engine seized at 30000 miles/ the brakes warped three times and were replaced 3 times/ the windows are hard to open and close/ the brake pedal is extremely low.

- Staten Island, NY, USA

problem #9

Mar 032000

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle stalls while changing gears. Also, steering wheel locks up, causing consumer to lose control.

- Gilroy, CA, USA

problem #8

May 281998

Sephia

  • miles
The check engine light came on and I had transaxle problems getting the car in gear. I also had problems getting keys from ignition switch part took two weeks and was relaced at dealership

- Taneytown, MD, USA

problem #7

Mar 141998

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

The brakes and rotors were excessively worn outand replaced twice. Tansmission faild causing, loud knocking noise and new transmission was replaced. Left axle failed and replaced. The battery went out. The vehicle failed to start.

- Danville, VA, USA

problem #6

Aug 241999

(reported on)

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving vehicle overdrive light comes on, and vehicles engine stalls. This happens at any speed. Dealer can't find the solution.

- Gilbert, AZ, USA

problem #5

May 101999

(reported on)

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Intermittently the vehicle would not start. Also, dealer has replaced transmission and brake system. The manufacturer has been notified.

- Madison, FL, USA

problem #4

Oct 011998

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles
Transmission failed causing transmission to stick into first gear on occasions.

- Philadelph, PA, USA

problem #3

Jun 231997

Sephia

  • miles
The stick rod broke, causing the vehicle to not engage in gears. Consumer stated when traveling about 30 to 35 mph the cv joints broke, causing the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. Consumer has contacted the dealer.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #2

Apr 231996

Sephia

  • miles
Synchronizer for transmission failed. Also, wiring harness/vapor hose/air bag light malfunctioned.

- Ashburn, VA, USA

problem #1

Apr 231996

Sephia

  • miles
Synchronizer for transmission failed. Also, wiring harness/vapor hose/air bag light malfunctioned.

- Ashburn, VA, USA

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