10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
12,500 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

problem #4

Dec 262002

Sephia 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

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

The brakes on this car are terrible! I have been in and out of the shop since this car was bought. I have had numerous pad and rotor replacements. I even got into a rear-end accident 1 1/2 years ago that I could have avoided with competent brakes. I now have to replace the drums and rear shoes because they have been working overtime to compensate for the poor front brakes. Thanks a bunch Kia! worst car I've ever driven.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #3

Jun 012001

Sephia 4WD

  • miles
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!

- Merrimac, MA, USA

problem #2

Jun 182001

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #1

Dec 211999

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles
When the transmission was in reverse, it would pop out of gear into neutral. Then vehicle would stop. Also, ABS brakes were replaced twice due to excessive wear to drums. Headlights would have condensation, and dashboard was replaced due to cracks. Vehicle now on third transmission and it still slips out of reverse when backing up.

- Ft Ritchey, FL, USA

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