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.

1998 Kia Sephia wheels / hubs problems

wheels / hubs problem

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1998 Kia Sephia Owner Comments

problem #5

Jan 152002

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles

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

My car has been in the shop ten times! I cannot specify a part, most parts have been repaired. When I say ten times, it is in the shop for the 10th time now but needs 8 different repairs. (not ten total repairs) as far as safety, the tires (different brands) have to be replaced every season... 2 sets a year! the brakes have been replaced twice. They checked out okay last time it was in, but they constanty shudder and grind, and have completely gone out. They also squeal very loud at about 60 mph while driving. Not sure if it is the brakes or tires. I just feel unsafe in my vehicle. It has been towed three times, leaving me stranded. My heater also quit working and I live in Alaska. I don't know if these are common problems, but I have never owned a vehicle that I felt so unsafe in. I also got into a car accident in 200, in which I was hit head on by an Explorer. I was driving about 25 mph and she was driving about 10 mph. It broke out my headlight, dented the hood up and put a hole in the bumper.... this much damage and the airbags never deployed! this was not called in to the police, I just let her go (it was her fault). I wish I had reported it.

- Wasilla, AK, USA

problem #4

Jan 042002

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles
While driving approximately 65 mph, hood released and smashed into windshield which blocked vision of driver, consumer felt problem was due to brake pads and rotors that cause severe vibration and had to be replaced frequently, there was no crash or injury to report when this incident occurred. Brakes would vibrate and were noisy, requested rear brakes be cleaned lubed, dealer found rotors warped and pads worn and excessive dust in rear brakes, numerous engine problems such as cooling fan rumble, check engine light on, engine stall, burning smell, belt squeaks, electric cooling fan inoperative, fan blade, plug wires and coil boots, valve cover gasket were replaced, evaporator was replaced and recharged, many electrical problems including ignition switch, starter, alternator, multifunction switch, battery terminal, and bulb failure, dealer has also found corrosion, poor connections and low voltage, consumer states numerous problems with shifter, harsh shifts and clunks, dealer replaced old style flex plate, binding shifter which was cleaned and lubed, fluid leaks, dealer replaced leaking power steering hose, multiple structural problems such as missing wiper arm cap, key will not open trunk, trunk lever does not release, broken trunk release handle, left rear door molding coming off, dealer replaced trunk release, reinstalled door weatherstrip, found oil leaks, and undercarriage showing signs of damage, bubbles in dash pad, sunvisor coming loose, dealer replaced dash pad, dealer found tail pipe damaged, both front aftermarket tires (no tire information) worn, left rear rim bent, rear tires (no tire information) cupped and feathered due to lack of rotation and alignment problems, consumer also requested dealer to check cv boots for grease leak, dealer found no problem.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #3

Feb 022000

Sephia

  • miles
When driving rear end slides from left to right. Also, tires are bald. Dealership is aware of problem.

- Akron, OH, USA

problem #2

Sep 272000

Sephia

  • miles
3 tires have slipped belts causing severe vibration and they require air routinely. (dot number: 85H tiresize: P185/65R14)

- Florissant, MO, USA

problem #1

Sep 091998

Sephia

  • miles
Got flat tire cause by tear and wear, replaced with all 4 new tires, engine started to make noise after 35000 mile, leaking oil or from brake fluid, pedal to floor to brake, early brake pads and rotor out of round, brake disc is still ok, brakes pads were fix twiced while still under warranty. Are they still covered if my car is at 39000 miles. Should the engine still is covered. Otherwise, everything of the car is excellent. Thank you.

- Arlington, MA, USA

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