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.

1999 Kia Sephia electrical problems

electrical problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1999 Kia Sephia:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

1999 Kia Sephia Owner Comments

problem #8

Aug 282001

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

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.

- Hialeah, FL, USA

problem #7

Aug 132001

(reported on)

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The car wouldn't start shortly after I bought it. It took several trips to the dealer in order for them to replace the starter. After the starter was replaced the problem continued and the flywheel was finally replaced. Approximately one week prior to receiving a recall notice on the wiper blades the wipers stopped working during heavy rain on a highway which almost caused me to get into an accident. I have had electrical problems such as the ceiling light going on and off whenever I turned corners. The car battery was even replaced after the new starter and flywheel were put in because the car still had problems starting. Recently the transmission had to be replaced. A week after the transmission was replaced the overdrive light and the engine light started blinking on and off. The car finally stalled and had to be towed. The car was given back to me and I was told that a gasket in the transmission was leaking. A week after that the over drive light and the engine light started flashing again and the car starting driving as if it was stuck in first gear. The car finally stalled again and wouldn't move.

- Hamden, CT, USA

problem #6

Jan 282001

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles
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

- Elmhurst, IL, USA

problem #5

Jan 052001

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles

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

In cold weather vehicle will not start nor will doors open. Also, while vehicle was being driven doors would unexpectedly open, cause unknown.

- White Field, NH, USA

problem #4

Aug 031999

Sephia

  • miles
Would be driving and vehicle stalled out. Then, would restart on its own. Cruise control remained unreliable. Brakes would not release cruise control when it was on. Took to dealership & mechanic replaced electrical wires. Also, exhaust system had holes in it & was leaking, and air conditioner was replaced due to compressor seizing up.

- Billings, MT, USA

problem #3

Jul 252000

Sephia

  • miles
Brake pads and rotors have been replaced 4 times in less than 1year and at 30,335 miles right now, service department fights with us each time we bring car in. Car does not start up right away, it turns a few times before it finally does, took to service department 2 times, they are unable to diagnose problem. When driving at times when you step on gas car hesitates to go, almost like it is out of gas, but it is not. After 2mths. Of using airconditioner this summer, it completely stopped working, took to service department, diagnosed with leaky "O" rings, they repaired under warranty. Rear doors when opening hit the edge of closed front doors, service department said they needed new door stoppers, haven't got them yet.

- Manassas, VA, USA

problem #2

Sep 251999

Sephia

  • miles
The brakes squeak and the pads were replaced at 1200 miles, the brakes failed again at 6600 miles the rotors were warped and the pads were worn and I returned the car to northwestern Dodge and Kia and they replaced the pads and machined the rotors, however the stering wheel shakes and vibrates when I drive on the expressway and the brakes are still grinding. The stering wheel and column vibrates and shakes when I drive at 50+ mph. At 6600 miles the check engine light illuminated and there is a burning smell. The car dies out when I am at a stand still for no reason and without any warning. I have to start the car at least 3 times before it turns over. Overall I would say that I am disappointed with the car and the moment that I can trade it in I plan to do so and I will advise anyone who is thinking about purchasing this car to not even consider a Kia (any model) because they are not well made cars.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #1

Jul 051999

Sephia

  • miles
While traveling 30mph vehicle completely shut down for no reason. There was no warning. Vehicle towed to dealer. Consume rwas informed by mechanic that electrical: Ignition: Coil had burned all the wires due to a manufacturer's defect.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

Not what you are looking for?