47 of the
994 complaints about the 1998 KIA Sephia are about the
glass, mirrors and wipers — 5% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
34,915 miles.
A
47
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Windshield Wiper/Washer
1531.9%
Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
714.9%
Linkages
612.8%
Windshield
48.5%
Motor
48.5%
Glass, Side/Rear
24.3%
Fan/Motor
24.3%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
12.1%
Heater Core
12.1%
Interior
12.1%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers across every KIA Sephia year
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 KIA SEPHIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE ACTIVATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THE WIPER SCRATCHED THE WINDSHIELD AND DID NOT CLEAR THE RAIN. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V271000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
NHTSA complaint #10508669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
DEAR SIR: KIA SEPHIA 1998 HAS SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS WHICH NEVER BEEN REPORTED. MY CAR (VIN# [XXX]; 52,000 MILES) HAS (1) AN OIL LEAK FROM THE ENGINE HEAD (VALVE COVER) GASKET, WHICH CAN POTENTIALLY CREATE A FIRE, AND IT HAS (2) VERY PURE AIR FLOW ON THE WINDSHIELD WHICH REDUCE MY DRIVING VISABILITY DUE TO FOG ACCUMULATION INSIDE OF THE WIENDSHIELD. BOTH CONDITIONS ARE VERY DANGEROUS AND MAY LEAD TO A CAR CRASH. PLEASE INFORM KIA MANUFACTURING CORPORATION THAT THESE DEFICIENCIES SHOULD BE FIXED FOR FREE. THANKS! SINCERELY, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] *AK UPDATED 07/26/2012
NHTSA complaint #10052538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 19,830 milesGreenville, SC
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
PRE OWNED VEHICLE PURCHASED IN VERY GOOD CONDITION AND STILL IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. AT PURCHASE FRONT OF DASHBOARD WAS SLIGHTLY WARPED. SINCE PURCHASE, FRONT OF DASHBOARD HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY WARPED, DEFROST VENTS ARE SEVERELY CRACKED, CAUSING FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFROST NOT TO FUNCTION PROPERLY.
NHTSA complaint #10008300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesPlainville, CT
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
WHILE IN MOTION, THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW CRACKED IN TO VERY SMALL PIECES. *JG
NHTSA complaint #10001482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, OH
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
THE PASSENGER AIR VENTS ARE BROKEN.
NHTSA complaint #562464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monsui, NY
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CAME LOOSE WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. CONTACTED DEALER . PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #897069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami, FL
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
GLOGGED NOZZLE CAUSED THE WASHER TO BE INOPERTIVE, THE NOZZLES WERE ALSO MISADJUSTED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #562408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monsey, NYCrash
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
IN 2 YEARS I HAD TO GET A NEW TRANSMISSION, REPLACE MY BRAKES 6 TIMES, SERVICE ENGINE PROBLEMS 7 TIMES, FUEL PUMP, 8 RECALLS, WIPERS, NEW TIRES, AND MANY OTHER PROBLEMS... COPIES OF REPAIRS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. I HAVE ALSO BEEN DISCRIMINATED AGAINST BY THE DEALER MANY TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #746288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Erlanger, KY
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
A/C AND DEFROST DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY. NLM
NHTSA complaint #783940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsfield, MA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
SIGNAL LIGHTS FAIL TO WORK PROPERLY WHEN IN USE DURING COLD WEATHER FOR 15 MINUTES OR SO. SOMETIMES THIS HAPPENS WHEN IT'S RAINING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY FAILURES SINCE. SEAT BELTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES. WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL. HEAD GASKET REPLACED AT 3500 MILES. MOLDING ON THE DOORS FELL OFF AND WAS REPLACED. TAILPIPE WAS REPLACED DUE TO EXCESSIVE EXHAUST FUMES. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #876173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glenville, PA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
DRIVER SIDE WIPER LINK FALLS OFF WHEN WINDSHIELD GETS ALITTLE DRY & WIPERS START TO DRAG
NHTSA complaint #730184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glenville, PA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
DRIVER SIDE WIPER LINK FALLS OFF WHEN WINDSHIELD GETS ALITTLE DRY & WIPERS START TO DRAG
NHTSA complaint #730184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Drummond, MT
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
DEALER REFUSES TO PERFORM RECALL REPAIR (99V-271) OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BECAUSE CONSUMER INSTALLED AFTER MARKET BLADES. NLM
NHTSA complaint #550020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allentown, PA
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
PREMATURE WEAR OF BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. DEALER HAS REPAIRED AND REPLACED THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES.*AK IN ADDITION HEATER CORE, ALTERNATOR, STARTER,SPARK PLUGS, FRONT WINDSHIELD AND DOOR WEATHER STRIPS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #869138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PREMATURE WEAR OF BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. DEALER HAS REPAIRED AND REPLACED THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES.*AK IN ADDITION HEATER CORE, ALTERNATOR, STARTER,SPARK PLUGS, FRONT WINDSHIELD AND DOOR WEATHER STRIPS FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #869138 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, OH
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #784683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FAN MOTOR FAILED CAUSING THE CUSTOMER TO SMELL A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX AND UNDER THE HOOD. NLM
NHTSA complaint #552299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WIPERS FAILED. YH
NHTSA complaint #551951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vernon, NJ
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES FAILED. YH
NHTSA complaint #551826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tyler, TX
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 99V271000/WINDSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE PIVOT DRIVE. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP FOR APPOINTMENT. WAS INFORMED NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. WOULD CALL WHEN PARTS WERE IN.
NHTSA complaint #859834 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
RECALLED WINDSHIELD WIPER REPAIR COMPLETED HOWEVER CONSUMER FEELS THEY STILL DON'T OPERATE PROPERLY. NLM
NHTSA complaint #550983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Portland, OR
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:INTERIOR
REAR VIEW MIRROR BROKE OFF. YH
NHTSA complaint #551042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newbriaton, PA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
CAR NEEDS FRONT AXLES. ALSO, MOTOR MOUNTS WERE REPLACED ALONG WITH FLYWHEEL AND FUEL PUMP. IN ADDITION, CONSUMER JUST RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE 99V271/ WINSHIELD WIPER LINKAGE. CAR IS 1 YEAR OLD AND HAS 26000 MILES, OWNER HAS ALREADY EXPERIENCED MANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. *AK
NHTSA complaint #858186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norcross, GA
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
SINCE THE TIME THAT I HAVE PURCHASED THIS CAR IT HAS BEEN FALLING APART. THE CAR IS CONSTANTLY SHUTTING DOWN OR IT JUST WON'T START. AT THIS PRESENT TIME MY CAR IS SITTTING AT STONEMOUNTAIN KIA WHEREAS IT IS IN NEED A THIRD BATTERY ALL WITHIN LESS THAN A YEARS TIME. EVENTHOUGH THEY KNOW THE DANGEROUS HISTORY OF THIS CAR THAT I PURCHASED NEW, THEY CONTINUALLY RETURN THE CAR TO ME WITHOUT DOING A SAFETY CHECK. I HAVE HAD MY CAR TOWED TO THEIR LOCATION SEVERAL TIMES IN THE SAME WEEK BECAUSE THEY HAVE FELLED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. ONCE AGAIN MY CAR IS CONTINUALLY SUFFERING FROM THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT ARE CONTINUING TO GROW WORST. THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM FAILS TO WORK PROPERLY. THE DRIVESHAFT IS ALWAYS STICKING IN THE GEARS. THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUALLY BLINK AND STAY ON FOR PERIODS AT A TIME. THE EXHAUST STILL MAKING LOUD NOISE THAT I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT SINCE I BROUGHT THE CAR. THE ENGINE JERKS AND THE CAR IS BURNING A LOT OF GAS. THE BATTERY ACID CONTINUES TO LEAK OUT INTO THE CAR. THE AIR VENTS BROKE JUST FROM A SLIGHT TOUCH AND SO DID THE KNOB THAT CONTROL THE AIR CIRCULATION. THE CAR IS CONSTANTLY STALLING. THE CAR SHAKES BADLY WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKES. FIRESTONE REFUSES TO WORK ON KIA'S BECAUSE THEY ARE AWARE OF ALL THE FAULTY SYSTEM PERTAINING TO KIA'S. LATION
NHTSA complaint #719814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monroe, NY
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WASHER NOZZLE FAILED. NLM
NHTSA complaint #550293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wills Point, TX
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL LETTER 99V271000 FOR A WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR. DEALER HAS NOT RECEIVED THE CORRECTION PARTS.
NHTSA complaint #856350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dallas, TX
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD SPRAYER FAILED. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #550399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manalapan, NJ
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
DEFROSTER DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #718002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reading, PA
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE NOT ATTACHED PROPERLY. NLM
NHTSA complaint #550349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:SWITCH/WIRING
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICES 99V318000 AND 99V271000. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS YET TO TAKE CARE OF THE RECALLS. ALSO, DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS.
NHTSA complaint #855082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.