Owners have filed 749 complaints
about the 1999 KIA Sephia with NHTSA between 1999 and 2020.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 98
Against the median year of the KIA Sephia. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
24.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 88
51% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
811.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
11.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2230.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
912.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1622.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
79.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
79.7%
150,000+ miles
22.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1999peak 37Feb 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 KIA Sephia
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA04007Opened 27 Feb 2004Closed 26 Jul 2004SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION
THE MANUFACTURER HAS INITIATED A SAFETY RELATED CAMPAIGN TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR CORRECTION OF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE DEFECT.THE CORRECTIVE ACTION IS TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELTS/BUCKLES.THIS SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM HAS BEEN ASSIGNED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO. 04V305.
EA04004Opened 3 Feb 2004Closed 29 Jul 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
REFUELING SPIT BACK
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR...
RQ03007Opened 14 Oct 2003Closed 27 Feb 2004SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION
INFORMATION RECEIVED AND ANALYZED DURING THIS RQ DISCLOSED THAT MY 1999 AND 2000 KIA SEPHIA AND SPORTAGE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH MODIFIED VERSIONS OF THE SAME SAFETY BELT LATCH ASSEMBLY AS THOSE RECALLED IN CAMPAIGN NO. 02V-216.THESE LATCH ASSEMBLIES WERE IDENTIFIED AS TYPE A97. ODI ANALYSES INDICATE A CONTINUING TREND OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOLLOWING A SERIES OF DESIGN MODIFICATIONS MADE BY KIA TO IMPROVE THE A97 LATCH ASSEMBLY.MY 2001 AND 2002 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH DIFFERENT DESIGN LATCH ASSEMBLIES (TYPE DB-6 OR AUTOLIV) AND EXHIBIT A MUCH LOWER COMPLAINT COUNT.THIS RQ HAS...
RQ03006Opened 15 Aug 2003Closed 3 Feb 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
REFUELING SPIT BACK
IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR V...
EA02016Opened 6 Aug 2002Closed 7 Oct 2003ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ODI GATHERED FIRE DATA FROM VARIOUS SOURCES AND INSPECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY STARTER CABLE CHAFING.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOUND THAT MOST OF THE SUSPECT FIRES OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD RECEIVED SERVICE REPAIRS IN THE AREA OF THE SUBJECT CABLE.CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA INDICATE THAT THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE HAS DECLINED SINCE A PEAK IN LATE 2001.THE MOST RECENT KNOWN EVENT OCCURRED IN NOVEMBER OF 2002. KIA WILL PERFORM A SERVICE CAMPAIGN BEGINNING IN LATE 2003 TO INSPECT SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO JANUARY 2000 FOR CAB...
PE02028Opened 6 Mar 2002Closed 6 Aug 2002ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERY CABLE CHAFING
PE00028Opened 12 Jul 2000Closed 7 Nov 2000POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE
THE OIL COOLER LINE ALLEGEDLY DEVELOPS LEAKS AT IT'S JUNCTION TO THE RADIATOR
EA00018Opened 29 Jun 2000Closed 29 Jul 2002EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TURN SIGHAL
Recalls on the 1999 KIA Sephia
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
04V305000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES MAY EMIT A "CLICK" SOUND DURING THE BUCKLING PROCESS THAT IS SIMILAR TO THE SOUND EMITTED WHEN A BUCKLE IS BEING LATCHED, WHEN IT IS NOT.
Risk: THE LATCH CAN THEN PULL OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN TENSION IS APPLIED.
00V175000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. MANUFACTURING CHANGES WERE MADE TO THE ORVR SPRING FORCE AND FLOAT WIRE LENGTH REDUCING THE VALVE ANGLE. CERTAIN VALVES CAUSED FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY.
Risk: THIS WOULD CAUSE CUSTOMERS TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK CAUSING FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK.
99V318000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FOR THE FUEL PUMP IS GROUNDED AT JUNCTION CONNECTOR G300. IF THE PIN TENSION IS POOR, OR THE BOLT SECURING THE CONNECTOR TO THE VEHICLE FLOOR IS NOT TIGHTENED SUFFICIENTLY, A POOR CONNECTION IS MADE. AS THE FUEL PUMP OPERATES, THE POOR CONNECTION CAN CREATE HEAT WHICH IN TURN INCREASES RESISTANCE. EVENTUALLY THE FUEL PUMP WILL NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH CURRENT TO OPERATE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
99V317000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE FUEL PUMP PASSES THROUGH THE C304 AND C305 CONNECTORS. IF EXPOSED TO MOISTURE, THESE CONNECTORS COULD CORRODE. OVER TIME, THE FUEL PUMP WILL NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH CURRENT TO OPERATE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
99V271000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BALL SOCKET ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINK MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE RESULTING IN THE LINK DISENGAGING FROM THE WIPER MOTOR DRIVE UNDER LOAD, SUCH AS PUSHING AGAINST ICE, SNOW OR OTHER RESISTANCE. ALSO THE WIPER ARM RETAINING NUT COULD BE INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED ALLOWING THE WIPER ARM TO SLIP AND/OR STOP FUNCTIONING.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE IMPAIRMENT OF VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Marietta, GACrashFire1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SEPHIA LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER IT WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL FLEW OFF AND THE REARVIEW MIRROR STRUCK HIM IN THE HEAD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, A FRACTURED STERNUM AND RIBS, AND A BROKEN LEFT ELBOW IN TWO PLACES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND POLICE AND FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 00V175000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL), 99V317000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP), AND 99V318000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP) WERE REFERENCED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10234504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSevierdille, TNCrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SEPHIA. SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, IT FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED. ONE MONTH LATER, WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND EVENTUALLY SHUT OFF. PRIOR TO SHUTTING OFF, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING ABILITY AND THE CONTACT STRUCK A CURB. THE CV AXLE JOINT WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10224672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSevierdille, TNCrash
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SEPHIA. SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, IT FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED. ONE MONTH LATER, WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND EVENTUALLY SHUT OFF. PRIOR TO SHUTTING OFF, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING ABILITY AND THE CONTACT STRUCK A CURB. THE CV AXLE JOINT WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10224672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,776 milesJonesboro, ARCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
HAVE REPLACED PADS AND TURNED ROTORS MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE MAY 07. IN MAY 08 MY ABS SYSTEM FAILED CAUSING A WRECK! HAD PADS REPLACED IN JANUARY 08.
NHTSA complaint #10224335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salinas, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
FAX ON BEHALF OF, RE AN ACCIDENT WITH HIS 1999 KIA SEPHIA THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE BACK BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. *KB
NHTSA complaint #10208320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salinas, CACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FAX ON BEHALF OF, RE AN ACCIDENT WITH HIS 1999 KIA SEPHIA THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE BACK BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. *KB
NHTSA complaint #10208320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 166,500 milesSitl, CO
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 75 MPH THE TOP LAYER OF THE HOOD (SKIN) SEPARATED FROM THE HOOD AND FLEW UPWARD INTO THE WINDSHIELD AND DETACHED ITSELF FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE DRIVERS VISION OF ROADWAY TO BE BLOCKED. ONCE IT DETACHED ITSELF CAUSING HIGH RISK OF SAFETY FOR OTHER DRIVERS BEHIND THE KIA SEPHIA.
NHTSA complaint #11306850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poplarville, MS
SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELTS WORK IMPROPERLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK, FUEL PUMP IS WORKING INEFFICIENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #10929466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poplarville, MS
VISIBILITY/WIPER
SEAT BELTS WORK IMPROPERLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK, FUEL PUMP IS WORKING INEFFICIENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #10929466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poplarville, MS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
SEAT BELTS WORK IMPROPERLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK, FUEL PUMP IS WORKING INEFFICIENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #10929466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesIrvine, CA
SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELT PATCH CLICKS BUT WILL COME LOOSE WITH TENSION. THIS IS THE SECOND RECALL NOTICE THAT HASN'T BEEN REPAIRED OR REPORTED BY KIA AFTER 17 YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10925281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesIrvine, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FILLED TANK & HAD OVERFLOWING SPILLAGE DOWN SIDE OF CAR (INDICATED VERY FULL TANK) FINISHED CLEANING UP EXCESS FUEL & TURN CAR ON BUT THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD ONLY READ 2/3 FULL, THEN NEEDLE ROSE TO 3/4- I JUST GOT THE CAR ON MONDAY 11/7/16 & THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW, ONCE WHEN LEAVING LA AFTER BUYING/TRANSFERRING TITLE & AGAIN TODAY. DECIDED TO GOOGLE THE 'SYMPTOM' & I'M SHOCKED THAT A 17-YEAR-OLD CAR FROM 1999 HAD RECALL RECORDS BUT WAS NEVER FIXED!!! PREVIOUS OWNER(S) WAS OLDER COUPLE THAT HAD BOUGHT IT FROM A DEALERSHIP & OWNED IT SINCE 2004. THE 17-YEAR-OLD '99 SEPHIA HAS ONLY 75K MILES ON ODOMETER AS OF NOVEMBER 2016 HOWEVER WAS NEVER REPAIRED UNDER RECALL ORDER.
NHTSA complaint #10925279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1990 KIA SEPHIA. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO MOVE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10809453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesMount Vernon, NY
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SEPHIA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVEN TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
NHTSA complaint #10733219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,000 milesKingsport, TN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SEPHIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 99V317000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP). HE WAS NOT EXPERIENCING ANY FAILURES AT THE TIME, BUT HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTORS. IN 2003 (THREE YEARS LATER), THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY STALL AT ANY SPEED. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED A NO START CONDITION. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED IN 2006. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR WAS CORRODED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AGAIN; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVES THAT THE RECALL REPAIR IS NOT THE CORRECT REMEDY BECAUSE THE CORROSION OCCURS EVERY THREE YEARS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 08/06/09.
NHTSA complaint #10277113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesHolland, MI
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
WHEN IT GETS COLD, ABOUT 20 DEGREES, THE FRONT DOORS WILL FREEZE OPEN. FOR INSTANCE, IN THE MORNING I WILL HAVE TO PULL ON THE DOOR HARD TO GET IT TO OPEN BECAUSE IT'S FROZEN AND THEN THE DOOR WILL STAY OPEN (THE LATCH WILL FREEZE) UNTIL IT GETS ABOVE 35 DEGREES. EVEN WITH THE HEAT GOING FOR OVER AN HOUR IT WILL NOT UNFREEZE. I HAVE TO HOLD THE DOOR CLOSED AS I DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10266203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesCanton, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SEPHIA. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS COMING APART FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR GUARDS WERE BEGINNING TO CRACK. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,030 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
NHTSA complaint #10246078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GACrashFire1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SEPHIA LS. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AFTER IT WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL FLEW OFF AND THE REARVIEW MIRROR STRUCK HIM IN THE HEAD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, A FRACTURED STERNUM AND RIBS, AND A BROKEN LEFT ELBOW IN TWO PLACES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND POLICE AND FIRE REPORTS WERE FILED. THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 00V175000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL), 99V317000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP), AND 99V318000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP) WERE REFERENCED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10234504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSevierdille, TNCrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SEPHIA. SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, IT FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED. ONE MONTH LATER, WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND EVENTUALLY SHUT OFF. PRIOR TO SHUTTING OFF, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING ABILITY AND THE CONTACT STRUCK A CURB. THE CV AXLE JOINT WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10224672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesSevierdille, TNCrash
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 KIA SEPHIA. SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, IT FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED. ONE MONTH LATER, WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPUTTER AND EVENTUALLY SHUT OFF. PRIOR TO SHUTTING OFF, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING ABILITY AND THE CONTACT STRUCK A CURB. THE CV AXLE JOINT WAS DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 147,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10224672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,776 milesJonesboro, ARCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
HAVE REPLACED PADS AND TURNED ROTORS MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE MAY 07. IN MAY 08 MY ABS SYSTEM FAILED CAUSING A WRECK! HAD PADS REPLACED IN JANUARY 08.
NHTSA complaint #10224335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salinas, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
FAX ON BEHALF OF, RE AN ACCIDENT WITH HIS 1999 KIA SEPHIA THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE BACK BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. *KB
NHTSA complaint #10208320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salinas, CACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
FAX ON BEHALF OF, RE AN ACCIDENT WITH HIS 1999 KIA SEPHIA THE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE BACK BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. *KB
NHTSA complaint #10208320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,805 milesSyracuse, NY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILURE 3 TIMES/ REPLACED 2 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10174116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Florissant, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
I OWN A 1999 KIA SEPHIA AND MY DAUGHTER USES IT AT SCHOOL. THE PROBLEM IS THAT KIA WILL NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY FOR THE REPAIR OF THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CASE REF NBR IS K1085742. MANY REASON WERE GIVEN, ALL RELATING TO A MANUAL ENGINE FLUSH, COOLANT FLUSH,ETC. MY RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THERE IS NO CORRELATION BETWEEN THE DEFECTIVE PART AND THE SELECTED MAINTENANCE ITEM. MY DAUGHTER SHOULD NOT HAVE PAID FOR THE CONVERTER. (ALSO THEY ARE ABOUT 50% OF THEIR COST ON THE OPEN MARKET).
NHTSA complaint #10171445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cadyville, NY
POWER TRAIN
1999 SEPHIA BRAKES, TRANSMISSION WERE REPLACED. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE EXHAUST SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TS THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINE THAT THERE WAS A SPLIT IN THE CENTERPIPE OF THE EXHAUST WHICH CAUSED IT TO BE LOUD. THE PART IS A PIECE OF FLEXIBLE HOUSING. THE PART COULD NOT BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY BUT THE CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE THE ENTIRE PIPE. THE PART WAS REPLACED BUT SPLIT AGAIN THREE MORE TIMES. *NM SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED AND GAS LEAKAGE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10159458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cadyville, NY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
1999 SEPHIA BRAKES, TRANSMISSION WERE REPLACED. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE EXHAUST SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TS THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINE THAT THERE WAS A SPLIT IN THE CENTERPIPE OF THE EXHAUST WHICH CAUSED IT TO BE LOUD. THE PART IS A PIECE OF FLEXIBLE HOUSING. THE PART COULD NOT BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY BUT THE CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE THE ENTIRE PIPE. THE PART WAS REPLACED BUT SPLIT AGAIN THREE MORE TIMES. *NM SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED AND GAS LEAKAGE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10159458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cadyville, NY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1999 SEPHIA BRAKES, TRANSMISSION WERE REPLACED. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE EXHAUST SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TS THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINE THAT THERE WAS A SPLIT IN THE CENTERPIPE OF THE EXHAUST WHICH CAUSED IT TO BE LOUD. THE PART IS A PIECE OF FLEXIBLE HOUSING. THE PART COULD NOT BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY BUT THE CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE THE ENTIRE PIPE. THE PART WAS REPLACED BUT SPLIT AGAIN THREE MORE TIMES. *NM SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED AND GAS LEAKAGE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10159458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cadyville, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1999 SEPHIA BRAKES, TRANSMISSION WERE REPLACED. CONSUMER FEELS THAT THE EXHAUST SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TS THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINE THAT THERE WAS A SPLIT IN THE CENTERPIPE OF THE EXHAUST WHICH CAUSED IT TO BE LOUD. THE PART IS A PIECE OF FLEXIBLE HOUSING. THE PART COULD NOT BE PURCHASED SEPARATELY BUT THE CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE THE ENTIRE PIPE. THE PART WAS REPLACED BUT SPLIT AGAIN THREE MORE TIMES. *NM SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED AND GAS LEAKAGE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #10159458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7 milesCoquille, OR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
THE HIGH BEAMS ARE NOT AIMED CORRECTLY. WHEN YOU TURN THE HIGH BEAMS ON THEY SHINE TO THE LEFT INTO THE ONCOMING LANE OF TRAFFIC. WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING AND HAVE THEM ON THE RIGHT HALF OF THE LANE YOU ARE IN THE DARK BECAUSE THE AIM OF THE HIGH BEAMS ARE OFF. IT IS VERY HARD TO SEE IF ANYTHING OR ANYONE IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND IT MAKES IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THE LANE WHEN YOU GO AROUND A RIGHT CORNER OR CURVE. I HAVE TOLD THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM DUE TO HOW THE HEADLAMPS WERE DESIGNED AND INSTALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10153385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7 milesCoquille, OR
STEERING
THERE IS SEVERE VIBRATION WHEN DRIVEN OVER 55 MPH. THERE IS ALSO LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL OVER 55 MPH, WHEN OVER 55 MPH AND YOU TRY TO GO AROUND A CURVE OR CORNER THE FRONT END FLOATS LIKE IT IS ON ICE AND THEN SUDDENLY GRABS ALLOWING YOU TO STEER THE VEHICLE. HAD THE FRONT TIRES CHECKED AND THEY ARE FINE. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW WITH ONLY 7 MILES ON IT IN 1999. THE PROBLEM HAS GOTTEN WORSE AND IS TO THE POINT THAT I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10153384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.