80 of the
749 complaints about the 1999 KIA Sephia are about the
electrical system — 11% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
15,000 miles.
THIS CAR HAS BEEN A CONSTANT REPAIR AND FINANCIAL PROBLEM FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS STARTING TWO WEEKS AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR. IT IS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE AND CAN NOT BE KEPT MAINTAINED FOR SAFETY OR RELIABILITY IT WAS PURCHASED WITH 21000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND A MAJORITY OF REPAIRS HAS HAD TO BE FIXED. 4 STARTERS, IGNITION SWITCH, IGNITION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS (IGNITION STILL DOESN'T WORK), AIR BAG SENSOR, AIR BAG WIRING (AIR BAGS STILL DOES NOT WORK), ALTERNATOR, FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DRIVE AXEL BROKE WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, RIGHT PASSENGER BALL JOINT FELL OFF THE CAR WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, MASTER CYLINDER AND REAR BRAKE CYLINDER WENT OUT AT THE SAME TIME WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR, HEATER/AIR CONDITIONING MOTOR. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOWED 3 TIMES, AND HAS LEFT ME AND MY CHILDREN STRANDED TOO MANY TIMES TO COUNT. THE CAR IS STILL IN NEED OF MAJOR REPAIR. THE DRIVER REAR STABILIZER BUSHINGS NEED REPLACED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DRIVE AXEL NEEDS REPLACED, THE AIR BAGS STILL DO NOT WORK, THE IGNITION SWITCH STILL GETS STUCK AND WON'T TURN OVER, AND TWO WEEKS AGO A PISTON WAS THROWN THROUGH THE ENGINE AND CAUGHT THE CAR ON FIRE. THE CAR IS NOW PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY LEAVING ME STUCK WITH A CAR PAYMENT AND A CAR THAT IS NOT WORTH FIXING.
NHTSA complaint #10147054 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesChandler, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, APPROXIMATELY 70,00 MILES ON MY CAR, THE AC/HEATER FAN MOTOR WILL BLOW AIR INTERMITTENTLY, REGARDLESS OF THE FAN'S SPEED SETTING. EVENTUALLY, THE FAN STOPS BLOWING ALL TOGETHER. THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ON MY 1998 KIA SEPHIA AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #10135238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fall River, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
I AM UNABLE TO START MY CAR IN COLD WEATHER. ANYTIME IT GETS BELOW 30 DEGREES, THE CAR WILL CRANK AND NOT TURN OVER. I TRIED REPLACING THE BATTERY. THAT DID NOT WORK. THE CAR OTHERWISE STARTS IN WARMER WEATHER. THIS IS UNREASONABLE. I CAN'T BE STUCK IN THE WINTERTIME WITH THIS VEHICLE. I'VE HEARD THERE ARE OTHERS WHO HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. MAYBE YOU SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS AND MAYBE PROCESS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10109855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesWadley, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD REPEATEDLY. BATTERY LEAKED. BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR THE ENTIRE CAR AT 60,000 MILES. THE VENTS ON THE DASHBOARD HAVE POPPED UP AND BROKEN. NOW THE DEFROSTER DOES NOT BLOW THE AIR ON THE WINDSHIELD. THIS VEHICLE WAS STORED IN A GARAGE. THE SEAMS ON THE SEAT COME UNDONE. THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER BROKE AND FLOPS IN THE DASH. THE SWITCH TO OVERRIDE THE TRANSMISSION LOCK IS BROKEN. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT BROKE WHEN REPLACING THE STRUTS WHICH YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE BACK DASH TO GET TO. THE BOARD THAT IS UNDER THE CARPET IN THE TRUNK WARPED. THE CARPETS CAME UP FROM THE SIDES OF THE CAR. THE STORAGE BIN IN THE CENTER CONSOLE BROKE, TWICE. THE WIND SHIELD CHIPS AND ERRODES WHEN IN A CAR WASH. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A WINDSHIELD IN THIS BAD SHAPE BEFORE. THE BACK SEAT DOES NOT STAY DOWN. THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE A BAD SEAL AND THERE IS WATER NOW IN THEM. THE RUBBER AROUND THE DOORS COMES OUT REPEATEDLY. GEAR SHIFTER IS CONTINUALLY STUCK. BRAKES TAKE TWICE AS LONG TO STOP MY CAR AS ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. I HAVE TO DRIVE 2 & 1/2 HOURS TO GET REPAIRS. THE GAS MILAGE IS CLOSER TO 24 MPG THEN THE 35 THAT WAS MARKED ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. THERE ARE NOISES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT ARE LOUD AND UNPLEASANT. THERE IS A GROUND FAULT WIRE THAT IS BAD THEY WANT $75 AN HOUR MINIMUM OF 10 HOURS TO REPAIR IT. THE FUSE PANEL COVER BROKE. THE HEADLIGHTS CANNOT BE ALLIGNED.
NHTSA complaint #10093527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesWadley, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
THE CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD REPEATEDLY. BATTERY LEAKED. BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR THE ENTIRE CAR AT 60,000 MILES. THE VENTS ON THE DASHBOARD HAVE POPPED UP AND BROKEN. NOW THE DEFROSTER DOES NOT BLOW THE AIR ON THE WINDSHIELD. THIS VEHICLE WAS STORED IN A GARAGE. THE SEAMS ON THE SEAT COME UNDONE. THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER BROKE AND FLOPS IN THE DASH. THE SWITCH TO OVERRIDE THE TRANSMISSION LOCK IS BROKEN. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT BROKE WHEN REPLACING THE STRUTS WHICH YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE BACK DASH TO GET TO. THE BOARD THAT IS UNDER THE CARPET IN THE TRUNK WARPED. THE CARPETS CAME UP FROM THE SIDES OF THE CAR. THE STORAGE BIN IN THE CENTER CONSOLE BROKE, TWICE. THE WIND SHIELD CHIPS AND ERRODES WHEN IN A CAR WASH. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A WINDSHIELD IN THIS BAD SHAPE BEFORE. THE BACK SEAT DOES NOT STAY DOWN. THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE A BAD SEAL AND THERE IS WATER NOW IN THEM. THE RUBBER AROUND THE DOORS COMES OUT REPEATEDLY. GEAR SHIFTER IS CONTINUALLY STUCK. BRAKES TAKE TWICE AS LONG TO STOP MY CAR AS ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. I HAVE TO DRIVE 2 & 1/2 HOURS TO GET REPAIRS. THE GAS MILAGE IS CLOSER TO 24 MPG THEN THE 35 THAT WAS MARKED ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. THERE ARE NOISES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT ARE LOUD AND UNPLEASANT. THERE IS A GROUND FAULT WIRE THAT IS BAD THEY WANT $75 AN HOUR MINIMUM OF 10 HOURS TO REPAIR IT. THE FUSE PANEL COVER BROKE. THE HEADLIGHTS CANNOT BE ALLIGNED.
NHTSA complaint #10093527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesWadley, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
THE CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD REPEATEDLY. BATTERY LEAKED. BRAKES HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR THE ENTIRE CAR AT 60,000 MILES. THE VENTS ON THE DASHBOARD HAVE POPPED UP AND BROKEN. NOW THE DEFROSTER DOES NOT BLOW THE AIR ON THE WINDSHIELD. THIS VEHICLE WAS STORED IN A GARAGE. THE SEAMS ON THE SEAT COME UNDONE. THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER BROKE AND FLOPS IN THE DASH. THE SWITCH TO OVERRIDE THE TRANSMISSION LOCK IS BROKEN. THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT BROKE WHEN REPLACING THE STRUTS WHICH YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THE BACK DASH TO GET TO. THE BOARD THAT IS UNDER THE CARPET IN THE TRUNK WARPED. THE CARPETS CAME UP FROM THE SIDES OF THE CAR. THE STORAGE BIN IN THE CENTER CONSOLE BROKE, TWICE. THE WIND SHIELD CHIPS AND ERRODES WHEN IN A CAR WASH. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A WINDSHIELD IN THIS BAD SHAPE BEFORE. THE BACK SEAT DOES NOT STAY DOWN. THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE A BAD SEAL AND THERE IS WATER NOW IN THEM. THE RUBBER AROUND THE DOORS COMES OUT REPEATEDLY. GEAR SHIFTER IS CONTINUALLY STUCK. BRAKES TAKE TWICE AS LONG TO STOP MY CAR AS ANY OTHER VEHICLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. I HAVE TO DRIVE 2 & 1/2 HOURS TO GET REPAIRS. THE GAS MILAGE IS CLOSER TO 24 MPG THEN THE 35 THAT WAS MARKED ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. THERE ARE NOISES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAT ARE LOUD AND UNPLEASANT. THERE IS A GROUND FAULT WIRE THAT IS BAD THEY WANT $75 AN HOUR MINIMUM OF 10 HOURS TO REPAIR IT. THE FUSE PANEL COVER BROKE. THE HEADLIGHTS CANNOT BE ALLIGNED.
NHTSA complaint #10093527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hyattsville, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WHILE IN THE STREET VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND THE KEY WAS TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THEN, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED. FLOOR MANAGER INDICATED TO THE CONSUMER THERE WAS NOTHING WE COULD DO.
NHTSA complaint #10080194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Combes, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE THE MOTOR REBUILT. *PH THE ENGINE WAS REBUILT BECAUSE THE ENGINE KEPT OVERHEATING. NOW THE TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BUT THE CONSUMER CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAIR IT. THE STARTER WAS ALSO REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10071557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West DES Moines, IA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
THE VEHICLE HAD NUMEROUS RECALLS AND PROBLEMS. WHEN THE CONSUMER PUT FUEL IN THE VEHICLE IT LEAKED OUT. WHEN IT DID HIT SHE HAD TO PLAY AROUND WITH IT, UNTIL THE NOZZLE WAS IN THE TANK JUST RIGHT, THEN IT WOULD TAKE THE FUEL. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, AND ROTORS WEARING OUT TOO QUICKLY AND THE MASTER CYLINDER WAS CRACKED AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE IN THE REPAIR SHOP AT LEAST 10 TIMES AND NEEDED TO BE RETURNED TO THE REPAIR SHOP. *AK THE FUEL TANK PROBLEM HAD BEEN WORKED ON FOUR TIMES AND STILL WAS NOT FIXED. THERE WERE GEAR SHIFT PROBLEMS WHERE THE SHIFTER WOULD STICK, MULTIPLE WIRING CONSOLE LIGHT PROBLEMS, THE WIPER BLADE LINKS WERE DEFECTIVE AND CAUSED THE BLADE TO COME APART. *SCC *JB REFERENCED IN RQ03-006
NHTSA complaint #10024509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesWest Creek, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
KIA SEPHIA, BOUGHT APRIL 1999 NEW. REPLACED BATTERY WITHIN FIRST YEAR, TURN RADIO UP IT GOES DOWN AND THE OTHER WAY. INTERMITTENTLY, SPEEDOMETER UNSTEADY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF FREQUENTLY. OD OFF LIGHT FLASHES OCCASIONALLY. DOME LIGHT COMES ON BY ITSELF WHEN IN DOOR MODE. DASHBOARD INDICATOR ALSO COMES ON AT THIS TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10018880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monteca, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING BEING LOOSE. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #567639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Minister, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
ALL INDICATOR LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENTAL PANEL COME ON AND STAY ON AT DIFFERENT TIMES. CONTACTED DEALER. THIS COULD BE AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHORT. HAD DIFFERENT PART REPLACED, PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRED.
NHTSA complaint #8016057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Weymouth, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
THIS CAR HAS SO MANY PROBLEMS THEY CANT ALL BE LISTED.THE BATTERY MELTED,THE TIRES WONT STAY INFLATED PROPERLY, THE A/C BROKE,THE CRUISE CONTROL BROKE, JUST TO NAME A FEW. THE CAR SHAKES IF YOU GO OVER 60 AND THE DEALER CHARGED ME TO ALIGN THE FRONT END,TOLD ME IT NEEDED TO BE DONE EVERY 6 MONTHS.ALSO SAID I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THE BATTERY WOULD MELT,ITS KOREAN.
NHTSA complaint #762823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE, ARCING BETWEEN A BATTERY CABLE AND THE TRANSMISSION FILLER TUBE, CLAIM 25-5462-211. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #6900584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INSURED STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE BETWEEN A BATTERY CABLE AND THE TRANSMISSION FILLER TUBE. CLAIM NUMBER 25-5462-211.
NHTSA complaint #6900908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE STALLS, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE BATTERY, FUSE BOX, AND THE FUEL PUMP, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, DEALER REPLACED THE FUSE BOX, STALLING COULD POSSIBLY BE DUE TO FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #563703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Pierce, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NEIGHBOR CALLED CONSUMER AND STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE, INVESTIGATOR FEELS FIRE WAS CAUSED BY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, CLAIM 59-V593-419. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #6900587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lithia Springs, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CONSUMER STATED THEY HAD RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING A WIRING PROBLEM AND HAD THE RECALL WORK PERFORMED AT THE DEALERSHIP, VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CLAIM 11-3544-661. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #6900589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lithia Springs, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
INSURED STATED THAT THEY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING A WIRING PROBLEM, THE WORK WAS PERFORMED AT THE DEALERSHIP, POSSIBLE FIRE. CLAIM NUMBER 11-3544-661.
NHTSA complaint #6900913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Pierce, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHILCE CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE INVESTIGATOR THINKS IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. CLAIM NUMBER 59-V593-419.
NHTSA complaint #6900911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lauderdale Lake, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
BATTERY IS CONSTANTLY BEING DRAINED, HAS BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES SINCE PURCHASE. DEALER STATED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #8008867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lithia Springs, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
INSURED STATED THAT THEY RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING A WIRING PROBLEM, THE WORK WAS PERFORMED AT THE DEALERSHIP, POSSIBLE FIRE. CLAIM NUMBER 11-3544-661.
NHTSA complaint #6900913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Pierce, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHILCE CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE INVESTIGATOR THINKS IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. CLAIM NUMBER 59-V593-419.
NHTSA complaint #6900911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Pierce, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHILCE CAUGHT ON FIRE, THE INVESTIGATOR THINKS IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. CLAIM NUMBER 59-V593-419.
NHTSA complaint #6900911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INSURED STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE BETWEEN A BATTERY CABLE AND THE TRANSMISSION FILLER TUBE. CLAIM NUMBER 25-5462-211.
NHTSA complaint #6900908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waco, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
CONSUMER STATES WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE SPEED DECREASES INSTEAD OF INCREASING. REPLACED PARTS 4 TIMES. PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. NLMVEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED FOR WIRING HARNESS AND SENSOR FAILURE, THE TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID IS BURNT AND IT IS LEAKING FLUID AT THE SHIFT SHAFT (CONSUMER WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION), THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES DUE TO THE HOLD UNIT NOT BEING APPLIED.
NHTSA complaint #8008117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #760489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blacksburg, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WIRING UNDER HOOD GOT SO HOT THAT IT MELTED ALL OF WIRING UNDER THE HOOD AND TAIL LIGHT. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE MAIN HARNESS. IT ALSO MELTED COMPUTER IN THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #8006938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blacksburg, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
WIRING UNDER HOOD GOT SO HOT THAT IT MELTED ALL OF WIRING UNDER THE HOOD AND TAIL LIGHT. CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE MAIN HARNESS. IT ALSO MELTED COMPUTER IN THE CAR.
NHTSA complaint #8006938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hollywood, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
SINCE WE BOUGHT THE CAR WE HAD A RECALL ON JANUARY OF 2000 FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.AFTER THAT WE HAD PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE LIGHT GOING ON THAT WAS DUE TO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS,WISH IN FACT HAD TO BE REPAIR TWICE AND REPLACE ONCE.ALSO AIR BAG LIGHT TURN ON DUE TO ALTERNATOR PROBLEM ON 02/05/2002,ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACE.I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RESOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE OF THE MATTER OF FACT THE CAR SHOULB BE UNDER THE LEMON LAW.THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #758552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.