1998 KIA SEPHIA

6 recalls, 994 complaints - 24 TSBs

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.

Consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

189,706 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH

Defect Description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH 36,000 MILES OR LESS AS OF JULY 15, 2002, AN ELECTRICAL CONTACT PROBLEM MAY HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WHICH COULD RESULT IN INOPERATIVE HAZARD LIGHTS AND/OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNALS.

Consequence

THE LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS OR REAR HAZARD LAMPS COULD FAIL TO WARN A FOLLOWING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND/OR IS STOPPED AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 6, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

25,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

THIS WOULD CAUSE CUSTOMERS TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK CAUSING FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORVR VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 13, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

100,137 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING CONNECTORS AND REPOSITION THOSE CONNECTORS TO AN AREA WHERE THE PLACEMENT IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH MOISTURE.

102,944 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Defect Description

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 PO... Read more

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

THIS CORRECTIVE ACTION IS BEING PERFORMED IN CONJUNCTION WITH RECALL NO. 99V317.

102,944 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Defect Description

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 TIGH... Read more

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE IMPAIRMENT OF VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINK AND ALSO PROPERLY TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM RETAINING NUTS.

90,054 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Complaint Statistics

994 total complaints 61 crashes 24 fires 57 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC	76
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS	68
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	67
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR	57
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	46
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	37
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	29
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS	25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION	23
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	21

Incident date: Nov 11, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 KIA SEPHIA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 99V317000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICED FOR THE ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 16, 2009

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) HOW... Read more

Incident date: Jul 29, 2010

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 KIA SEPHIA. THE CONTACT WAS REVERSING FROM A PARKING SPACE WHEN HE HEARD AN UNUSUAL CLICK. THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO LOCK YET THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE WHEEL. HE PROCEEDED TO DRIVE TO HIS RESIDENCE AS THE STEERING BECAME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT. THE CONTACT NOTICE... Read more

Incident date: Dec 3, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 KIA SEPHIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE TO 50 MPH ON ITS OWN. THE DRIVER STATED THAT HE HAD TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL EXCESSIVELY IN ORDER TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 171,000. TH... Read more

Incident date: Jan 5, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 KIA SEPHIA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT HIS VEHICLE WOULD PERIODICALLY FAIL TO START. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP. A FEW WEEKS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MECHANIC CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP RELAY, BUT THE... Read more

Incident date: Apr 10, 2007

MY 1998 KIA SEPHIA REAR BRAKE PAD FELL OFF FELL OFF THE SHOE. APPARENTLY THEY ARE HELD ON BY GLUE. IT WAS REPLACED BUT I STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WHEN IT RAINS A LOT , THEY LOCK UP WHEN PARKED. I DON'T DARE USE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE BECAUSE THE BRAKES LOCK UP. *TR

Incident date: Jun 1, 2007

THE DASH BOARD IS CURLING UP AROUND THE FRONT WINDOW VENTS WHICH IS KICKING THE VENTS OUT. *TR

Incident date: Aug 21, 2007

THE AIRBAG IN MY DAUGHTERS KIA SEPHIA 1998 PASSENGER SIDE ONLY DEPLOYED WHILE SHE WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AND NO REASON FOR THE AIRBAG TO GO OFF. TOOK TO DEALSHIP FOR REVIEW AND WAS TOLD THAT THE EXPERT LOOKED AT THE CAR AND SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO AND NO IDEA WH... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Mar 26, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 KIA SEPHIA. A RELATIVE WAS DRIVING THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE AND HE SAW HIS BROTHER DRIVING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. HE SWERVED TO PLAY A GAME WITH HIS BROTHER, BUT INSTEAD HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVERS AIR BAG FAILED... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Mar 2, 1999

I BROUGHT A NEW KIA SEPHIA IN 1998, AND HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH IT! TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED 2 TIMES BY THE MECHANIC FOR KIA MOTORS, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN ON 7/2007. ALSO , THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES AND NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. NOW THE HEADLIGHTS KEEP TURNING OFF ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 2, 1999

Incident date: Oct 25, 2006

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN TRYING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC WITH THE 1998 KIA SOPHIA IT STALLED. WHEN THIS HAPPENED INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE STALLED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, AND SHE HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND RESTART IT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S CURRENT MI... Read more

Incident date: May 19, 2006

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 1998 KIA SEPHIA AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO STALL. SHE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. MY WIFE RAN AWAY FORM THE VEHICLE. THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS BURNED UP. *NM

Fire

Incident date: Jan 6, 2006

FLASHING OVERDRIVE DASH LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUALLY LIT DUE TO FAULTY PRESSURE SENSOR AT FUEL INJECTOR. *NM

Incident date: Jun 1, 2004

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 THING HAS HAPPENED WITH MY 1999 KIA SEPHIA. *JB

Incident date: Jun 1, 2004

Incident date: Jul 15, 2005

1-LEAKING BRAKE FLUID INSIDE FIREWALL 2-DASHBOARD DISFIGURING 3-EXAUST MANIFOLD GASKETS NOT LASTING

Incident date: Jul 15, 2005

1-LEAKING BRAKE FLUID INSIDE FIREWALL 2-DASHBOARD DISFIGURING 3-EXAUST MANIFOLD GASKETS NOT LASTING

Incident date: Jul 15, 2005

1-LEAKING BRAKE FLUID INSIDE FIREWALL 2-DASHBOARD DISFIGURING 3-EXAUST MANIFOLD GASKETS NOT LASTING

Incident date: Jun 4, 2005

DT: VEHICLE ENGINE STALLS. KIA 1998 HAD BEEN RECALLED. PROBLEM WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FIXED, HOWEVER, VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEM. *TT

Incident date: Jan 12, 2004

REAR BRAKE SHOES CAME APART AND LODGED IN THE DRUM, LOCKING THE STEERING WHEEL. *PH THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE SHOES AND LEFT REAR BRAKE DRUM. THEY ALSO RESURFACED THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE DRUM. THE CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REPAIR BECAUSE HE FEELS THIS FAILURE WAS NOT DUE T... Read more

Incident date: Oct 15, 2004

THE CONSUMER STATES THE FRONT BRAKES ARE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE PART HAVE BEEN REPLACED FIVE TIMES HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL EXIST. THE CAUSE HAS YET TO BE DETERMINED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM

Incident date: Oct 12, 2004

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. THE DUAL AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED BRUISING FROM THE SEAT BELT. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 7, 2004

THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN O... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2004

WHILE SHIFTING TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTED ON ITS OWN, AND THE SHIFT LOCK SYSTEM FAILED. CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE SHIFT LEVER IN ORDER TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. *AK

Incident date: Feb 8, 2004

BATTERY WASN'T HOLDING CHARGE, NEEDED CONTINUOUS REFILL WITH DISTILLED WATER, OVERHEATING, OVERFLOWING AND SPILLING ACID CORRODING OTHER PARTS. (NAR) *PH *CB

Incident date: Jul 19, 2004

WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE HOOD OPENED AND DENT THE WINDSHIELD. CONSUMER INDICATED FOR THE LAST PAST SIX MONTHS THE HOOD HASN'T BEEN OPENED. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *LA

Incident date: May 15, 2002

SINCE MAY OF 2002, THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 9 TIMES AND OF THIS DATE IT IS STILL THERE. FIRST THEY SAID IT WAS FUSES. ACTUALLY IT HAS NEVER RUN OR STARTED RIGHT. IT HAD TO BE TOWED AT LEAST 4 TIMES. THE LAST TIME THAT IT WENT IN WAS 8/5/03, THEY FIXED THE WATER PUMP, BELTS, CRANK PULLEY. THIS W... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2001

I BOUGHT A 1998 KIA SEPHIA FROM TOYOTA CARLSBAD 2 YEARS AGO IN MAY, 2001 THAT I PAID CASH FOR. RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT THE KIA SEPHIA THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT BACK TO TOYOTA CARLSBAD AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I DIDN'T PUT THE GAS CAP BACK ON CORRECTLY. AUGUST, 2002 THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ... Read more

Incident date: May 15, 2002

Incident date: Sep 25, 2002

REAR DRUM BRAKES SQUEALED LOUDLY, AND IT DID NOT FEEL AS IF THEY WERE WORKING IN MOIST CONDITIONS. ALSO, A STEERING GEAR BRACKET WELD CRACKED, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO STEER VEHICLE. AT LOW SPEEDS CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULT MAINTAINING CONTROL. STEERING WHEEL WAS FLOPPING AROUND. *AK

Incident date: Sep 20, 2002

WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES TO REPORT. HOWEVER, VEHICLE ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Sep 25, 2002

PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S FUEL GAUGE AS WELL AS VEHICLE HOLDING FUEL.*LA *MR

Incident date: Nov 24, 2003

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 VISABIL... Read more

Incident date: Nov 24, 2003

Incident date: Dec 29, 2003

I PURCHASED A KIA IN MARCH 02' I USED THE CAR FOR LONG TRIPS THE FIRST YEAR I HAD OWNED THE CAR AND I HAD NO FAULTS IN JAN.- FEB 03' THE CAR BEGAN TO SHIFT IN TO NUMEROUS GEARS AND THEN STALL. I WAS THEN DEPLOYED TO IRAQ. I LEFT THE CAR WITH A GOOD FRIEND. WHEN I CAME BACK HE INFORMED ME THAT THE CA... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Dec 29, 2003

Fire

Incident date: Dec 29, 2003

Fire

Incident date: Dec 29, 2003

Fire

Incident date: Dec 29, 2003

Fire

Incident date: Dec 29, 2003

Fire

Incident date: Dec 1, 2003

I JUST REPLACED ALL 3 BELTS ON MY CAR AND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR EVERYDAY THE CAR MADE A REAL BAD GRINDING NOISE AS IF THE BELTS WERE NEVER REPLACED. *AK

Incident date: Dec 1, 2003

I JUST REPLACED ALL 3 BELTS ON MY CAR AND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR EVERYDAY THE CAR MADE A REAL BAD GRINDING NOISE AS IF THE BELTS WERE NEVER REPLACED. *AK

Incident date: Feb 15, 2003

THE VEHICLE'S REAR BRAKE LIGHT FAILED. THE PART HAS BEEN REPLACED FIVE TIMES WITHIN ONE YEAR. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THERE IS A SHORT IN CIRCUIT. *NLM

Incident date: Nov 4, 2003

I BOUGHT A 1998 KIA SEPHIA IN FEB OF 2000 I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 GEAR SHIFTERS AND THREE TRANSMISSIONS AND THE CAR HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN 2/3 OF THE TIME THAT I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. MY SIGNAL LIGHT ON ONE SIDE HAS NEVER REALLY WORKED PROPERLY AND THE THE HEADLIGHT CONSTANTLY SHORTS OUT. OF COURSE NOW... Read more

Incident date: Nov 4, 2003

Incident date: Oct 23, 2003

WHILE DRIVING TRANSMISSION LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD. THEN, THE VEHICLE LOST SPEED. *AK

Showing 50 of 994 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1998 KIA SEPHIA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	20.0	29.0	23.0	Regular	$2,700
1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	21.0	28.0	24.0	Regular	$2,600

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1998 KIA SEPHIA

24 manufacturer communications from 18 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
111100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES	3
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	2
151400 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY	2
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	2
162000 STRUCTURE:BODY	1
112000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR	1
126000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL	1
171100 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH	1

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some example

354000 EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with sta

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

100000 POWER TRAIN

TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL

125000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE

123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE

053000 PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT

KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CHARGING SYSTEM UPGRADE. *TT

111100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

BATTERY CABLE CHAFING INSPECTION, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT. REVISED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. *TT

111100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

BATTERY CABLE CHAFING INSPECTION, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, LETTERS TO SERVICE MANAGERS AND DEALERS AND OWNERS. *TT

151400 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. NOTIFICATION LETTER TO DEALERS. *TT

151400 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDED INFORMATION RELATED TO RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. *TT

111100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO INSPECT POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSIS. CERTAIN MODELS INCLUDING ALL RIOS. *SLC

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

A LOGIC CHANGE IN THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM). *TT

171100 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

SUBJECT ON FRONT DOOR LATCH. *ET

126000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE TURN SIGNAL CIRCUIT IN CERTAIN VEHICLES. IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE CIRCUIT WHEN DIAGNOSING A TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

THIS TECHINICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUTLINES THE NEW SEPHIA REMANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROGRAM. *TT

112000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

PROVIDED INFORMATION ON THE SEPHIA STARTER CIRCUIT. *YC

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

PROVIDED INFORMATION RELATED TO THE KIA MOTORS AMERICA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER AND THE TECH LINE WORKSHEET. *YC

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SEPHIA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1999

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.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1998

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 FURTHE... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1999

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 IND... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1998

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 ON... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1998

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 O... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1995

SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MALFUNCTION

BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 25, 2002, KIA ADVISED NHTSA THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED.SPECIFIC CORRECTIVE ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY KIA HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA AT THIS TIME.THE SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM HAS BEEN ASSIGNED CAMPAIGN NO. 02V-216.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

BATTERY CABLE CHAFING

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE

THE OIL COOLER LINE ALLEGEDLY DEVELOPS LEAKS AT IT'S JUNCTION TO THE RADIATOR

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2000

INCORRECT BATTERY JUMP-START

ALLEGE BATTETY MAY EXPLODE IF OWNER'S ATTEMPT TO JUMP-STATE THE VEHICLE BY FOLLOWING THE OWNER'S MANUAL DIAGRAM

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1998

TURN SIGHAL

There is no summary currently available

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

TURN SIGNAL, TRAFFIC SAFETY HAZARD

ALLEGE THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE TRUN SIGNAL SWITCH FAILED.THIS FAILURE INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH DUE TO OPERATOR DISTRACTION AND DUE TO OTHER VEHICLES BEING UNINFORMED OF THE OPERATOR'S INTENTIONS.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1998

REFUELING SPIT BACK

The number and dates of complaints and warrant claims reported by Kia indicates that fuel spit-back has been a serieous ongoing problem with the Sephia models.Kia has made changes in both the ORVR valve and in the installation process on the fuel tank check valve, in an attempt to correct the proble... Read more

SQ, Closed , Model Year: 1998

INTERMITTENT STALLING

Kia issued a Kia Technical Times in October 1998 stating that, due to loose connections at the fuel pump ground at G300, the fuel pump may shut off intermittently.The corrective action is to solder the fuel pump ground terminals at the terminal connec

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

REFUELING SPIT- BACK

The subject vehicles are equipped with Onboard Refueling Vapor Recover Systems.Owners report that, during the refueling process, fuel sprays out of the refueling opening and soaks the person refueling the vehicle with liquid gasoline

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

WINDSHIELD WIPER

ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPER BECOMES INOPERATIVE WHEN THE WIPER ARM AND PIVOT SEPARATE

KIA SEPHIA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA SEPHIA across all model years (1994, 2000).

16 Total Recalls

3,091 Total Complaints

15 Investigations

299 Reported Crashes

118 Reported Fires

8 Reported Deaths

KIA SEPHIA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2003	0	2	View
2002	0	6	View
2001	0	158	View
2000	1	461	View
1999	5	749	View
1998 (current)	6	994
1997	1	375	View
1996	1	203	View
1995	1	104	View
1994	1	25	View
1986	0	3	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
OPTIMA	100	10,128	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1998 KIA SEPHIA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1998 KIA SEPHIA

Technical Service Bulletins, 1998 KIA SEPHIA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SEPHIA

KIA SEPHIA - All Years Overview

KIA SEPHIA - Year by Year

Other KIA Models