1999 KIA SEPHIA

5 recalls — 749 complaints

04V305000 Jun 24, 2004
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
THE LATCH CAN THEN PULL OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN TENSION IS APPLIED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
251,594 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
00V175000 Jul 17, 2000
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.
99V317000 Nov 9, 1999
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.
99V318000 Nov 9, 1999
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.
99V271000 Oct 6, 1999
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

749 total complaints 68 crashes 77 fires 50 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE67
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC63
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION51
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP38
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS37
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR34
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL25
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY24
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM19
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE19
STRUCTURE:BODY Feb 3, 2020
Incident date: Feb 3, 2020
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 BEHIN... Read more
VISIBILITY/WIPER Dec 1, 2016
Incident date: Nov 1, 2016
SEAT BELTS WORK IMPROPERLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK, FUEL PUMP IS WORKING INEFFICIENTLY.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Dec 1, 2016
Incident date: Nov 1, 2016
SEAT BELTS WORK IMPROPERLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK, FUEL PUMP IS WORKING INEFFICIENTLY.
SEAT BELTS Dec 1, 2016
Incident date: Nov 1, 2016
SEAT BELTS WORK IMPROPERLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS DON'T WORK, FUEL PUMP IS WORKING INEFFICIENTLY.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Nov 9, 2016
Incident date: Nov 9, 2016
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 BUYI... Read more
SEAT BELTS Nov 9, 2016
Incident date: Nov 9, 2016
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.
STEERING Dec 10, 2015
Incident date: Nov 2, 2015
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.
ENGINE Jul 10, 2015
Incident date: Apr 15, 2015
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 MANUFA... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP Jul 17, 2009
Incident date: Sep 24, 1999
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 20... Read more
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES Apr 21, 2009
Incident date: Dec 20, 2008
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 ... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 20, 2008
Incident date: Oct 20, 2007
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 TH... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jul 16, 2008
Incident date: Jun 20, 2008
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... Read more
Crash Fire 1 injured
STEERING Apr 16, 2008
Incident date: Oct 11, 2007
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 ... Read more
Crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Apr 16, 2008
Incident date: Oct 11, 2007
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 ... Read more
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Apr 13, 2008
Incident date: Apr 11, 2008
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. *TR
Crash
AIR BAGS Nov 1, 2007
Incident date: May 20, 2007
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 *JB
Crash 1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Nov 1, 2007
Incident date: May 20, 2007
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 *JB
Crash 1 injured
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Nov 23, 2006
Incident date: Jan 6, 2000
TRANSMISSION FAILURE 3 TIMES/ REPLACED 2 TIMES. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR Oct 20, 2006
Incident date: Apr 9, 2006
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 N... Read more
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Jun 7, 2006
Incident date: May 1, 2006
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... Read more
POWER TRAIN Jun 7, 2006
Incident date: May 1, 2006
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... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Jun 7, 2006
Incident date: May 1, 2006
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... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM Jun 7, 2006
Incident date: May 1, 2006
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... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Mar 22, 2006
Incident date: Mar 21, 2006
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 ... Read more
STEERING Mar 22, 2006
Incident date: Mar 21, 2006
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 A... Read more
AIR BAGS Mar 6, 2006
Incident date: Mar 4, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE 45MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THIS RESULTED IN A COLLISION, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO THE DRIVER'S SEAT FELL BACKWARD DURING THE COLLISION. INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED; THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN HOME. THE V... Read more
Crash 1 injured
SEATS Mar 6, 2006
Incident date: Mar 4, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE 45MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THIS RESULTED IN A COLLISION, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. ALSO THE DRIVER'S SEAT FELL BACKWARD DURING THE COLLISION. INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED; THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN HOME. THE V... Read more
Crash 1 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH Jan 28, 2006
Incident date: Dec 1, 2005
THE DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH /FREEZES UP IN WINTER, AND THE DOOR CANNOT BE CLOSED. ONCE THE WEATHER WARMS UP, THE DOOR CLOSES.*AK
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY Jan 6, 2006
Incident date: Dec 9, 2005
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 FIXE... Read more
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jan 6, 2006
Incident date: Dec 9, 2005
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 FIXE... Read more
Fire
AIR BAGS Jan 6, 2006
Incident date: Dec 9, 2005
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 FIXE... Read more
Fire
SUSPENSION Jan 6, 2006
Incident date: Dec 9, 2005
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 FIXE... Read more
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jan 6, 2006
Incident date: Dec 9, 2005
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 FIXE... Read more
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER Jan 6, 2006
Incident date: Dec 9, 2005
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 FIXE... Read more
Fire
STRUCTURE Dec 27, 2005
Incident date: Dec 14, 2005
1) AIR CONDITIONER HOSES DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT HOLD CHARGE 2) CAR RATTLES AND MAKES NOISE COMING FROM TRUNK AREA, TAKEN TO DEALER REPEATEDLY WITHOUT ANY IDEA OF HOW TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM 3) CAR WOULD LOOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND AT DANGEROUS TIMES, TOOK TO DEALER 3 TIMES BEFORE THE CAR FAIL... Read more
VISIBILITY Dec 27, 2005
Incident date: Dec 14, 2005
1) AIR CONDITIONER HOSES DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT HOLD CHARGE 2) CAR RATTLES AND MAKES NOISE COMING FROM TRUNK AREA, TAKEN TO DEALER REPEATEDLY WITHOUT ANY IDEA OF HOW TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM 3) CAR WOULD LOOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND AT DANGEROUS TIMES, TOOK TO DEALER 3 TIMES BEFORE THE CAR FAIL... Read more
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH Dec 27, 2005
Incident date: Dec 14, 2005
1) AIR CONDITIONER HOSES DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT HOLD CHARGE 2) CAR RATTLES AND MAKES NOISE COMING FROM TRUNK AREA, TAKEN TO DEALER REPEATEDLY WITHOUT ANY IDEA OF HOW TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM 3) CAR WOULD LOOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND AT DANGEROUS TIMES, TOOK TO DEALER 3 TIMES BEFORE THE CAR FAIL... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS Dec 27, 2005
Incident date: Dec 14, 2005
1) AIR CONDITIONER HOSES DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT HOLD CHARGE 2) CAR RATTLES AND MAKES NOISE COMING FROM TRUNK AREA, TAKEN TO DEALER REPEATEDLY WITHOUT ANY IDEA OF HOW TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM 3) CAR WOULD LOOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND AT DANGEROUS TIMES, TOOK TO DEALER 3 TIMES BEFORE THE CAR FAIL... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 3, 2005
Incident date: Aug 1, 2005
1999 KIA SEPHIA DASHBOARD HAS BECOME DETACHED FROM WHERE THE WINDSHIELD MEETS. *MR THIS PROBLEM HAD CONTINUED TO GET WORST. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A MOTORIZED NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. THE CONSUMER WAS AWARE OF OTHER KIA VEHICLES EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROB... Read more
STRUCTURE Oct 3, 2005
Incident date: Aug 1, 2005
1999 KIA SEPHIA DASHBOARD HAS BECOME DETACHED FROM WHERE THE WINDSHIELD MEETS. *MR THIS PROBLEM HAD CONTINUED TO GET WORST. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A MOTORIZED NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. THE CONSUMER WAS AWARE OF OTHER KIA VEHICLES EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROB... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN Sep 12, 2005
Incident date: Jun 14, 2005
LIGHTS ARE BLINKING OFF AND ON CONSTANTLY WHEN I DRIVING AT NIGHT. I WENT TO KIA DEALERSHIP IN WILLIAMSBURG. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. THAT IT WILL TAKE THEM A COUPLE OF DAYS. THAT I WOULD BE CHARGE BY THE HOUR. I WAS SO UPSET I LEFT THE DEALERSHIPS AND THEY CHARGE ME 350 ... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS Sep 12, 2005
Incident date: Jun 14, 2005
LIGHTS ARE BLINKING OFF AND ON CONSTANTLY WHEN I DRIVING AT NIGHT. I WENT TO KIA DEALERSHIP IN WILLIAMSBURG. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. THAT IT WILL TAKE THEM A COUPLE OF DAYS. THAT I WOULD BE CHARGE BY THE HOUR. I WAS SO UPSET I LEFT THE DEALERSHIPS AND THEY CHARGE ME 350 ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN Sep 3, 2005
Incident date: Sep 1, 2005
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. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 3, 2005
Incident date: Sep 1, 2005
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. *JB
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY May 29, 2005
Incident date: Apr 5, 2005
(1)CLUTCH PEDAL WOULD STICK NEAR FLOOR, WOULD'NT RETURN TO NORMAL POSITION. (2)WITH CLUTCH PEDAL DEPRESSED TO FLOOR WHILE AT A LONG LIGHT, VEHICLE BEGINS TO CREEP FORWARD, NO FURTHER PEDAL TRAVEL TO DISENGAGE AVAILABLE. (3)NOTHING YET.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Mar 15, 2005
Incident date: Dec 11, 2004
KIA SEPIA 1999 SOUND COMING FROM REAR BRAKES. *BF THREE OF THE FOUR BRAKE PADS HAD FALLEN OFF OF THE SHOES. THE PADS WERE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION BUT THE GLUE THAT HELD THEM TO THE SHOES HAD DISINTEGRATED. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Feb 17, 2005
Incident date: Jan 30, 2005
NHTSA CAMPAIGN 99V317000; KIA ISSUED AN ENGINE STALLING RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL, BUT THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING EVEN AFTER REPAIR. THE FUEL PUMP WILL NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH CURRENT TO MAINTAIN THE VEHICLE ON. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY Feb 4, 2005
Incident date: Jan 24, 2005
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 H... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Dec 27, 2004
Incident date: Dec 14, 2004
I HAD A COLLISION AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.I HIT FULL ON THE FRONT END AT ABOUT 45 MPH. THE FRAME WAS BENT. THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE.*AK
Crash 1 injured
STRUCTURE Dec 13, 2004
Incident date: Apr 13, 2004
THE DASHBOARD IS SEPARATING FROM THE WINDSHIELD, PREVENTING THE DEFROSTER FROM CIRCULATING TO THE WINDSHIELD. MANUFACTURER STATES THEY CAN NOT ASSIST THE CONSUMER.*AK *TC

Showing 50 of 749 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy — 1999 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 $2,600
1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 21.0 28.0 24.0 Regular $2,500

CO2 Emissions: 386.4 g/mile (Compact Cars)

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

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.

RQ03006 Opened: Aug 15, 2003 — Closed: Feb 3, 2004
RQ — Closed — Model Year: 1999
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
PE02028 Opened: Mar 6, 2002 — Closed: Aug 6, 2002
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2000
BATTERY CABLE CHAFING
PE00028 Opened: Jul 12, 2000 — Closed: Nov 7, 2000
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1999
TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE
THE OIL COOLER LINE ALLEGEDLY DEVELOPS LEAKS AT IT'S JUNCTION TO THE RADIATOR
PE00004 Opened: Jan 13, 2000 — Closed: Jun 29, 2000
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.
EA99034 Opened: Dec 16, 1999 — Closed: Jun 29, 2000
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
SQ99020 Opened: Jun 30, 1999 — Closed: Jan 12, 2000
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
PE99042 Opened: Jun 24, 1999 — Closed: Dec 16, 1999
PE — Closed — Model Year: 1999
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

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
7 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 (current) 5 749
1998 6 994 View
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