1998 KIA Sephia
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › KIA › Sephia › 1998
These records cover every 1998 KIA Sephia. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1998 KIA Sephia. Newest first.
On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Owner complaints
491 complaints34 involved a crash16 involved a fire19 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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 recall in 1999. The contact took the vehicle to hanson KIA (2300 carriage loop sw, olympia, wa 98502, (360) 943-2120) and was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 119,000.
- Visibility/wiper
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)…
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.
- Steering › Rack and pinion
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…
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 noticed the rack and pinion mounting bracket had fractured from the fire wall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 120,553.
- Vehicle speed control
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.…
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. The vin was unavailable. The driver also stated that he notified the dealer and they told him that someone would contact him.
- Fuel system, gasoline
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…
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 failure still occurred. the mechanic referenced nhtsa campaign ID numbers 99v317000 and 99v318000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump) and showed the contact a wire in the fuel system that was not insulated and had been overheating. once the wire was removed, the failure seem to be resolved. the mechanic replaced all the wires and connectors and re-sautered everything. the manufacturer stated that the recall repair was already performed on the vehicle and would not assist. the current mileage was approximately 109,250 and failure mileage was 108,083.
- Structure
The dash board IS curling up around the front window vents which IS kicking the vents out. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
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
- Air bags › Frontal
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…
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 why it happen. Then continued to say that someone could have done something wrong to the car and we would never no, but they were not going to spend any more time or money to find out what really may have caused this. my daughter, the driver, was slightly injured and now IS affraid while driving or riding in a car.
- Air bags › Frontal
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…
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 to deploy, however the passenger air bag deployed and there were no passengers. Updated 04/30/08. Lj the consumers also owns a 2000 toyota tacoma which was also involved in the accident and the drivers air bag did not deploy. Updated
- Electrical system › Wiring · Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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 while driving at night, but no mechanic can locate the electrical short problem. *ak
- Electrical system
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…
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 mileage was 70,000 miles. the dealership informed her that she needed a new vehicle. the contact stated that the dealership found nothing wrong with the vehicle. the vehicle stalled intermittently. at times when the vehicle stalled, and she tries to restart it, the vehicle would not restart. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
Flashing overdrive dash light and check engine light continually lit due to faulty pressure sensor at fuel injector. *nm
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
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
- Equipment · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder · Structure
1-Leaking brake fluid inside firewall 2-dashboard disfiguring 3-exaust manifold gaskets not lasting
- Electrical system
Dt: vehicle engine stalls. KIA 1998 had been recalled. problem was supposed to be fixed, however, vehicle continues to have problem. *tt
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum › Shoes/linings
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 to normal wear. *nm (nar)
- Service brakes, hydraulic
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
- Air bags › Frontal
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.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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 once and the problem has not been resolved. please provide additional information. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
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
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery
Battery wasn't holding charge, needed continuous refill with distilled water, overheating, overflowing and spilling acid corroding other parts. (nar) *ph *cb
- Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › Latch
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
- Power train
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…
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 came back on. I took it to my mechanic at future automotive in rancho bernardo and he told me it was the transmission. Future automotive sent the car to mike's transmission in poway. Mike worked and worked on the transmission. It was in his shop four times. The last time the KIA sephia was in the shop, it was there for three weeks. Toyota carlsbad told me they couldn't help me because the warranty had expired, but they would gladly sell me another car. When I told them I couldn't afford that, toyota carlsbad told me to take it to an independent repair shop because they could not help me with my problem. Both times the bbb tried to help me, KIA stated the first time that the warranty had expired. The second time, KIA stated that they wouldn't do anything because your vehicle exceeds the age requirements set out in the manufacturer's program summary. Light comes on. I was informed that I should have taken it back to toyota carlsbad or another dealership. When I stated that I was told by toyota carlsbad to take it to an independent repair shop, I was told to contact the dvm fraud unit. When the transmission wouldn?t shift out of first gear, I had it towed to north county GMC jeep KIA in escondido. My KIA was at north county GMC jeep KIA for six weeks when the transmission failed again. My car has had three transmissions put in the car. The KIA tech specialist worked on my car several times during that time. In order to get the transmission work correctly, I replaced the power distribution center, a new fuel filter and a whole instrument cluster. I only needed a small part replaced in the instrument cluster, but I had to buy the whole instrument cluster.
- Engine and engine cooling · Unknown or other
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…
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 was all under warranty. When I picked up my car it made a terrible sound. They said it was the new belts. So I drove it home and 2 days later it?s back in there. the next day sabrina called and said that it was the air conditioner compressor. It was going to cost me over 600.00 to fix it. I have a limited income of 535.00 a month, am disabled and if the car broke down I don't know what I would do.. The car IS still at KIA dealer ship, that's as of today.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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…
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 additional information, see the attached closing report.
- 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…
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 valves in the recalled vehicles.odi has received 16 complaints of fuel spit back on vehicles that have received the recall and 5 complaints on vehicles that were not covered by the recall.kia has identified 2 fuel spit back complaints on vehicles that were recalled and 8 complaints on vehicles not covered by the original recall.kia has also provided warranty information showing 191 claims potentially related to fuel spitback on non-recalled vehicles. Odi has upgraded its investigation to an engineering analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and trend of the fuel spitback risk associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.
- 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…
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 cable damage and will replace damaged cables as necessary. Given the declining fire rate and kia?s service campaign, further expenditure of agency resources IS unjustified in this matter.the engineering analysis IS therefore closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action in the future if warranted. Further details may be found in the attached closing report.
- 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.
- Battery cable chafing
- Transmission oil cooler line
The oil cooler line allegedly develops leaks at it's junction to the radiator
- Turn sighal
There is no summary currently available
- 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.
- 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 problem.The failure of…
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 problem.The failure of the check valve, due to cracking during installation, could go undetected until problems develop with the ORVR valve.Should an ORVR valve malfunction, when the vehicle has a tank chech valve with a latent crack, significant fuel spitting out the fuel filler pipe during refueling is possible.Current owners of 1998 and 1999 models could still be driving vehicles with latent defects.
- 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
- 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
- Windshield wiper
Alleged windshield wiper becomes inoperative when the wiper arm and pivot separate
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10201529TECHNICAL 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 bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.
- 10133170PITSTOP - 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.
- 10109812TSB: 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 examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.
- 10109777TSB: 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 stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?
- 10091489Tsb: 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, then reference the automatic transaxle system/ repair procedures/ inspection and adjustment section for the correct atf check/fill procedures.
- 10026726KIA: 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.
- 10016840Charging system upgrade.
- 10005640Battery cable chafing inspection, repair and replacement. Revised technical service bulletin.
- 10005355Battery cable chafing inspection, repair and replacement. Technical service bulletin, letters to service managers and dealers and owners.
- 10000033This bulletin provided information related to recall campaign 027 to replace the front seat belt buckles.
- 10000032Recall campaign 027 to replace front seat belt buckles. Notification letter to dealers.
- 635757This bulletin provides information related to a service campaign to inspect possible interference between the positive battery cable and the automatic transmission dipstick.
- 632302A logic change in the transmission control module (tcm).
- 629469Automatic transaxle diagnosis. Certain models including all rios. *Slc
- 625894Subject on front door latch.
- 614030This 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.
- 609808This techinical service bulletin outlines the new sephia remanufactured automatic transmission program.
- 603325Provided information on the sephia starter circuit.
- 600994Provided information related to the KIA motors america technical assistance center and the tech line worksheet.
Every KIA Sephia model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.