161 consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Kia Sephia. Click any complaint to view the full owner description.
VISIBILITYOctober 7, 2005
DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ON DECEMBER 1, 2003 THE DASHBOARD LIFTED UP IN THE FRONT WHEN TURNING ON THE DEFROSTER . IT DID NOT DEFOG THE WINDOW, IT WILL WORK SOMEWHAT BUT NOT LIKE IT SHOULD. CAN SEE THE INSIDE DASHBOARD WHERE WIRING AND FOAM WAS. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE SINCE DECEMBER 2003. CONSUMER HAD TRIED TO PUSH THE DASHBOARD DOWN WITH HER HANDS, BUT THE DASHBOARD WILL NOT MOVE. CONSUMER HAS NOT HAD A DEALER LOOK AT VEHICLE. *AK
STRUCTUREDecember 14, 2004
I PURCHASED A 1996 KIA SEPHIA AND HAVE THE SAME PROBLAM AS ALOT OF OTHER OWNERS. THE DASHBOARD IS LIFTING AND PEELING AWAY FROM THE FRAME.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNovember 3, 2004
ABS BRAKING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER NOTICED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *AK
STRUCTUREApril 21, 2004
IT IS UNBELIEVEABLE THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE DASHBOARDS FOR KIA VEHICLES. I OWN A KIA SEPHIA AND IT SEEMS LIKE THE DASHBOARD CRACKS AND PEELS OFF. I HAVE SEEN OTHER MODELS AND IT FACES THE SAME PROBLEMS. MATTER OF FACT I VISITED KIA DEALERSHIPS AND THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON THIS ITEMS. THE DEALERSHIPS ALSO MENTIONED THAT THEY HAVE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THAT SAME ISSUE. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THERE MUST BE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUES. *AK
STRUCTUREApril 20, 2004
DASHBOARD IS SEPARATING FROM THE FRAME OF THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE ON FOUR OCCASIONS, AND WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
VISIBILITY,STRUCTUREJanuary 7, 2004
THE DASHBOARD IS RISING AND THE DEFROSTER DOESN'T WORK, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER. *AK *MR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGSeptember 5, 2003
WHEN VEHICLE HAS BEEN STARTED ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND REMAIN ILLUMINATED. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC FAILED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 9, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT BODY MOUNTS SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING FUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. RELATED RECALL 98V323000, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
STRUCTUREJuly 9, 2003
CONSUMER STATES THAT DASHBOARD IS PEELING OFF FROM THE CAR'S FOUNDATION.*AK
STRUCTUREMay 22, 2003
THE DASH BOARD BUCKLED TO THE POINT WHERE THE CONSUMER HAD TO CUT OFF PORTIONS OF IT. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED IT MAY AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE AIR BAG. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 21, 2003
"CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE I BAUGHT THE CAR. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE IT FIXED BUT THE LIGHT STILL COMES ON. MY CAR WILL NOT PASS CALIFORNIA SMOG WITH THE LIGHT ON WHICH MEANS THAT I CANNOT RENEW MY REGISTRATION THE NEXT TIME THE DMV REQUIRES A SMOG CHECK.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERFebruary 12, 2003
DASHBOARD HAS CURLED UP IN FRONT (AGAINST WINDSHIELD). BECAUSE OF THIS THE DEFROSTER WILL NOT DEFROST THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. AS A RESULT I AM UNABLE TO SEE ADEQUATELY TO DRIVE ANYTIME MY WINDSHIELD IS FOGGY. THIS MAY ALSO CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT BUT I'M NOT SURE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERJanuary 31, 2003
THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD NEAR THE WINDSHIELD VENTS HAS PEELED AWAY OVER THE LAST YEAR OR SO FROM THE DASH FRAME. RIGHT NOW IT IS STANDING AROUND 3" FROM THE FRAME AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO TRANSGRESS INTO MY LINE OF SIGHT. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE DEFROST/DEFOGGER ON THE CAR DOES NOT WORK WELL ANYMORE SINCE THE PEELING HAS OCCURRED. THE DASH IS ALSO LIFTING AWAY FROM THE FRAME JUST ABOVE AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. MY CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH DUAL FRONT AIR BAGS AND I BELIEVE THAT THIS WARPING OF THE DASH MAY IN SOME WAY EITHER CAUSE A PREMATURE RELEASE OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OR PREVENT THE RELEASE OF THE BAG WHEN IT MAY BE NEEDED. I HAVE NOTED THIS SAME PHENOMENON ON OTHER KIA SEPHIAS IN THE CITY WHERE I LIVE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJanuary 15, 2003
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE WHOLE DASH BOARD CAME OFF. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS. TS
AIR BAGSJanuary 7, 2003
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING GOING 30MPH THE VEHICLE WAS IN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES THE SEAT BELT NEVER LOCKED AND BOTH AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. TS
SEAT BELTSDecember 27, 2002
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LOCK PROPERLY CAUSING THE CONSUMER NOT TO HAVE A SEAT BELT ON WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 12, 2002
THE FIRST WIRING HARNESS THAT WAS ORDERED FOR THIS CAR ON 10/29/02 WAS DEFECTIVE. THEY ORDERED A SECOND ONE. I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR THEY SAY WAS READY AND EVERYTHING IS WORKING. BEFORE I DROVE OFF THE LOT I NOTICED MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT ON. HOWEVER ALL OF THE DOORS WERE CLOSED INCLUDING THE TRUNK. SO TOMORROW I AM TAKING MORE TIME OFF FROM WORK SO THEY CAN INSTALL A THIRD WIRING HARNESS. I HAVE TAKEN OFF 2 DAYS 3 HOURS SO FAR. THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP IS ABOUT 45 MILES AWAY. I ONLY HAVE THAT ONE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOWED OVER THERE THE LAST TIME BECAUSE THE GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT MOVE. WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE SEEN TONIGHT ON THIS WEB SITE YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD CALL A RECALL. I WILL NOT REST UNTIL SOMEONE TAKES RESPONSIBLITY FOR THE CAR THAT HAS BEEN IN AND OUT THE SHOP EVERY SINCE I HAD IT. DT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 6, 2002
THIS IS THE THIRD WIRING HARNESS THEY ARE ORDERING. DT
SEAT BELTSJuly 11, 2002
SEAT BELTS ARE UNTREADING WITHOUT BEING USED EXCESSIVELY.*AK
STRUCTUREDecember 6, 2001
THE SEAMS THAT JOIN THE BODY IN THE REAR HAVE SEPARATED, THIS CAUSED A LEAK IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. SEPARATION IS SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH TO CAUSE FREE FLOWING WATER TO BE SEEN ENTERING THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT. SOME OF THE SEPARATION OF THE SEAM IS NOT VISIBLE DUE TO BEING LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE REAR BUMPER.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERJune 26, 2001
DASHBOARD WAS WARPING. DASHBOARD BEGAN DISCOLORING A YEAR 1/2 AGO, AND CURRENTLY WAS FALLING APART. DEALER ADVISED THAT IT WAS SIMPLY WEAR AND TEAR. CONSUMER FEELS THAT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY. *AK *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 5, 2001
ONLY 9 MONTH OLD BREAK, ROTORS HAS BECOME TOO THIN, NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMarch 16, 2001
THE DASHBOARD ON MY KIA IS FOLDING AND BUCKLING PREVENTING THE DEFROST SYSTEM TO BLOW CORRECTLY. THUS, MAKE IT A HAZARDOUS CONDITION WHEN IT IS RAINING AND THE WINDSHIELD FOGS UP. THE BLOWER CANNOT REACH THE WINDSHIELD DUE TO THE BUCKLING OF THE DASH.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFebruary 28, 2001
WHILE DRIVING IN DARK IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE DUE TO HEADLIGHTS LAMPS, WHERE COVER IS TURNING YELLOW, AND ISN'T ILUMINATING LIKE BEFORE.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 9, 2001
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED EVERY 8000 MILES. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 28, 2000
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICDecember 8, 2000
EVERY TIME TAKEN IN FOR REG.CHECKUP,HAD NEW BRAKES PUT ON,PUTTING 99 BRAKES ON 96 CAR. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNovember 9, 2000
EVERY 5000 MILES NEEDS BRAKES/ ROTORS, CONSUMER FEELS ROTORS ARE WARPING FAST, AND THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 28, 2000
THE TOP OF THE DASH ACTUALLY HAS A LARGE BURN SCORCH MARK ABOUT THE SIZE OF A GRAPEFRUIT AND THE FOAM LIKE MATERIAL IS BULGING OUT, THIS IS IN THE MIDDLE OF FLORIDA'S SUMMER HEAT AND VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE OF MY WORK BUT A CAR ONLY 3 YEARS OLD SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE, OVER YEARS HAVE OWNED OLD CARS OVER TEN YEARS OLD BEFORE EVER SAW DASH PROBLEMS AND NOTHING LIKE THIS, DONT KNOW IF THIS COULD HAVE SOMEHOW IGNITED A FIRE OR IF DASH IS NOW LOOSE COMPROMISING OTHER EQUIPMENT IN THE DASH. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW OF ANY OTHER PROBLEMS OR RECALLS WITH THIS MODEL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.
AIR BAGSSeptember 15, 2000
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SYSTEM, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJune 21, 2000
FUEL INJECTION WIRING CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 19, 2000
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD DUE TO WIRING HARNESSES FAILURE. YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 6, 2000
CONSUMER HAD THE BRAKE REPAIRED AND THEY FAILED AGAIN 6299 MILES LATER, THEY HAD THE BRAKES REMOVED AND TAKEN TO A SPECIALIST WHO INFORMED THEM THAT THE ROTORS WERE THE ORINGINALLY INSTALLED ROTORS AT THE TIME OF MANUFACTURING. CONSUMER FEELS THE THE BRAKE JOB DONE PRIOR WAS NEVER DONE OR THE NEW BRAKES INSTALLED WERE DEFECTIVE. NLM
SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJune 1, 2000
I'VE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT RECEPTICLES DUE TO FAILURE OF LATCH. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANT EVEN AFTER IT IS RESET. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMay 30, 2000
I HAVE HAD THE BRAKES REPAIRED AT LEAST 10-12 TIMES AND THE PROBLEM STILL IS NOT FIXED. THE BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES HARD AND DOESNT DEPRESS, MAKING STOPPING SLOW. THE FRONT WHEELS OF THE CAR BECOME BLACK,COVERED WITH THE DUST FROM THE BRAKE PADS.. AND AT TIMES THE BRAKES STICK AND RESISTANCE IS FELT FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE FRONT TIRES BEGIN TO GIVE OFF SMOKE.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 1, 2000
WAS DRIVING VEHICLE & NOTICED SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. PULLED OVER & SMOKE FILLED THE INTERIOR. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC CHECKED UNDER HOOD & NOTICED THE ELECTRICAL WIRES WERE FRAYED. COULD NOT LOCATE CAUSE OF THE FRAYED WIRES. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 28, 2000
BECAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION OF BRAKE SYSTEM, I HAD AN ACCIDENT. BRAKE INSPECTION BY KIA AUTHORIZED MECHANIC REVEALED, THAT THE CAR HAD FACTORY DEFECT IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM. *AK
SEAT BELTSApril 24, 2000
DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT WILL LATCH, BUT IT COMES LOOSE ON ITS OWN. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 13, 2000
IN MARCH 24, 1998 BECAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION OF BRAKE SYSTEM , I HAD AN ACCIDENT. THE BRAKE INSPECTION BY KIA AUTHOIZED MECHANIC REVEALED, THAT THE CAR HAD FACTORY DEFECT IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM. UNTIL NOW THERE HAS BEEN DONE A NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF REPAIRS AND ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM, BUT WITHOUT ANY SUCCESFUL RESULTS.CAR HAVE LOTS OF DEFERENT PROBLEMS AND FACTORY DEFECTS. IT IS A LEMON. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 30, 2000
A CONSUMER RECEIVED THE RECALL FOR HIS VEHICLE BRAKES AND ROTORS, SINCE THEN THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM CONTINUOUSLY, DEALER REPLACED ROTORS 4 TIMES BUT THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUES. *ET
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 30, 2000
AFTER AN OIL CHANGE THE MECHANIC LEFT THE OIL PLUG LOOSE AND THE PLUG FELL ON THE OPEN HIGHWAY, NOW THE VEHICLE HAS LEFT A CONSUMER STRANDED.*ET
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 21, 2000
IN COLD/DAMP WEATHER BRAKES WILL LOCK UP AND MAKE LOUD NOISE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SKID. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 14, 2000
DUE TO WIRING PROBLEMS VEHICLE HAD STALLED, A FIRE STARTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. *AK *ML
VISIBILITY,STRUCTUREFebruary 2, 2000
CABLES ARE HANGING FROM OUT THE SIDES OF 3 DOORS. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR AT HIS EXPENSE. WHEN CAR IS IN REVERSE, THE WINDOWS WON'T DO ANYTHING. CONSUMER HAS A BOARD INSIDE THE PANEL TO KEEP THE WINDOW UP. *AK
AIR BAGS,TIRESJanuary 27, 2000
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. THIS CAUSED SMOKE TO FILL THE INSIDE OF VEHICLE. ALSO HAD JERKED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. EVERYTHING LOCKED UP WHICH MADE IT HARD TO ESCAPE VEHICLE/ TIRE BLEW OUT. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. WAS INFORMED IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY & TO CONTACT MANUFACTURER. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 26, 2000
JULY OF 1999 HAD PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM. CAR KEPT OVERHEATING. PUT IT IN THE SHOP FOR REPAIRS WHICH COST $400.00. HAD IT OUT ABOUT ONE WEEK HAD MORE PROBLEMS WITH THE SAME. IN OCTOBER WAS DRIVING HOME AND THE CAR WENT COMPLETELY OUT WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANY INDICATION ANYTHING WAS WRONG. WHEN CHECKED THE ENGINE HAD COMPLETELY FROZEN UP. IT HAD OVERHEATED AGAIN BUT NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON NOR DID THE HEAT GUAGE MOVE TO INDICATE IT WAS HOT. AS I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT AND WORK ONLY PART TIME I AM NOW STUCK MAKING PAYMENTS ON A CAR I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX AND BUMMING RIDES. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,EQUIPMENTDecember 30, 1999
OIL FILTERS MADE BY ANY OTHER COMPANY THAN KIA DOES NOT WORK. I HAD TO GET AN OIL CHANGE TWICE BECAUSE THE ONE DONE BY THE CAR LOT WAS NOT A KIA OIL FILTER AND THE ONE I HAD DONE WAS NOT A KIA FILTER. I TOOK THE CAR TO A KIA REPAIR SHOP THE NEXT DAY AND THEY CLEANED THE AREA AND CHANGED THE FILTER. THE BRAKES SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR HAVE BEEN SCREACHING AND AT THAT TIME, A BRAKE REPAIRMAN ADVISED ME MY BRAKES WORE AT 95%. THE BRAKES STILL SCREACH AND GRIND. IN THE SUMMER, THE AIR CONDITIONER GIVES OFF A FOUL ODOR TO THE POINT OF HAVING TO TURN IT OFF. THE REAR MIDDLE SEATBELT DOES NOT LATCH. THE STEPS LISTED IN THE KIA MANUAL DOES NOT COINCIDE WITH THE STEPS YOU MUST TAKE TO DEFROST THE WINDOWS. THE ONLY WAY I CAN IS TO TURN THE HEAT UP ALL THE WAY, OR TO TURN ON THE HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONER, WHICH I CAN'T USE. THE CAR WHEN IT'S IN DRIVE FEELS LIKE IT'S IN A LOWER GEAR AT TIMES AND FEELS LIKE IT'S NOT QUITE IN DRIVE. THE SEAMS IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR ALLOWS WATER DRIP INTO THE CAR. THE WINDSHIELD WASHER HOLE ON THE RIGHT SIDE DOESN'T SPREW OUT ANY WINDSHIELD CLEANER. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO THE CAR LOT BEAUSE OF THE GAS DOOR NOT OPENING WITH THE INDOOR GAS LATCH. THE OUTSIDE OF THE FRONT HUBCAPS GETS VERY OIL AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHY. THE WINDOW'S RESIST WHEN YOU TRY TO ROLL THEM UP. *AK
SEAT BELTSNovember 22, 1999
WHEN THE OCCUPANT MAKES A SLIGHT MOVE IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE COMES LOOSE, LEAVING THE OCCUPANT UNPROTECTED IN CASE OF CRASH. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE SEATBELT BUCKLE TWICE. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNovember 9, 1999
WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD NOT DEPRESS TO THE FLOORBOARD, CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO GET OUT OF PARK. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF PROBLEM, BUT CANNOT FIND ITS CAUSE. KIA HAS FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. *AK *ML
AIR BAGSOctober 12, 1999
AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHIN SECONDS AFTER STARTING VEHICLE. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND REFUSED TO REPAIR UNLESS COST GOES TO CONSUMER. ASKING NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 21, 1999
DASHBOARD GETS HOT AND IS DETERIORATING ABOVE INSTRUMENT PANEL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENTSeptember 8, 1999
BRAKE, DRUM, AND ROTOR PROBLEMS. AIR CONDITIONER DOESN'T WORK. DOESN'T ACCELERATE WELL.
PARKING BRAKEAugust 24, 1999
THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE PULLED OUT OF THE CENTER ANCHOR IN THE TRANSFER BRACKET DUE TO POSSIBLE DESIGN FLAW OF THE METAL BEING TOO SOFT (WEAK) FOR FORCE NECESSARY. MJS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 3, 1999
WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 45 MPH VEHICLE LOST BRAKING POWER. TOOK AUTO TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH BRAKES. *AK
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJuly 22, 1999
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT CERTAIN TIMES, THEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION, AND NOW ENGINE CHECK LIGHT IS BACK ON. *AK
AIR BAGSJuly 7, 1999
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN 35-40 MPH FRONTAL COLLISION IN WHICH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT TO SUSTAIN INJURIES. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 27, 1999
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE. *AK
AIR BAGSJune 22, 1999
NO DEPLOYMENT OF DRIVERS AND PASSENGER AIR BAG DURING FRONTAL COLLISION CAUSING FACE TO HIT STEERING WHEEL. NLM
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJune 3, 1999
THE FIRST MONTH I HAD CAR THE IGNITION/STEERING LOCKED AND NEEDED TOWING BY KIA-NOTHING CHARGED TO ME. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON AND STAYING ON SHORTLY AFTER 'REPAIR' EVER SINCE I BOUGHT CAR 3-28-1998. I JUST GOT "RUN-AROUND' FROM WESTERN DIVERSIFIED/KIA AND INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP OVER AXLES. KIA TOLD ME NOTHING COVERED AFTER 36,000 MI.. AFTER I THOUGHT I COULD SEND IN BILL FOR AXLES TO EXTENDED WARRANTY INSTEAD OF CALLING AT THE TIME (MALE CHAUVINIST MECHANIC) AND AFTER WESTERN DIVERSIFIED SEEMINLY INDICATED AXLES PART OF ROUTINE MAINTENANCE (CV BOOT-DIDN'T KNOW WERE GOING BAD) AND I COULDN'T AFFORD $200-300 FOR DEALER TO CHECK CAR EARLIER-- DEALERS AND KIA THEN SAY I HAVE 5/60 WARRANTY ON ENGINE/TRANS AND NOW WON'T COVER AXLES BECAUSE OF INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TOUCHING CAR AND HE WON'T BACK UP HIS 'WARRANTY'. I JUST STARTED FULL-TIME WORK NOT AS A TEMP (BUT TERM) WITH CO I WORKED 5 1/2 YRS BEFORE. ALL MY MONEY IS GOING ALTERNATELY TO CAR REPAIRS THEN CATCH UP ON CAR PMTS AND INS AND I STILL NEED TO MOVE AND CAN'T AFFORD TO AND REALLY STEAMED AND WRITING TO ATTY GENERAL ABOUT KIA--Y2K MEANS YUCK TO KIA. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 25, 1999
DASHBOARD IS BUSTING AND BURNING TO PIECES INTO THE AIRBAG. MANUACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 24, 1999
STARTER FAILED. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 24, 1999
STARTER FAILED. NLM
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMay 6, 1999
REPETEDLY REPAIRED FOR SAME PROBLEMS AND STILL SAME THINGS NOT NEEDING TO BE REPLACD HAD TO BE CAR IS A LEMON
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 13, 1999
SEVERAL REPLACEMENTS OF BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS DUE TO WARPING/VIBRATION/SHUDDERING, ALSO GLAZED BRAKE LINING REPLACED DUE TO SQUEAKING NOISE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES.
POWER TRAINApril 13, 1999
TRANSMISSION REPLACED DUE TO SLIPPING.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGApril 13, 1999
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FOLLOWED BY STALLING.
SEAT BELTSApril 13, 1999
DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILED/REPLACED DUE TO UNLATCHING WHILE DRIVING.
AIR BAGSApril 12, 1999
CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
SEAT BELTSApril 8, 1999
FRONT LAP SEAT BELTS WHEN LATCHED CAME UNLATCHED. IF PULLED ON WILL COME UNLATCHED. DEALER CONTACTED, AND CANNOT REMEDY PROBLEM DUE TO LACK OF PARTS. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 26, 1999
BRAKES ARE DEFECTIVE, PADS AND ROTORS, MAKE A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE. REPAIRWORK DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE, AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS DUE TO TYPE OF BRAKES. DEALER AWARE AND CANNOT REMEDY PROBLEM. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHERJanuary 6, 1999
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SYSTEM, CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SEAT BELTSJanuary 5, 1999
SEAT BELTS FAILED.
INTERIOR LIGHTINGJanuary 5, 1999
DASH GAUGE LIGHTS FAILED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJanuary 5, 1999
ENGINE/MOTOR FAILED.
AIR BAGSDecember 22, 1998
WHILE TRAVELING 15MPH WAS BROADSIDED IN FRONT, ON DRIVER'S SIDE. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. SKID MARKS SHOWED OTHER VEHICLE TRAVELED 25MPH. DRIVER SUSTAINED BACK/HAND AND ABDOMEN INJURIES. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAINDecember 16, 1998
TRANSMISSION BROKE DOWN. OVERDRIVE KEEPS SLIPPING. WILL NOT SHIFT. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START UP. THE KILL SWITCH WIRING KEEPS EFFECTING STARTING. BRAKE DISC & PADS NEED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 7, 1998
CONSUMER COMPLAINED OF ONGOING PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE STALLING INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT DEALER SHOP ON SIX OCCASIONS AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED. *AK
POWER TRAINDecember 1, 1998
DEFECTIVE CV JOINTS CAUSED A POPPING NOISE AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. DEALER REPLACED CV JOINTS, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SUSPENSIONDecember 1, 1998
PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE WITH CV JOINT ASSEMBLY DAMAGED. CAR HAS RECURRENT HISTORY OF PROBLEM. I FEEL MY LIFE IS IN DANGER AND LEMON LAW DOES NOT PROTECT ME. OTHER LIVES COULD BE IN DANGER AS WELL. DEALER CANNOT FIX THE PROBLEM. HAVE COMPLETE HISTORY OF THIS VEHICLE AND I PURCHASED IN FROM THIS DEALER USED ONLY 2 MONTHS AGO WITH A DEFECT THAT COULD TAKE MY LIFE AND SOMEONE ELSE'S AS WELL. PLEASE HELP.
UNKNOWN OR OTHEROctober 14, 1998
WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES. EACH TIME TOLD PROBLEM FIXED, BUT IT REAPPEARS. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHERSeptember 23, 1998
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CONSTANTLY STAYS ON. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 18, 1998
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER . THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 24, 1998
BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, SEEMS TO BE AIR IN BRAKES. DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJune 3, 1998
BRAKE ROTORS SEVERELY WORN, PADS FAILED CAUSING NOISE.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEMay 21, 1998
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, AFTER JUST HAVING IT FIXED, TO FIX IT THE FIRST TIME THE DEALER SAID PUT 3 OR 4 TANK OF GAS IN THE CAR.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIRMay 21, 1998
BRAKE FAILURE WITH NO WARING, REPLACE BRAKES, DRUMS AND ROTOR TWICE.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 19, 1998
NO SUMMARY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 2, 1998
BOTH FRONT BRAKES FAILED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 17, 1998
SUDDEN ACCELERATION.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 13, 1998
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES GRINDING AND INTERMITTENT STALLING, UNABLE TO DETERMINE PROBLEMS.
SEAT BELTS,STRUCTUREFebruary 24, 1998
DOOR ASSEMBLY: PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S SIDE BACK DOOR FLIES OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY. TOOK IN TO KIA FOR REPAIRS AND THEY WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE. ALSO HAVING PROBLEM WITH SEAT BELTS IN BACK COMING LOOSE. *AK
SEAT BELTSFebruary 21, 1998
PASSENGER SEAT BELTS NEED TO BE REPLACED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 17, 1998
BRAKE CALIPERS, ROTORS AND PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES IN TWO YEARS.
SEAT BELTSFebruary 3, 1998
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE SEATBELT BUCKLES CAME LOOSE. SOMETIMES THE BUCKLES WILL NOT LATCH AT ALL. DEALER WON'T DO ANYTHING. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJanuary 13, 1998
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY MALFUNCTIONS.
SEAT BELTSJanuary 13, 1998
PASSENGER SEAT BELT FAILED.
VISIBILITYJanuary 13, 1998
VENTILATION SYSTEM BLOWS AIR FROM THE WRONG VENTS.
AIR BAGSJanuary 13, 1998
AIR BAG PLATE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IS COMING OFF ON ONE SIDE.
STRUCTUREJanuary 13, 1998
AIR LEAKS INTO VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGDecember 17, 1997
VEHICLE CONTINUOUSLY STALLS.
INTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHERDecember 11, 1997
BRAKE AND ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUOUSLY COME ON, LIGHT SWITCH BROKE OFF.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHERDecember 1, 1997
THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON, ONE MONTH LATER THE ENGINE LOCKED UP. DEALER COULD NOT FIND WHY. *AK *SLC
AIR BAGSNovember 13, 1997
OWNER HIT A GUARD RAIL FROM THE FRONT AND THEN THE SIDE AND AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 7, 1997
BRAKES FAILED.
SEAT BELTSOctober 7, 1997
SEAT BELT FAILED.
POWER TRAINOctober 7, 1997
TRANSMISSION FAILED.
STEERINGOctober 7, 1997
STEERING MECHANISM FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 26, 1997
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE BRAKES DON'T FUNCTION PROPERLY.OWNER STATES THAT SHE WAS GOING ABOUT 50-55 MPH TRYING TO COME TO A STOP SHE PUMPED THE BRAKES AND ALSO PUT THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR OF VEHICLE. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND TURNED THE RIGHT ROTOR, AND BRAKES ARE STILL IMPORABLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 11, 1997
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE THE ENGINE JUST STOPS WITHOUT WARNING. THE WIRING HARNESS AND ENGINE WERE REPLACED IN APRIL OF 97. WIRING HARNESS HAS BEEN REPLACED (2) OTHER TIMES, 6/20/97 & 8/15/ 97. THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDS REPLACING FOR A FOURTH TIME. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGAugust 26, 1997
NUMEROUS ENGINE REPAIRS DONE WHEN BROUGHT INTO DEALERSHIP AFTER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 26, 1997
BRAKE PADS FAILED TWICE, CAUSING BRAKES TO PULSATE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 26, 1997
BRAKE CALIPERS FAILED, CAUSING VIBRATION.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 26, 1997
ALTERNATOR FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 26, 1997
BATTERY FAILED.
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHERAugust 12, 1997
UPON DEPRESSING THE CLUTCH, THE RPMS DROP AND VEHICLE STALLS. ALSO, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TWICE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 31, 1997
WHILE BACKING VEHICLE UP, HEARD A LOUD POP SOUND W/FOOT ON BRAKES; ALSO OCCURS WHEN GOING FORWARD; TOOK TO DEALER & INFORMED WAS FRONT CALIPERS & VEHICLE NOT DRIVABLE. WAITING FOR PARTS. OLD CALIPERS & BRAKE PADS REPLACED WHICH CAUSED BRAKES TO LOCK UP. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJuly 29, 1997
ENGINE: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND VEHICLE STALLS RIGHT IN THE STREET WITH NO WARNING AT ALL. HAS BEEN IN SHOP SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS, AND THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM. *AK *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAINJuly 29, 1997
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, VEHICLE STALLED. CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. CLUTCH BURNED OUT IN LESS THAN A YEAR. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 7, 1997
BRAKES WEAR DOWN VERY FAST. OWNER IS ALWAYS TAKING THE CAR IN FOR BRAKE SERVICE. *AK
SUSPENSIONJune 23, 1997
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR'S FRONT END AND STEERING HAVE A VIBRATION. *AK
POWER TRAINApril 24, 1997
SEAL AND BOLT IN TRANSMISSION FAILED.
SUSPENSIONApril 18, 1997
VEHICLE VIBRATES WHEN DRIVEN 45-70 MPH.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 15, 1997
BRAKES SQUEAL.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGApril 15, 1997
OVER DRIVE LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERApril 15, 1997
ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY.
POWER TRAINApril 15, 1997
TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT GEARS PROPERLY.
POWER TRAINApril 15, 1997
SHIFT LOCK OVERRIDE LOCKS UP.
AIR BAGSApril 9, 1997
OTHER: REQUEST FOR AIRBAG REMOVAL.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 6, 1997
BRAKES SQUEAL.
POWER TRAINApril 6, 1997
TRANSMISSION DOES NOT GO INTO GEAR PROPERLY.
POWER TRAINApril 6, 1997
THE SHIFT LOCK INDICATOR LOCKS.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESApril 6, 1997
DIFFICULTY LATCHING HOOD.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 31, 1997
BRAKES FAILED.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMarch 31, 1997
ROARING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING,
STRUCTUREMarch 31, 1997
PROBLEM W/LEFT REAR DOOR.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMarch 31, 1997
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON.
SUSPENSIONMarch 31, 1997
FRONT END PULLS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 31, 1997
ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING.
STEERINGMarch 31, 1997
EXCESSIVE VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEMarch 31, 1997
SEVERE GAS FUMES.
STRUCTUREMarch 31, 1997
RATTLING SOUNDS THROUGHOUT THE CAR WHEN DRIVING.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEMarch 31, 1997
GAS TOP DOESN'T FIT PROPERLY.
STRUCTUREMarch 31, 1997
REAR BUMPER NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESMarch 31, 1997
LEFT REAR DOOR FAILED TO OPEN OR UNLOCK.
INTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 31, 1997
DASH LIGHTS FAILED.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERMarch 31, 1997
CLOCK FAILED.
VISIBILITYMarch 31, 1997
LEFT WINDOW FELL OFF TRACK INTO DOOR.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICDecember 12, 1996
TRYING TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP GOING 10MPH, BRAKES DIDN'T TAKE, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. ROTORS AND BRAKES PADS WERE REPLACED AFTERWARDS, AT TIMES THERE'S A LOUD NOISE AND WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THE NOISE STOPS AND VICE VERSA. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNovember 27, 1996
THERE IS ONLY A 2" SPACE BETWEEN GAS AND BRAKE PEDAL, CAUSING BOTH PEDALS TO BE DEPRESSED SIMULTANEOUSLY 3 TIMES.
POWER TRAINNovember 19, 1996
DRIVING AT SPEED OF 65MPH, VEHICLE WILL DOWNSHIFT, STUCK IN GEAR AND VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE. *AK
STRUCTURENovember 13, 1996
SEAMS OF THE VEHICLE'S BODY CRACKED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNovember 13, 1996
BRAKE PADS REPLACED.
PARKING BRAKENovember 13, 1996
EMERGENCY BRAKE LEVER BROKE.
VISIBILITYOctober 15, 1996
WINDOWS WILL NOT DEFROST DUE TO DESIGN OF DEFOGGER SYSTEM; AIRFLOW NOT ENOUGH TO CLEAR WINDOWS; ONCE WINDOWS ARE FOGGED UP, OWNER HAS TO PARK VEHICLE; IMPAIRS VISION, COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMOctober 2, 1996
COMPUTER FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL; IGNITION FAILURE/ AIR BAG LIGHT COME SON/INTERIOR LIGHTS GO DIM. *AK
SEAT BELTSOctober 1, 1996
REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT DOES NOT HOLD CHILD SAFETY SEAT IN PLACE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 3, 1996
WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES, THEY SQUEAK VERY LOUD. VEHICLE HAS ABS. *AK
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAugust 15, 1996
STEERING LOCKED UP MOMENTARILY, UPON RELEASING, DRIVER LOSS CONTROL, RESULTING IN ACCIDENT/INJURY, ALSO BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJune 20, 1996
VEHICLE'S ABS BRAKES FAILED THREE TIMES, MAKE GRONDING NOISE/DIMMER SWITCH OVERHEATED/REPLACED RUSTED MUFFLER/GAS ACCELERATOR TOO CLOSE TO BRAKE PEDAL/ VEHICLE BUCKS AND HESITATES AT LOW SPEED/NOISY LIFTERS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMay 30, 1996
ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN VEHICLE STALLS OUT, REPLACED IGNITION SWITCH TO NO AVAIL. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMay 24, 1996
VEHICLE BRAKES HAD FAILED THREE TIMES. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK