10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1997 Kia Sephia:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #6

Dec 011998

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Since consumer owned car brakes had to be changed five times. 3 batteries had to be put in. Engine light came on on instrument panel, anti-freeze is leaking and the engine is running rough.

- Norristown, PA, USA

problem #5

Aug 262000

Sephia

  • miles
I have only had this car for 1 month. It had been in the shop 3 times. It has never been fixed to my satisfaction. The battery died the day after I brought it home. The brakes had to be completely replaced. That cost ~$200. I have a small infant and bought this car for safety (dual airbags) the dealer won't buy the car back and the service department can't seem to fix the car. Help!!!

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #4

Aug 242000

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles
While driving differential went out/ digital laser failed to work on cd panel/ power window electrical switch stopped working, and engine check light came on & did not go off. Dashboard covering was separating from window. There was water in the headlights, and battery would go dead. Took vehicle to dealer. Vehicle needed alignment due to problem with transmission & the brake assembly needed replacing due to excessive wear.

- Jackson, MS, USA

problem #3

Sep 151998

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Ongoing problem with battery failure; dealer notified, and replaced faulty battery on two occasions, and problem reoccurred. Also, and problem engine hesitation. Dealer notified. The consumer found out right after leasing the vehicle, that the radio was inoperable. The vehicle began squeeking in the rear end when turning. The heater malfunctioned. The left rear strut assembly failed causing knocking noise at right rear. The O-ring failed causeing the distributor leak and there was loss of power while driving.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #2

Mar 141998

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The brakes and rotors were excessively worn outand replaced twice. Tansmission faild causing, loud knocking noise and new transmission was replaced. Left axle failed and replaced. The battery went out. The vehicle failed to start.

- Danville, VA, USA

problem #1

Aug 071998

Sephia

  • miles
Warped front and rear rotors/ intermittent stalling. Replaced starter/battery/throttle body/starter motor and adjusted timing gear and chain.

- Delray Bea, FL, USA