10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
482 miles

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problem #34

Jan 092003

Sephia 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Defective brakes and rotors on 199 Kia Sephia, have been replaced several times. Causes wear on tires and presents an unsafe condition.

- Glen Mills, PA, USA

problem #33

Dec 292000

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,399 miles
Consumer states of having problems with the brakes and rotors. Mr the consumer states that since the purchase of the vehicle, he has had to change the brakes/rotors every 4-6K miles-5 times, and still experiencing slow stopping. The consumer feels that this is a safety hazard, and the dealer states they can't help. (feels the vehicle is a lemon) scc

- Westhills, CA, USA

problem #32

Nov 162001

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have had nothing but problems since I bought this car. First it was the rotors and brakes, then all the recalls. Brakes are going again, had to get a new battery after one year. Then the transmission went. The first time was on 11/16/01 and I was out of state. Didn't get a car while it was being fixed. Husband had to rent a car. Only had 24825 miles. I missed three days of work because of it. Now, it hass happened again. On 1/19/02 on my way to work. I missed work that day. Of course it is a weekend and can't get ahold of anybody. It has only been two months since last time and I was told it will never happen again, cause they have a new and improved transmission. Imagine that. Could someone please help me, I am so sick of this car. I need a car I can rely on for work. I have to go on meetings outside and this is kind of hard without a vehicle. If I can't work I can't pay my payments now can I. cynette cheal, va.

- Roanoke, VA, USA

problem #31

Apr 262000

Sephia

  • miles
Brakes and rotors (front) have been replaced 4 times in 18,000 miles, the first time at 3300 miles. Excessive noise comes from the brakes upon stopping. The dealership noted that they would not be replacing the brakes anymore although they did indicate that they have seen problems with other Sephia brakes. Replacement so quickly is not consistent w/ normal wear and tear.. your website indicates about 50% of the noted complaints as brake related.

- Mt. Airy, MD, USA

problem #30

Oct 312000

Sephia

  • miles
Brake rotors warped after approximately 15000 miles - dealer won't cover under warranty.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #29

Sep 122001

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles
At 17,000 miles I had to get the rotors and brakes replaced. I'm now at 29,000 miles and I have to take the car in to have them replaced again. I know many other Kia Sephia owners with this brake problem. My dealership has been very cooperative, but what happens when my warranty runs out and I'm left paying for defective brakes every 10,000 miles? the issue is widespread and needs to be addressed. My car has had a few recalls, but other than that it's been fine. Brakes can mean life or death, and I don't feel safe driving my car.

- Knoxville, TN, USA

problem #28

Aug 312001

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles
I had to get new brakes put on within one week of owning the car 632 miles, and I've had a cracked brake line, fuse problems which they blame on the alarm, but another women had the same exact problem with no alarm attached, I've brought my car in numerous times regarding the brakes, and I was told that it was nothing. I just brought my car in with 23580 miles on it, and I was told that I needed new brakes and rotors, but that I would have to pay for. I have felt the same kind of brake problems ever since I bought this car, even when they said that there was nothing wrong. The car drags feeling like it's never going to stop, and then the brakes pump all the time. I've called Kia regarding this and the fuse problem explaining, what if this causes a fuse to blow with my brakes, headlights, etc....and they did nothing. I also have buzzing coming from my engine with the ignition just switched to on. It sounds like a wiring problem, which I'm afraid could cause an electrical fire. You name it, this car has had numerous safety problems.

- Carpentersville, IL, USA

problem #27

Jan 012000

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Complete brakes system and rotor keep prematurely failing every 9,000 miles, causing a wheel vibration. Vehicle was sent to dealer several times for replacement of brake system and rotors, but dealer could not determine cause of failure.

- Merrick, NY, USA

problem #26

Apr 232001

Sephia

  • miles
While driving experienced brakes malfuntioning. Had taken vehicle to dealer seven times, and they had found out that rotors had worn out.

- Norton, NJ, USA

problem #25

Aug 021999

Sephia

  • miles
I have has the roters replaced on this car 4 times! the last time at 32,000 now the car is at 46,000 an the brakes have failed again!!!! pad are worn down to the steel. Roter gets scared. Same thing every time!!!! now I have to pay for this. I dont feel that they have fixed this issue and should still be coverd under the warranty. Even the warrenty on the brake pads and roters were not up yet!!!

- Lawndale, CA, USA

problem #24

Sep 011999

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Windshield needed to be replaced due to stress cracks. Rotors were replaced two times.

- Princeton, NC, USA

problem #23

Jan 302001

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles
Every 8,000 miles front brake rotors have to be replaced due to premature wearing, cause unknown. Dealer cannot identify cause.

- Hemstead, NY, USA

problem #22

Oct 162000

Sephia

  • miles
Had a 1998' Kia, 6X's rotors replaced, I want out of this lemon!!!!

- Moss Beach, CA, USA

problem #21

Jan 212000

Sephia

  • miles
Brake pads and rotors failed causing squealing noise when applying brakes. Slc

- Norfolk, VA, USA

problem #20

Jan 212000

Sephia

  • miles
Brake pads and rotors failed causing squealing noise when applying brakes. Slc

- Norfolk, VA, USA

problem #19

Aug 112000

Sephia

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving at highway speeds front end and the steering wheel shake out of control, also brake pads and rotors are prematurely wearing. Brakes are soft and at times the vehicle won't stop unless brakes are pushed all the way to the floor.

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #18

Aug 232000

Sephia

  • miles
After taken vehicle to dealer consumer requested that pads be replaced, but tecnician told consumer that rotors had to be replaced.

- Wauconda, WI, USA

problem #17

Mar 242000

Sephia

  • miles
The brakes never completely went out on me but the rotors were severely warped in a short period of time. It has been repaired twice and it is going out again.

- Edina, MN, USA

problem #16

Jul 192000

(reported on)

Sephia

  • miles
When depressing brakes they would make a noise. Also, vehicle would jerk.

- Gary, WV, USA

problem #15

Dec 311999

Sephia

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Defective rotors are warped which causes extended stopping distance and which may result in a crash. Dealer has replaced the rotors 5 times. Dealer cannot determine the problem.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

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