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 1999 Kia Sephia:

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

problem #2

Oct 012003

Sephia 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Fuel spit back from filler spout: When trying to add fuel, the fuel spits back out at you. It's not just a little bit, but enough to soak your clothing, the side of your car, etc. This is a major safety issue that is being shunted by Kia Corp. On this vehicle, the recalled valve was replaced, then replaced again. This did not solve the spit back problem. I called Kia directly and they told me that they did not know what the problem could be that I would have to bring it to a Kia dealer. I told them that with all the complaints that are on this site and most likely, many others, that they must know. They said no, bring it to a dealer. They also told me to let them know when it would be there and they would call the dealer to verify the problem. This was a monetary set up in my opinion.... I brought the vehicle to the dealer, then the dealer called me and told me the car needed a gas tank, I asked them what was wrong with the original one. They told me that it was funny that Kia called them first thing in the morning and told them that it needed a gas tank. There is a valve that is most likely to malfunction and that there is no repair other than to replace it. A bad valve does make sense and also the way Kia informed the dealer of the problem. They told me they didnt know, yet they told the dealer the fix, and also, I got charged $ $95 for 1 hour labor. They did nothing to the car, just answered the phone. This problem should be addressed more aggressively cause with the problem of static electricity and fuel all over the car and your clothing, there could be severe problems. Beware of Kia customer service.

- Green Bay, WI, USA

problem #1

Sep 191999

Sephia

  • miles
Since I bought vehicle, pump turns off early. Had called numerous times to dealership and mentioned, said to bring it in next service. When fuel assembly recalled, assumed this was the problem. When it didn't, I kept thinking it was the gas station pump and when dealership asked if any addtl problems (pitre/thomas) mentioned, but they assumed, I think, it was probably gas pump also and that I was oversensitive. When recalled on 10/9 for fuel intake/emissions, dealership initially said (same day) that this is what can cause pump to turn off early (recall problems and ball, etc), so I assumed fixed. That day (10/9) dealership called and told me car would not be ready to go home that evening and was in pieces/disassembled- the part was supposed to come in, and didn't. they also mentioned they couldn't provide a loaner. I told them to "reassemble it, as I live 36 miles from the dealership and was not going to take a taxi or bus, esp. With a warranty." They agreed and stayed later and reassembled it. When I picked it up that evening, with a witness, and asked if reassembling it so quickly would make it dangerous to drive, they claimed "wouldn't recommend it, but should be okay." When it started, it sounded funny. They said to return the next day to finish the work, which I did. The same problems existed, so I brought it back. The dealership is now saying that my fuel neck is all twisted and that the fuel filler door is plastic when it should be made of metal, that they didn't do this and cannot explain why these two problems. Kia Consumer Affairs has been contacted and of no assistance (scott downs nor any rep has taken a call- always voice mail- and has not ever/does not return calls. I am furious. The car is obviously assembled wrong and neither the dealerships or Kia are addressing or yet resolving the defective problem. Referenced in RQ03-006

- Chandler, AZ, USA