184 responses so far ↓

• Fredda // Mar 31, 2003 at 5:11 pm

  Here in Florida, we too, are screwed. Any help for us!!!!

• Leslie // Apr 9, 2003 at 11:02 am

  I’ve been working on my problems with my Kia Sephia since the day I bought it. What can be done to take off the “check engine” light–AGAIN. They waited until it was out of warranty, but it was brought in several times under warranty to get it fixed. HELP.

• Talanda // Apr 16, 2003 at 7:07 am

  Here in North Carolina, I have been having brake problems since i’ve got mine. 00′ Sephia!!

• Dana // May 15, 2003 at 3:33 pm

  I have a 1996 Sephia. I too have the check engine light on constantly. I also have a problem with the oil. It doesn’t leak and 3 mechanics can’t figure out where it is going. Any suggestions? I have 120,000 and have had this problem since I bought it brand new.

• K. Watson // May 21, 2003 at 12:42 pm

  I had problems w/ my brakes after about a year and just had to replace brakes again. Can we get any help if its just been repairs and no accidents? Please advise.

  Thanks,

  K.

• Twannie Blair // Jun 6, 2003 at 10:49 pm

  I have major problems with my Kia also. From the brakes, no horn, check engine light, cannot get my gear out of park and electrical problems, and help for me!!!!@!@#

• Mark Hill // Jun 22, 2003 at 11:21 am

  How do we go about getting a classaction suit in NC for us dissatisfied Kia owners?

• Ed Wentling // Jul 1, 2003 at 10:35 am

  I too have many problems with my 2000 Kia Sephia. First the brakes went out, drinks oil and do not where it goes, there is no leaks but between the 5000 mile changes I have to add 2-3 quarts. The O/D Off light stays on “flashes” all the time, the check engine light is always on, had to replace the transmission once. This has been the worst car I’ve ever owned, so many problems. I’ve never received a recall on anything and yet I’ve just read that they have sent some out, maybe to only a select few.

• S. Mehl // Jul 10, 2003 at 9:55 am

  I have had nothing but problems w/ my 00′ Sephia since I bought it. The check engine light on constantly, replacing brakes again, and replacing battery for third time. The O/D light flashes all the time with the check engine light. All I get is the run around about these problems. Is there anything that I can do????

• T. Waters // Jul 17, 2003 at 6:38 pm

  Have had nothing but problems since buying kia sephia (’98) 15 months ago. Bought used with only 24k miles on. New brakes and rotors at least 4 times in last 13 months!! Not to mention all the other problems, and yes, check engine light comes on all the time!! Will never buy another, new or used!!

• Carlos // Jul 22, 2003 at 8:11 am

  I am also having problems with my 1999 sephia. I just had the brakes replaced 3 months ago. now I have to get them replaced again. Please someone help!!!

• Kathleen Dilworth,RN // Jul 24, 2003 at 7:22 am

  Where to start? Had to have the engine REPLACED after 32,000 miles. KIA dealer here in Austin TX kept the car 3 weeks and would not give me a loaner even though I had it in the shop 4 times before they figured out the engine was shot. Drinks oil like the tin man and KIA mechanics do not know why. Check engine light comes on but when mechanics @ KIA look at, they “can’t find a problem”… *sigh*

  I knew I should have bought American!

• Ernesto // Jul 24, 2003 at 3:44 pm

  Katherine,

  while I feel bad that a company can have such bad quality products, I do not think your problem was buying a foreign car I think it was buying the cheapest car on the market a KIA. Well not really, but to be honest in the last 7 years we have had nothing but japanese cars (Nissan’s and Honda’s) which cost a bit more than their american counterparts but are well worth it.

  About 13 years ago every car my family had was a Ford, three of them and all of them had tremendous problems such as bad transmissions at less than 80000 miles and a handful of repeat problems.

  Best of luck to all of you.

• David Kiley // Aug 2, 2003 at 4:15 pm

  I purchased a 2000 kia sephia used, with 40,000 miles. It has been completely problomatic. The engine light goes on and off, the brakes have been constantly problematic, and once the car accelerated forward when I was braking.. I would not recommend a kia to anyone. I think a class action lawsuit is needed nationwide.

• Lisa Hewitt // Aug 3, 2003 at 6:43 am

  Ga–Columbus. I bought a 2000 kia brand new, at 33000 miles had to have brakes replaced at 36000 miles had tune up which was not covered by warranty, same day fuel pump went out, same day they decided a new head was needed. Kept car for wk put rebuilt head on got car back, check engine light still on, car was shaking and my radio did not work, decided to order brand new head, got that back still having problems decided to put new engine in. . After new engine stared having problem with fuel tank, and injectors. check engine light still comes on, had seat belt that broke (my 6 yr old son’s). Rubber seal around window, sun visor, battery, and now air bag light continues to come (needs new driver module). I do have an attorney working on this but it has been a year have a pre trial date for Sept 8. Hope somebody does something to Kia about their crappy product. I can’t even trade my car only worth $2000-3000 still owe $6800. HELP PLEASE im divorced with two kids and this is th only ride I have, desperately need a new one as it is in the shop about every month

• Mike // Aug 3, 2003 at 12:48 pm

  I have a 99 kia sephia that I bought used with a 90 day warranty and within 2 weeks after the warranty went out now I have a major problem —IT STALLS AND WONT DRIVE BUT STARTS AND IDLES FINE—what can we do about this? I am also in NC and everyone is baffled on what is wrong with this car!!!!! Are we all just screwed if we dont live in PA????

  Something needs to be done about this!

• Krysta // Aug 4, 2003 at 11:57 pm

  I bought my 2000 Kia Sephia unaware of the poor braking system. My car is STILL under warranty, but will they do anything about it?? NO! “Ma’am its normal wear on the vehicle.” Yah, well every 3000 miles I have to spend over $300.00 to replace the brakes and rotors. THEN my speedometer sensor went out on a long trip. I couldn’t tell how fast I was going, and I was no where near a Kia Dealership. So, I had to drive all the way back to my home with no speedometer. I spend the $50.00 to have the dealership look at the car, Only for them to tell me that part isn’t under warranty. Well, They fixed it, and for free. That is not something that I could have burnt out myself. They fix it, 2 days later (a 30 minute job) and the check engine light is still on. They wanted another 50 bucks to look at it again. I told them they could kiss off. All they needed to do was reset the computer. So all of you that have taken your car in to have it looked at, and the check engline light is STILL on.. take it back and tell them to reset the computer. That is all it takes. I am going to take my car back to the dealership and see if I can get them to replace the brakes and rotors. I won’t back down till they do it, and without charging me the $50 bucks required for warranty work. IF it happens, I’ll let you know how to work it

• LuAnn Greely // Aug 7, 2003 at 1:37 pm

  I have a 97 kia Sephia. I live in Pa. and have had 4 sets of brakes on it the frist year we owned it. The dealership put the new ones on for free. the oxygen senor is another problem. I now am trying to find out why the fuse for the brakes and the horn blows all the time. I am riding around not knowing if i have brake lights or not. Very much a problem. I did get a coupon in the mail for a free set of brakes that they say will not wear out. we will see.

• DANA // Aug 11, 2003 at 4:22 pm

  I too have had nothing but troube of course,with my ‘99 Sephia. As recent as this week the check engine light and o/d light are both flashing. Transmission has been replaced.And as everyone else brakes have been replaced already 3 times this year. What a piece of junk.

• Dana T. // Aug 31, 2003 at 4:35 pm

  We have a 2000 Sephia. And find it to be a piece of junk also. When I brought it home it got great gas mileage but after taking it to get it detailed at the dealears the gas mileage dropped from 45 to 30. We have replaced many things on the car which are way over priced. and now the brakes, which is leaving the o/d light on now. and try to find a book for these cars, yeah if you can, I can’t find one any where and the parts are hard to get. What a mistake I will never make again.

• Denise Y // Sep 2, 2003 at 7:37 am

  Wow!I had no idea so many people had problems with their Kia’s until now! We bought a 98 Sephia with 25,000 miles on it for our almost 18 year old son a few months ago. I was wondering if anyone has had any problems with their Sephia not starting? We have had the fuel relay replaced, and it is doing the same thing again today… WONT START, but tries to turn over. I am not a mechanic, but think the fuel relay should last longer than a couple of months! Also, the brakes suck! We bought the car because of it was in great shape and had such low miles! I am now thinking that the people who traded the car in just didn’t drive it because it was a piece! So far (crossing fingers) the dealership here is awesome! Even the dealership we bought it from used (Chrysler) wouldn’t touch it, but sent us to Kia. We live in Missouri…. can anyone HELP us! I want my son to have a safe, reliable car but don’t have the money to buy him another one. What can I do, if anything?

• Annie // Sep 5, 2003 at 1:55 pm

  I am so livid!! I bought my 2000 Kia Sephia used and ever since I have had tremendous problems. Three weeks after I bought it, I had to have the engine replaced!! Countless brake and rotor changes. And tire changes. Today my car just started shaking and the check engine light started blinking. I turned off the car and then started it right back up, and even in park it shakes. There is no off sounds, and I look at the engine with no luck. I used to have a 1983 Dodge Ram, and at least I had a manual where I could fix the darn thing myself, but ohhh no. I can’t even FIND a Kia manual anywhere. I think someone just fell asleep at the switch somewhere and we all got a crappy car. NEVER AGAIN!! My next car is going to be a VW. CAn’t wait to get rid of this piece of crap.

• John // Sep 5, 2003 at 3:50 pm

  Help,

  I bought a 97 Kia Sephia and the check engine light is still on after 2 years of trying to fix it. Oxygen sensors, Catalatic converters and other sensor replaced still the light on.

  I need help in California.

• susan // Sep 6, 2003 at 6:31 pm

  2000 kia + sephia = death trap. I have had the front pads replaced twice and the rotors three times. 3 replaced transmissions. Full wire harness replacement. O/D light and check engine light on every other day and electrical problems like crazy. When the car goes over 40 it feels like you are driving on a cobble stone road.

  I can’t bring this car to trade it in as the o/d and check engine light is on so often. When is enough…enough because I am so done with this car.

• Bryn Dunham // Sep 11, 2003 at 5:21 pm

  My 98 kia sephia sucks!! i too have had starting problems… found out an after market anti theft device was put in and sucked all my juice so it wouldnt start. Its fixed now. check engine light and o/d light on 3 times a week. local dealer says its trans. temp sensor, its just annoying and its not affecting how it rides for now. had headlight problems. It turned out to be a bad relay in the fuse box. i switched some around and it works now. what a piece of crap. looking to dump it now. a

• T.Hayes // Sep 13, 2003 at 3:38 pm

  I have a 99 Sephia that has had the whole brake system relaced at my own expense.Also replace the fuel pump,2spark plug wires@ 48,000 miles and now have a short in the wiring between the starter and alternator.

• david // Sep 22, 2003 at 2:39 pm

  have a 98 sephia with 113,000 miles on it and it runs very well!brakes were no good after the first 12,000..I put quality after market rotors and pads on it;it has been 72,000 miles and the braks are not worn

• Marti // Sep 23, 2003 at 1:24 pm

  I have a 98 Sephia that has been a problem since day 1! Trans replaced twice under warranty due to o/d light once and speedometer jumping all over once. Now, my battery is draining due to the main fuse box, in particular, the airbag fuse (that also controls the radio and clock…how nice). Have to take it to a dealership because no one else wants to touch it. $70.00 diagnostic fee! Can’t wait till I can bury that piece of *&@$!!!

• JAMIE // Sep 23, 2003 at 6:52 pm

  I have had to replace my brakes twice in the past 5 months on my 2000 kia sephia and the rotors replaced three times. Now the check engine light is stuck on to no avail and I am so sick of the piece of junk I wasted way too much money on financing through kia financial (I should have known something was strange about that) that I am willing to take another financial loss to ensure my safety.

• Keith // Sep 27, 2003 at 5:55 pm

  Hmmmm….hope this helps most of you..own a 2000 sephia with 70,000 on it now. Problem with stalling and starting was rectified with an overlooked bulletin on a change on the sparkplug gap. Had engine light problem which really had to do with sensor in the gas tank.. I have 2 friends, one owns a chev lumina the other a chevy S10…both have the same annoyance. So it is not just a kia problem. To reset the engine light…disconnect the battery. It has never come back on since. As for brakes I drive a lot of stop and go in town..brakes checked every year. No problems just passed a new safety inspection at the garage where I live. He told me I’m probably good for another year. I did have a problem with brake squeeling as most new cars have metallic brakes now..i have them cleaned every 6 months at the garage and I purposely spray inside the wheels when I wash the car with a pressure washer to prevent premature wear from metal dust buildup. This wasn’t an issue with asbestos lined brakes. However it is with the new metal brakes introduced into the North American market. This car doesn’t seem any cheaper made than my 93 escort I had previously…but some little annoyances can drive you mad but are easily solved with a good common sense mechanic…not the parts changers that are in the majority of shops.

• Liz // Oct 8, 2003 at 6:09 pm

  Where to begin? I have a 1998 Sephia which I purchased brand new. It was recalled three times in the first year. Once for a problem with the windshield wipers, I’m not sure why. A second time for a problem with the fill pipe on the fuel tank, it wouldn’t allow you to fill the tank all the way. A third time for faulty seat belts, they “clicked” but did not lock and could come lose if there were a sudden impact such as a collision.

  I also systematically replace the brake pads since the design allows for the front brake shoes to be installed in either the right or left side. The left side, driver’s side, is actually backwards so the brake pad wears out and the sensor is never touched. When you hear the first indication of brake wear, squeaking, it is the metal of the pad rubbing on the rotor. The sensor is as good as new! I now perform the ritual myself, saving me $300 every three or four months.

  The shroud around the steering column fell off one day while driving and the horn wouldn’t stop blaring. It now will not honk at all and the air bag light stays on all the time. I’m not sure if this means that the air bags will not deploy when needed or if it is just the light. Speaking of lights, the check engine light comes on all the time and at times flashes to the beat of the music I am listening to through blown out speakers and I don’t listen to the music very loudly, ever! I have replaced the battery three times; the last time was after only six months. I cannot open the glove compartment to save my life. I even offered a police man a chance to open it when he stopped me and asked for my registration and proof of insurance. I just told him “It’s in there, you can get it if you like.” and pointed to it. He couldn’t open it either.

  Once while driving it on the freeway it suddenly stopped running and I coasted to safety off the next ramp. It turned out to be the timing belt. One month later it did it again, but this time they said it was the fuel pump. I have also replaced the fuel filter and the plug wires. The spark plugs have been replaced five times in the last two years and I am getting ready to have the oxygen sensor replaced because it is running so badly. The whole car shakes at any speed including at stop signs, but really gets your bones shaking above 55 mph. The tires have been replaced three times and it still shakes.

  The dashboard started to separate in the front near the steering wheel about a year ago and now it has started doing the same thing where the dash meets the window. Kia has been no help at all; they won’t even sell me a repair manual for the piece of junk. While still in warranty, the dealer told me about the design problem with the brakes and said I could trade it in for a new Kia or “just live with having to replace the brakes every so often”, which I can’t tell if I made the right decision. One thing I do know, I will never buy one of these again. I wouldn’t wish this curse on anyone. I don’t even have to lock the car since I know no one will steal it, I can dream though.

• Devona Dampier // Oct 13, 2003 at 5:13 pm

  I bought a 98 kia sephia oct.1st2003 I have not even had it a month and the timing belt broke and the alternator belt also shredded and left me on the side of the road…what can I do…i bought it as is…Devona

• BC // Oct 23, 2003 at 3:36 pm

  I have a 2001 Kia Sephia and can’t complain at all!! It has 33xxx miles on it and haven’t had to do anything but general maintenance. I did just have new brake pads put on and rotors turned today, only because of brake pulse and due for tires soon. I’ve had to do this on past cars with less miles. A LOT has to do with the type of driving and braking you do (especially in city) Can’t complain,, I love the car!!!

• Cindy Bringhurst // Oct 23, 2003 at 7:05 pm

  Hello, I purchased my Kia in 2000 and yes, it is a 2000 Sephia. This vehicle has been awful to say the least. My first transmission went at 33,051 miles and my second transmission went at 64,000 miles. In addition to those problems, my master cylinder was just replaced, along with my transmission control module. They refused to cover these two repairs under warranty. I’ve written several complaints and they have said that they see no reason to compensate in any way. My main concern is that the transmission is going to need to be replaced again when the vehicle is no longer under warranty. I have had the brakes repaired in December, but that was after @60,000 miles. Any advice?

• Melanie // Nov 1, 2003 at 11:13 pm

  2002 KIA bought brand new, only 3,500 miles, yes not even four thousand miles, check engine light on, put in a quart of oil, then reput the gas tank lid on again then light went off then cam eright back on, smell hot coolant all the time, tranny slipped from day one, hopping startup problems and steering whines, of course after waiting 5 hrs at KIA in St. Petersburg, Florida, they can’t seem to find any problem. I had read about the check engine light problems other people had and when it came on i just drove anyways and will drive it till it blows up I guess. piece of you know what from day one…

• Marcia Haynes // Nov 3, 2003 at 8:38 pm

  I got my kia in my divorce.What a reward

  I have to say it hasnt been as bad as the stories I have read here.It was about 2 year old before we had the brakes replaced.I had those replaced at my cost and had a old family friend do it at his shop.about a year after that I had on of the sencors replaced because it just stoped on the side of the road on a hot sunday after noon in august in texas with my kids and crippled younger brother in the car.Some how my older brother just happen to be not to far behind us and pick us up.Then no problems until last summer. the car was making a noise that sounds like grandma poping popcorn in and old kettle. and the engine would reve up on it on and speed up with out push the gas while picking up my kids. I took it to the dealer it had 97000 miles on it so no warnty they told me it was an air flow metter and charged me 786.00 to replace it , It didnt help took it back they said it need to be set I found out later you cant set an air flow metter.Got it back did the same thing .My mom called told them what for because she put the work on her amercan express.bacause i was newly divorce and working at Mcdonalds.They took it back and keep it for 30 day and rented me a lancer I loved it.Got my kia back and the dash broad was culing from the hot sun and it still ran the same. My dad got invovled this time he went to the head of the kia service dept in Garland shelton Dealership and Randy was his name said he would do was ever it took so they put in a new computer at no cost to me. To this day it still dose the same thing just not as often.Then in june of this year the cluch went out 690.00 Now mind you it has 100,000 and more miles on it now but in augest it was 609,00for new axles.Now this week I just found out I have got to put out 150.00 just for the parts dont know about labor for another part.Im so tired of this I dont even remeber what he called it.but it has something to do with the gas not mixing right.I ve aready bought new Dodoge neon and I would not even have it fixed but my teenage collage student drive 35 miles back a forth the collage 5 day a week and we need a car at home.Thank you

• Melissa H. // Nov 21, 2003 at 6:58 am

  I purchased a ‘98 Kia Sephia in November of ‘98. I thought it was great for a few months. That was when all of my troubles began. It started with the check engine light, which was serviced twice. Then it became an issue with the brakes, serviced two or three times, and problems are arising again. Next, I had to replace the transmission at 18,000 miles which is acting up again. I have had nothing but problems with this car since I bought it. I hate it! The worst part now is that I don’t even have a warranty so all the expense is out of my pocket. I feel that I got a raw deal all the way around.

• zack finger // Dec 4, 2003 at 6:30 am

  I have a 98 sephia with 74xxx miles on it. I bought it with 53xxx miles and have since replaced the brake pads twice, rotors replaced once, and turned once, drums turned twice, and the car still shakes, squeels and grinds. Plus my drivers side caliper seizes every so often. This car sucks, the computer has had to be replaced, plugs and wires, and a ton of other crap, it’s been towed 4 times in 18 months. Plus someone backed up into me and now my airbad light is on. My seatbelts dont clip in and my paint on the mirrors is pealing off. Im sick of this crap, im buying a Subaru.

• larry // Dec 11, 2003 at 9:50 am

  i think this should be a nationwide suit. 1999 kia engine lights been on since the 1st month. bad brakes. parked in drive now, won’t idle.

• Mike // Dec 16, 2003 at 12:57 pm

  We’re class counsel in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey class actions that have been certified in those states. We also filed a class case in Florida. One is pending in California as well. Would appreciate hearing about all brake problems with the Sephia that people have had. Thanks

• De // Jan 6, 2004 at 3:55 pm

  In Louisiana.

  Our ‘98 Kia Sephia is absolute CRAP. It always needs fixing and once you take it apart good luck putting it back together!! You name it, we’ve had trouble with it. No manuals anywhere to be found! I’m sticking to Fords!

• LAURA FORSYTHE // Jan 9, 2004 at 9:49 am

  I have had problems with my 97 KIA sephia since day one. It started with the drivers side window, the continuous brake replacement, and it dies on me everytime I stop at a red light. I have spent more money repairing this car than I paid for it.

• Jana // Jan 9, 2004 at 10:26 am

  I believe that all Kias should be recalled and replaced. Innocent people should have to use their lives as an example in order to prove to manufacturers they are making mistakes!!!!

• Marta G. // Jan 18, 2004 at 12:40 pm

  How amazing to see all theses complaints. I have a 2000 kia sephia, problems have ranged from door not latching, horn not working even after being in the shop for that problem, no resove! had to replace the brakes twice, last problem is something wrong with the taillight assembly that causes the left taillight to go out, and then the dash lights go out. Talk about fun driving at night! try it with no dash lights! no resolve from the dealership, and no reovle at corporate level either. What are we supposed to do? too bad.. you get what you pay for?

• Krystle // Jan 18, 2004 at 7:09 pm

  Hi I am so glad to see that I am not the only one with all of these problems! This car is a piece of crap! I have 133 k on mine and it drinks oil, it constantly has problems, and it seems like every other week I am fixing it! I could be driving a car that was so much better if I spent the money on a payment instead of all of these repairs! I got my car new in 98 and up until about 60 K I didn’t really have any problems with it. After that, I’ve had the brakes replaced 3 times, the rotors done twice, the oil gasket, the alternator, the axles, the starter, and now the check engine light is coming on and the O/D on/off light is constantly flashing. It also has bad acceleration and it always feels like its going to stall out and I just had the spark plugs replaced not even 4 months ago. I am so sick of this car and can’t wait to get rid of it! Does anyone have any idea what the problem w/ the O/D and check engine light might be? Any help would be appreciated!

• Angela // Jan 25, 2004 at 9:36 pm

  I purchased my KIA Sephia in 1998, I should have driven it threw the windows of KIA office in Invine CA., but with my pride, I continued to dump money into the KIA just to keep it running over the years, because I did have money to purchase a different vehicle. I wish I could get all of my money back. Now, I have to purchase an alternator for the vehicle because it has stop running, and I have no other transporation until I get my new Mazda3S. Never again will I purchase a KIA,so long as I live on this Earth. The KIA was my first car I purchased on my own with no help from my parent, what a let down.

• Judy // Jan 27, 2004 at 11:01 am

  I purchased a brand new 97 kia sephia. Had no problem until the interior light stopped working. After that it went down hill from there. Took it to the shop about 5 times because the check engine light came on and the water pump went out. Changed the brakes i dont know how many times and …guess what the brake pedal has to be pressed all the way down to the floor before the car stops….worst of all the car smoke for about 4minutes when i start up the car…hate it…wont purchase another one again!

• Paul Anderson // Jan 30, 2004 at 11:12 am

  I too have had many problems with my 99 Kia Sephia. Brakes and rotors replaced at 11k miles. 5 or more recalls. Brake pedal still has to be pressed to the floor and stopping distance is terrible. Brakes acted up again at 33k miles, but Kia dealership and Kia reps declined to repair.

  For 2 days my engine light was on and the O/D light was on. I pressed the O/D button on the gear shift, but nothing happened.

  I’m not an expert in law, but could we go about a national class action? I live in Wisconsin, but I don’t know if there is anything in the works.

  Oh yeah, water pump went out about 22k miles or so.

  Never again will Kia have my business.

• Doug // Jan 31, 2004 at 1:16 pm

  My wife and I purchased a crapia in 99 new. Within 6 months the brakes where shot. Check engine ligt came on shortly after. I don’t know how many RECALLS theirs been. Now the check engine ligt is on and the O/D light is blinking. I don’t even the the scrap yard would accept his car. We thought we where all alone on this one. We reside in California. this should be a national lawsuit to put an end to these crapia’s being driven on the roads.

• Donna in Cincinnati // Feb 2, 2004 at 5:25 am

  Purchased a 2000 Kia Sephia new, just had front brakes replaced to find out the master cylinder went out. Had the master cylinder replaced under warrantity, and less than a month later, my master cylinder is out again and car is in shop.

• Paul Trapp // Feb 2, 2004 at 6:19 pm

  My 2000 Kia Sephia was great until 64,000 miles… my check engine light is flashing, and it feels like its going to stall out any minute. Afetr reading all these comments, I think I’m going to get a new car.

• walter wendland // Feb 3, 2004 at 8:38 pm

  I bought a 1998 demo that they had for 2 years, at least they said it was a demo-ran fine and we drove all over the USA and the the brakes went out, breaking after that was bad, transmittion broke down and needed repairing, now the engines runs bad needs maybe new plugs again and the engine light is on. My liking it turned sour this last month, I’m on the verge of getting a different car and aftger reading all the problems that every body has, I’m on my way to a new car dealer for a different make. Goodby KIA!!

• SAM // Feb 4, 2004 at 5:20 pm

  I HAVE 97 SEPHIA, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON BECAUSE OF THE EMISSIONS SENSOR,ANY OWNERS OF THE YEAR SHOULD CHECK RECALLS, IT’S COVERED.

• AJ // Feb 6, 2004 at 7:43 am

  Did the drivers seat break when you were hit by the other car? Please email me. This happened to me.

• Melissa - WI // Feb 6, 2004 at 4:52 pm

  2004 KIA SPECTRA - TWO WEEKS OLD-I HAVE YOU ALL BEAT! My 98 chevy (80,000mls) decided it needed a new engine ($5,000). I did not have the money to fix it, so I decided to get a new car and deal with the payments. I am in school and cannot afford to deal with a major shell out of money, so I thought the KIA warranty was ideal for my situation. I did not know it had the power and balls of a mouse. The thing that is the worst, is it is only two weeks old, and the check engine light is on. This is not a good sign… I wish I had known about this site before I had boughten it.

• Jackie Bj. // Feb 16, 2004 at 5:17 pm

  I’ve been on Neurontin 600mg over 3200mg per day since 1998 and my health has worsened, memory,eyes,depressed,alot of thoughts of suicide,violent mood swings,I can’nt get out of bed most days and don’nt want any one around me not evern my family,muscle weakness, headaches,dizziness, thyroid problems thay have had done tests on me evern for cancer for my thyroid.I used to walk 2 miles a day, now i can’nt hardly walk up the stairs,and many more problems. I was given neurontin for pain do to 2 car crashes. Please help me get my life back , doctors have told me i can’nt work anymore,i’m 51 and have worked since i was 12 yrs. old! this is not wright that this drug co. get by with this! My life and marriage have gone down to rock the hill bi time, i don’nt know if i will ever be the same. please help.

• long pham // Feb 19, 2004 at 1:17 pm

  i have a KIA (sephia) I need a work shop manual book, if you know some where some how I can buy or get this book please tell me. please I need you help.

  thanks

• Robert // Feb 29, 2004 at 10:27 pm

  Okay… here we go:

  Bought it brand new in 1994 from Weber Kia & Mazda in Ventura, CA (now defunct).It was a Sephia LS right off the truck. It still had the plastic on it when we saw it.

  Withing two weeks bumper trim was falling off, rear door seal was bad, noticed dash was not centered and tans (auto) was shifing hard. Was told it was a vacuum and/or pressure problem. As for the rest, the trim was glued back, seal fixed and the dash was my problem since “it was only an $8800 car”… Was refused every time I asked to see the Kia rep when he was at the dealership. I has a friend there and she told me when he was there.

  Within six months of owning the car and a total of 19 days in the shop, (no loaner car by the way) and the Kia rep STILL REFUSING to speak with me, the transmission was apparently replaced. I say apparently because the problem seemed different, not better. I gave up on that one.

  Within two years, I’d replaced the front brake pads three times and the rotors once. Shortly after the “HOLD” light started to blink and the engine idled roughly. Within two weeks of that the rough idle became a full stall, (usually at stops) and refused to restart fo at least 10 minutes. When it did restart there was a plume of black smoke fo a minute or two.

  Now ten years later, the dash has completely peeled back from the windshield and looks burnt, I’ve replaced the front brake pads at least six times and rotors four times. The paint’s clearcoat has peeled off the mirror housings and there’s a strange palm-sized patch of thin paint on the left side of the hood, almost down to the primer. The interior light come on when it wants to and sometimes will be on at night. AND THE DAMN THING STILL STUTTERS AND STALLS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT GO AWAY!!!!!

  The rubber trim on the door window sills has eroded to the metal and rusted,the rubber seat for the wiper fluid “shooters” on the hood have crumbled away, the windshield developed a mysterious crack and had to be replaced for $325, (the glass guy says it looked like it was stressed and not from a chip) the trunk leaks, although the seal looks good, the intereior plastic has faded to a weird greenish tan color and the seam on the drivers seat has seperated. This week the radio has started to tune in static better than stations.

  Yesterday I replaced the CV joints for $400 and the mechanic discovered that the brakes had a broken bolt in the caliper assembly.

  UGH!!!

  I can’t even get a decent trade in for this, but I need transportation.

  I NEVER GOT FULL USE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS CAR AND KIA COULDN’T CARE LESS. THEY GOT THEIR MONEY AND THAT’S WHAT COUNTS.

  If there’s a California suit that’ll cover me and the 1994 Kia Sephia LS, count me in!!!

• Robert // Feb 29, 2004 at 10:27 pm

  Okay… here we go:

  Bought it brand new in 1994 from Weber Kia & Mazda in Ventura, CA (now defunct).It was a Sephia LS right off the truck. It still had the plastic on it when we saw it.

  Withing two weeks bumper trim was falling off, rear door seal was bad, noticed dash was not centered and tans (auto) was shifing hard. Was told it was a vacuum and/or pressure problem. As for the rest, the trim was glued back, seal fixed and the dash was my problem since “it was only an $8800 car”… Was refused every time I asked to see the Kia rep when he was at the dealership. I has a friend there and she told me when he was there.

  Within six months of owning the car and a total of 19 days in the shop, (no loaner car by the way) and the Kia rep STILL REFUSING to speak with me, the transmission was apparently replaced. I say apparently because the problem seemed different, not better. I gave up on that one.

  Within two years, I’d replaced the front brake pads three times and the rotors once. Shortly after the “HOLD” light started to blink and the engine idled roughly. Within two weeks of that the rough idle became a full stall, (usually at stops) and refused to restart fo at least 10 minutes. When it did restart there was a plume of black smoke fo a minute or two.

  Now ten years later, the dash has completely peeled back from the windshield and looks burnt, I’ve replaced the front brake pads at least six times and rotors four times. The paint’s clearcoat has peeled off the mirror housings and there’s a strange palm-sized patch of thin paint on the left side of the hood, almost down to the primer. The interior light come on when it wants to and sometimes will be on at night. AND THE DAMN THING STILL STUTTERS AND STALLS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT GO AWAY!!!!!

  The rubber trim on the door window sills has eroded to the metal and rusted,the rubber seat for the wiper fluid “shooters” on the hood have crumbled away, the windshield developed a mysterious crack and had to be replaced for $325, (the glass guy says it looked like it was stressed and not from a chip) the trunk leaks, although the seal looks good, the intereior plastic has faded to a weird greenish tan color and the seam on the drivers seat has seperated. This week the radio has started to tune in static better than stations.

  Yesterday I replaced the CV joints for $400 and the mechanic discovered that the brakes had a broken bolt in the caliper assembly.

  UGH!!!

  I can’t even get a decent trade in for this, but I need transportation.

  I NEVER GOT FULL USE AND SATISFACTION FROM THIS CAR AND KIA COULDN’T CARE LESS. THEY GOT THEIR MONEY AND THAT’S WHAT COUNTS.

  If there’s a California suit that’ll cover me and the 1994 Kia Sephia LS, count me in!!!

• ticdogg // Mar 9, 2004 at 12:43 am

  I bought a 95 sephia with 100,000 miles on it with my income taxes for $1500 and it has been a pretty good car.The cv axles went out shortly there after costing me $600. My car shakes at speeds over 65 mph since then, and also when I step on the brake, and has a constant pull to the left when driving on the highway. les schwab has done all the work to it ( I think they are the ones who screwed it up because it never use to shake before they put the new axles) and I have gotten 2 alignments done to it with no luck.other than handling problems the motor and tranny havent had any problems.I did have to replace the radiator,that set me back $250, I have gotten the brakes checked twice,both times I was told they are fine. 140,000 miles and still going on old reliable kia. by the way I put some 16″ chrome wheels on it and it looks pretty nice. I just wish it had a/c

• Vet // Mar 11, 2004 at 6:06 am

  I purchased 2000 Kia for my 18 year old daughther for the price and the mileage so far was a good deal, We have replaced braked and CV Joints and the engine light does come on between oil change, overall so far its ok, for her just work, home and school and maybe sometimes 30 -50 miles outside of home. She is not happy with the cooling/heating system the blower works when it feels like it. They told us that we are still under warranty but before they will look at it they want us to pay them first to check for our warranty. Let it be known that Kias’ are not the only car that will make u unhappy I owned a 2001 Dodge Intrepid and still owed 10,000 and the 2.7 motor was going out and I politely gave it to them and paid for a 96 Nissan Sentra less than what it would cost to buy a motor. I will have this on my credit but life goes on.

• Lauren Sutton // Mar 29, 2004 at 3:35 pm

  I own a 1997 Kia Sephia. I have had problems with it since I got it. We bought it used in 2000. Everytime I use my heater the Check engine light comes one. I need a new axle, new cv joints. Everything is horrible. And my dash not matter how much we conditioned it, has cracked and looks like it was set on fire. My friend used to have a 97 Sephia as well and she said her dash did the same thing. Anyone else have that problem??

  Kia = Killed In Action

  the car is only a good car when Im not driving it.

• Cheryl Busack // Mar 31, 2004 at 7:07 am

  I’m sorry to hear all of the problems that everyone has had with a KIA. My ex-husband purchased a 1999 Sephia in January 1999 and we haven’t seem to have many problems with it. The car was recalled because of a valve in the gas tank which was no big deal. At approximately 100K miles, my ex-husband had to replace the timing belt. I took the car because of dependability a year ago and I have had to replace the brake rotors and pads, one of the airconditioning lines, the fan motor only worked when it wanted to and just this past January the no.2 cylinder had low compression. My brother disconnected the fan and cleaned it out last year and it works as if it was new. My car is back in the shop today as I write this because the timing belt wore out already.

  My belief is that a car that is driven 30,000 miles a year is going to need maintenance. I don’t know if all of you people with problems just got really bad cars or if when a problem arose at high mileages you got really bad mechanical service. I know that I’m having a problem with No.2 & 3 cylinders but I also believe that when I took my car in the first time my check engine light came on, my mechanic should have checked more than what he did. I can say one thing, I have a mechanic whom is human and now that he is aware of a potential problem, he is taking the time to monitor the cylinders(at no charge to me) and if the same problem arrises again, he is going to tear the cylinders apart and find the cause.

  One thing I have learned is that you do not go to the dealer for repairs unless they are covered under warranty or all you are going to get is a high bill (average labor charges are $75 per hour. To replace the airconditioning line cost me over $400, $300 of it was labor)

  I said something about my timing belt having to be replaced a second time and my mechanic said that my ex-husband probably got a bad timing belt.

  I can honestly say this, I am looking to get a new KIA because contrary to what I said about going to the dealer to get anything fixed, the dealership in Sioux Falls, SD have really nice people working for them and they are willing to bend over backwards for their customers. I feel bad for everyone who has had major problems and I can’t relate to the problems. Every Make and Model of automobiles are going to have some sort of a problem. The only reliable vehicles around are the older model Chevy’s. That’s all I owned before the KIA.

• redracer // Apr 6, 2004 at 1:57 pm

  I have a 97 sephia that I suped up and it has so many visual problems with it it makes no sense. My dash board is ruined and just today I am seeing if it can be replaced by the factory. O and brakes why does the car vibrate like that when stopping. I think that KIA should recall all the 97 sephias or any other problem it has with that car or they will end up losing customers.

• Myria Baker // Apr 6, 2004 at 3:24 pm

  I have a 1999 Kia Sephia that I purchased in 11/2002. The CHECK ENGINE LIGHT came on so I took my car to CarX to have it inspected. They told me that I needed a tune-up & the fuel system cleaned which cost me $396 ($400.00) I took it back in to CarX on 04/05/04 because the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT was back on. They told me & showed me that it was the FUEL INJECTORS. Manuf Specifications for Injector Resistance is 14.5 OHMS (max) & my read 16.2 so I would have to take it to the dealer. I called the dealer (Northwestern Dodge/Kia 6116 North Western Avenue Chicago,Il) on 04/06/04 for a price quote on fuel injectors. They told me to bring my car it could be something else. So I brought it in to the dealer, they inspected it and told me that I needed new spark plug wires and spark plugs (TUNE-UP)!! While the service advisor is telling me this, he is showing me spark plugs(in the waiting area) that supposedly was taken off my car, that were VERY OLD AND DIRTY (through years of use). So very irrate, I went back to CarX and before the remove ANYTHING from my car I was present. I watched them remove the housing from the engine, show me the spark plug wires (WHICH WERE BRAND NEW) watched them remove the spark plugs(WHICH WERE BRAND NEW). The dealer almost got away with a scam because I didn’t watch them work on my car. CarX rechecked the readings on my fuel injectors and the reading was the same. New fuel injectors. Which are $200.00 a pop from the dealer, I have 4. Now I’m searching resale stores and junk yards. BEWARE OF DEALERS ESPECIALLY KIA DEALERS & KIA CARS

• mary t // Apr 15, 2004 at 8:27 pm

  2000 kia sephia,bought new, drove off lot and to my job, maybee 2 miles,car

  was red hot and boiling over, called dealership and they came and got it and later told me thermostat stuck, it dose this off and on still,ive had brakes replaced twice and now im looking at new transmission, get this,,i have

  47 thousand miles on it, its under warrenty only if i can produce receipt

  from 2002 stating that i had a full transmission fluid change???the 5 yr

  or hun thous mile warrenty hasnt covered anything on my kia yet!!!i did

  plan on a new one ,,not anymore

  mary t

• Hollie // Apr 17, 2004 at 8:24 pm

  I have a 1999 Kia Sephia and overall, I can honestly say that I love my car. Prior to my Kia I owned a BMW 320i and a Geo Storm GSI which were both lemons. Sure, I had to do the normal recalls which came up, I think there were a total of 3 or 4, which, frankly doesn’t bother me. I did have problems at the beginning with brakes, but it turned out that the dealership had just gotten a warped batch of rotors and once a good set of rotors were put on I had no further problems with my brakes… I do have the seperation on the dash in front of the steering wheel up by the windshield, but my husband said that was probably because I had put Armor All on it and didn’t continue to use it so I will take the blame on that. Just last week though my check engine light went on, we figure it is just an oxygen sensor… not that big a deal I figure… I don’t know what alot of you are expecting though… I mean… alot of cars have problems and there are alot of Kia’s on the road now… I have over 114K on my car and if the biggest problem I have had was needing to replace an oxygen sensor at 114K, I consider myself lucky. I’ve had my Sephia since Feb of 1999 and it only had 8 miles on it when I drove off the lot… I paid $9000 for my Kia new and have been driving it for over 4 years now… In my opinion… I’ve gotten more that I paid for !Go Kia!

• Meredith // Apr 21, 2004 at 10:31 am

  I bought a 1999 Kia Sephia in May 1999. I currently have 75,000 miles on it. I had to have the brakes COMPLETELY redone at 9,000 miles - the car was about a year old. The battery died at 12,000 miles, at about one year old. I’ve replaced all of the four tires at least 3 times. At 25,000 miles - about 2 years old the starter and flywheel broke and were banging against eachother in the engine, that was replaced under warranty (thank god because it’s thousands of dollars for that). At 70,000 miles, about 8 or 9 months ago I began having serious engine trouble, the check engine light is always coming on for some reason or other. In the past MONTH I’ve put $2,000 into fixing this car that ISN’T EVEN PAID OFF YET. In just the MONTH I’ve had throttle body cleaning TWICE, spark plug wires replaced, gas filter changed, fuel injection system cleaned TWICE, replaced the water pump, timing belt, and fan belts, the mass air sensor, oxygen sensors, the computer reprogrammed, and a few other things, totalling $2,000. IT’S STILL NOT IN WORKING CONDITION!! I was told this morning that I need to replace the catalytic converter and the transmission has gone bad, and that it will cost me another $2,000 to fix all of that and get it in running condition… I STILL HAVE 4 PAYMENTS TO MAKE ON THIS CAR. I am FED UP with Kia. I’ve had it with my 1999 Kia Sephia and I’m absolutely SICK over the amount of money I’ve put into this piece of CRAP car.

• joe // Apr 21, 2004 at 7:08 pm

  I purchased a 98 sephia for my wife so that i need not have to work on her car getting home from work. little did i know the brakes from kia warped their rotors not once but twice before going out of warranty i then purchased an aftermarket set which has performed well for the last 40k miles. i have also experienced fuel injector, dash and starter concerns , as well as having a noisy a/c compressor. however the motor performance in general has been good to my standards and a fuel injector cleaning dealt easily with the injector clogging issues. overall my only big issue with kia has been the brakes and a lousy warranty system, this from an ASE certified chrysler technician.

• dan lynch // Apr 23, 2004 at 5:59 am

  bought 2000 Kia used, had 50,000 0n it. First day the check engine light came on, took back to dealer who sent me to Kia dealer-new catalytic converter installed under warranty. On cold days it won’t turn over, had new battery installed and went to Kia-they could not find any problem with starting system, it still sounds like it’s laboring when it turns over. At 64,000 miles had to put in new front pads, new rear linings and drums. The car seems to eat tires, have installed 4 new ones since buying it, and occasionally the headlights will flick off then come back on, sometimes they won’t come on for a few seconds. The fuel economy is poor, about 26 mpg. I think I’m going to get rid of it before it really gets bad.

• Mike // Apr 27, 2004 at 4:40 pm

  I bought a 2003 Kia Spectra LS for my daughter in May 2003. Sure, we had the check engine light problem, but even worse in a front end collision at 25 to 30 mph air bags failed to deploy. The entire front end was pushed in and no air bag deployment. The car will likely be a total loss. Does anyone know where the air bag sensors are located for a 2003 kia spectra ls? Luckily my daughter didn’t have any life ending injuries. Anyone else with air bags that didn’t deploy in a Kia?

  Thanks,

  Mike

• Joanie // May 1, 2004 at 8:33 pm

  Battery Charge and Low Fuel Warning lights come on at the same time even with full tank after car has been running about 30 minutes when A/C, lights and/or radio is on. Warning lights go off if run car without A/C, lights, any accessories. Car eventually dies/doesn’t start. Alternator and battery replaced with same problem. Anyone else with this? Had the car towed to Kia and a man with a prior year was in to trade with SAME problem. Kia will give nothing on trade-in (I wonder why???!!!)

• frank // May 7, 2004 at 5:26 pm

  i just got 2000 sephia for my daugter with 4000 thousand miles .had it 5 days and the transmission went.the dealer called me up to tell me that the transmissionwas cover under the drive train which i already new .but he said that with the trans is a electric part thats not cover and is going to cost me 500 plus taxs.i am tring to find out about this part he called it something but this is not right and i am very upset .if anyone nos about this please get back to me .and if anyone nos about the recalls on the 2000 that would help to never again thanks

• conserned kia sephia owner // May 13, 2004 at 9:16 am

  I have been haveing alot of problems with my 1999 kia sephia bought in PA made in korea. after reading all of these comments on this web page I realized that my car experiences many of the same problems. engine light on, vibrations in the drive, shakeing while stopping, car starting problems, strange noises while driving,strange noises from rotors or brakes, the list goes on and on. if there is anyone out there with suggestions about what i should do please let me know. thank you in advance!!

• MICHAEL J // May 13, 2004 at 10:59 am

  I bought a 2001 kia sephia. and the first week that I had it I had the gear shaft to lock up on it. Then about three weeks later i had to take it back to get a new gear shaft put in. now my kia was bought mew but i had so much problems with it that i sometimes wish that i would of bought a used vehicle. If there is anyone who has had trouble with a 2001 kia sephia please write me at my email address.

• Trey // May 13, 2004 at 12:03 pm

  I own a 97 Kia Sephia, 1.6l with 5 speed and 203,000 miles, Yes you read right, 203,000 miles. Now with all the thing I hear about this car, you would think after that many miles it would have blown up! Not here. This car is in excellent condition. I preformed all normal repair myself, including oil changes, timing belt, brake pads and rotors, fixing it to pass smog test last year (EGR valve), O2 sensors, valve job/ tune up, etc… It has been in two accidents, on running over a boulder during a storm, the other being side swiped on the freeway. Catalytic converter replaced, whole right render and light assembly, and new belts. The only problem I have with this car, other than the paint color, is the dash is curling up due to the heat/sun. Can this be replaced?

  I also need to replace my bushing and suspension soon, the high mileage kills that stuff. Are there urethane bushings for this car? Performance shocks and springs? Any help appreciated.

  Overall: GREAT CAR!!!

• Willie W. Thomas/ Gregory S. Woods // May 14, 2004 at 4:53 pm

  We purchased a 2000 kia Spectra GS in 2001.We have had numerous problems such as:axle repair,seats replaced three times and now,the transmition is out at 74,700 miles. The customer service said that it has pasted the waranty period.We are very upset about this.The warranty states we should be covered for 75,000 miles.

• Richard // May 18, 2004 at 5:21 am

  My wife and I decided to buy a new cheap car, we bought a (brand new at the time) 2000 KIA Spectra GSX. Around the 6 month point the check engine light came on, so it went in the shop. It continued to do this 13 time until I contacted the Better Buisness Buearue and asked for arbitration with enacting the Va. State lemon law, which it has to go in the shop 7 times for the same problem. So with that done KIA made an offer, they gave us 3K and asked for 30 days to fix the problem or they would clear our loan, take back the car, and give back the money we had spent in payments. We agreed (Duoooogh!) and they fixed the problem at day number 23. It was a loosed ground (return) on the PCM. 7 months later back on again, this time cracked exhaust silencer and bad O2 sensors. It went back 6 more times for this until they finally designed a new silencer and I finally quit careing about the O2’s. Now into year 4 and 63,000 miles the car runs fine light stays out most the time but the A/C blower motor has died and KIA technicians couldn’t fix it, they had it for 3 days and said sorry, can’t find a problem and it would cost 1200 to replace all the wires and parts for A/C blower circuit. So windows down until this bane of my life is gone.

• Linda // May 18, 2004 at 8:42 am

  I was in a hard front-end collision in my 98 Kia Sephia, and my air bags did not deploy either. I complained that the driver seatbelt seemed latched but would pop out if I leaned forward, and they did not order the seatbelt latch for me for a year- until there was a recall. My car would not start from time to time, and became more frequent, starting about 9 mos. ago, and I replaced the fuel filter, but it didn’t help. They said I needed a new fuel pump, which cost about $600.00. Then, I found info on a gov’t. site about intermittent starting problems, and a recall of a small part. I feel that this was possibly the problem all along. Then, I began to have problems starting again, and was told I needed a new battery, but still had trouble. Turns out it was the connectors on the battery cables were loose and you couldn’t tighten them. Soon thereafter, they had a recall on those, but they only rearranged mine, and did not replace them. I have had varying problems with my brakes for about 2 1/2 years, and when I have them checked, they say they look good, except for one shop said they needed replacement. They had a bad shudder, which went away, to be replaced by squeeking, and now they sound like metal grinding as of last night. Dealer says I must replace rotors whether needed or not, if I want a brake job.HELP!!!!!!!!!! Linda

• Ken Flott // May 28, 2004 at 9:12 am

  I have a 1998 Sephia… problems described are exactly what I have endured… 6 break change outs… “covered under warranty” so they said; I believe it was to avoid the lemon law… Help me… Boston, Ma

• wrj // May 31, 2004 at 6:05 am

  i bought my kia branc new backn 98, same as the rest,breaks, then check engine light, i was given a extended warrenty, when i purchest the car, i now have a timing belt problem, car just stopped.

  i called the company the extended warrenty was with and i was told that it is no good.

  iwas told the extended warrenty was running the same as the regular warrenty, if this is so donot purchase any extended warrentys.

• Kerri M. // Jun 3, 2004 at 8:06 am

  I purchased a Kia Optima 2002 a few weeks after purchase my dome light started to malfunction then it just went out.I have since taken it back 5 times and it still doesn’t work.I am about to take it today due to several other electrical problems. My window will not go up or down unless the door is open.My dash lights do not come on,but I can make them come on if I hit the button at the end of the windsheild wiper wand.My rear window defogger does not work. The locks do not work like they did when I purchased the car.

  This car is junk and I have had nothing but headaches since it’s purchase not just from the car but the dealership and the idiots who work there.

• Andy // Jun 12, 2004 at 12:31 pm

  Wow, I had no idea that there were this many people expressing their Kia problems on the internet. I own a 97 Sephia myself, bought it brand-new in 97 because it was cheap and fit my budget at the time. It’s 2004 now and I’ve since purchased 2 other cars so my Kia sits in the garage for the most of the time. Up until the time I read all of these different Kia owners’ articles, I had totally forgotten about my own Kia nightmares since I’ve laid the beast to rest for awhile. I simply prefered to drive my other two vehicles more (a Dodge truck and a Mitsubishi Eclipse) than my Kia and now I do recall just why. Besides a multitude of other menacing ‘bugs’ I can remember, off the top of my head, having to get the brake pads and rotors replaced three times and a master cylinder twice all within 6 months of having bought the car. I thought it was my own bad luck that I’ve had to have this many brake problems but, reading these articles, I can clearly see that I wasn’t the only one having to endure the frustrations. The reason I am commenting is that now is a new year; and with new years come new problems. I live in California and although I don’t drive my Kia much anymore I still have to keep it registered. In order to do this, I have to pass the SMOG test. My beloved Sephia only has 70K miles on it and IT WON’T PASS SMOG due to a friggin’ Check Engine Light. The light seems to have a mind of its own. Even when I unplug the battery cables and reset the light to stay off, the SMOG test machine would pick it up through the OBD and fail me on the test time and time again. The actual emissions are well within limits but its just that darn CE light that just has to keep showing up. Oh Kia, when will it ever end? I have twice that many miles on my Dodge and it passed with flying colors. Please help if any one can.

• howard // Jun 14, 2004 at 8:08 pm

  have a 2000 kia sephia having trouble with check engine light was fixed oncehas there been any recalls on this problem

• Holly // Jun 15, 2004 at 7:38 pm

  I have a 1999 Kia Sephia, bought brand new with 19 miles. The first week, the fuel pump went. I have also had the check engine problem (always told that it was because I didn’t turn the gas cap tight enough).Rotors, CV joints. I no longer have A/C that just stopped working with no warning. My dash is warped for almost two years already. Constantly overheats, I’ve changed the water pump, to no avail. Now I think that I may have a cracked head. It isn’t worth anything and I still owe money on it. I will NEVER buy a KIA again, you couldn’t pay me to!

• Holly // Jun 15, 2004 at 7:40 pm

  Almost forgot, I had to replace the clutch last year as well. So many problems with this car, it’s hard to keep track of them all.

• Aaron Kashmer // Jun 21, 2004 at 11:22 am

  WOW! Long list. in more ways than one. I started dating this girl and her Kia. I have NEVER seen such a worthless car.

  I have fixed cars all my life and the breaks on this car are …unreal… the emergancy break never works, fronts are 1.5″ to small in dia. for the weight of the car (ford engineer told me) so they heat up and warp. the pads well… I went to bosch pads and it helped some.

  I have found one solution with the electrical system though, take the hole thing apart and put it back together using lots of lock-tite on all the screws and recrimp the wires where possible. I AM SERIOUS……took me 2 weeks but I did it. The electrical system took me some time but I got it. However that check engine light still comes on. I back tested the voltage on all the sensors reset the ecm and to know luck but I’ll check the ground like rich did. man…I must be crazy. I now know what it is like to be stuck w/ a lemon. I feel so bad for my girlfiend she owns it. Now, I own a honda. I didn’t think it was possible to love it more. I stand corrected. I would buy a ford before buying a kia.

  Aaron, Brighton MI

• sherri // Jun 23, 2004 at 11:28 am

  i have had to replace the brakes on my kia sephia 3 times in 2 years and the cv joint its always on the drivers side! is there any help for us in florida?

• Emily // Jun 23, 2004 at 12:01 pm

  I just wanted to say that my husband and I purchased a 2003 Kia Spectra in August of 03, and we have had only one problem with it. The horn only works when it wants to, everything else works just great so far. Although I have to say I am a little leary after reading all the stories. We were considering buying a 2000 Kia Sportage with almost 90,000 miles and now I’m not so sure!!

• TG // Jun 28, 2004 at 4:26 pm

  I noticed an entry by AJ posted on 2/6/04, about the drivers seat breaking when hit in accident. Has this happened to anyone? This happened with my 2001 Spectra on6/21/04 along w/ my airbags not deploying. If this has happened to anyone please email me…….scorpiobch@grandecom.net……..asap!!

• Magdalena // Jun 29, 2004 at 8:28 am

  I just had an accident in my 2000 Kia Sephia and the air bags didn’t go off. It was a pretty bad accident. Does any one know what the deal is with the airbags? Everyone whom has seen my car has immediately stated they should have gone off. I have also suffered from the car having major vibrations for a couple of years. I had replaced the brakes already almost two years ago and it started doing it again. My majoy concern now is the airbag issue. They should have deployed. Any help out there???

• Donna // Jun 29, 2004 at 7:24 pm

  My dash lights went out in my ‘99 Kia Sephia 2 years ago and I tried to get it fixed several times while under warranty to no avail. After my warranty expired the dealer said it would cost several hundred dollars to repair, yet couldnt even tell me what the problem was exactly. Has anyone lost their dash lights and had them repaired? If so, please email me and enlighten me as to what the problem is and what I myself can do to repair my car. I am afraid to drive at night and do not feel safe in my own car. Please help! You can also email my daughter {LaPrncsse@aol.com} she understands technical matters better than I.

• Miriam // Jul 2, 2004 at 9:09 pm

  Sorry to ear all this problem with your Kia, I have a Sephia 2000 with 95598 mile on it and my car is in great condition, Never but Never heve problem with the car, I love my car…

• Daniel // Jul 4, 2004 at 7:42 pm

  My girlfriend purchased a 2000 kia sophia and has had numerous problems from the get go. The brakes have been a major issue,the starter has been replaced twice and now when u try to start it, it either does nothin at all or it cranks right up depending on its mood at the time. As of right now the car is sitting because of what we think is the starter again, it does nothing what so ever when u try to crank it now. Somthing should really be done about all these problems people are having with their “brand new cars”. Oh yeah the cd player only works when it feels like it too.

• Sarah // Jul 7, 2004 at 9:28 am

  OMG!! i can’t believe this. i wish i would have read these things before i sunk money into that craphole of a car. I have had my brake cylinder blwo out because oil or brake fluid of some sort leaked all over it and soaked my pads, my winshield fluid dispensors didn’t work for the longest time, i had all my lights blow out one right after the other right after i bought it. now i was told that my anti lock brake system needs replaced. i have a 99 kia sephia with low milage. i take care of my car, why is all this happening! My air bag didn’t deploy either!! i was hit in the front side. it should have shot out with just a little tap right there. my gear shift also sticks and yes i have problems with the starter too!! my mechanic changed my spark plugs and everything and he can’t figure it out! Help what do we do??!! my rear tires have blown out in the same spot twice due to some rim issue also. i feel like i am running in circles!

• Sarah // Jul 7, 2004 at 9:32 am

  OMG!! i can’t believe this. i wish i would have read these things before i sunk money into that craphole of a car. I have had my brake cylinder blwo out because oil or brake fluid of some sort leaked all over it and soaked my pads, my winshield fluid dispensors didn’t work for the longest time, i had all my lights blow out one right after the other right after i bought it. now i was told that my anti lock brake system needs replaced. i have a 99 kia sephia with low milage. i take care of my car, why is all this happening! My air bag didn’t deploy either!! i was hit in the front side. it should have shot out with just a little tap right there. my gear shift also sticks and yes i have problems with the starter too!! my mechanic changed my spark plugs and everything and he can’t figure it out! Help what do we do??!! my rear tires have blown out in the same spot twice due to some rim issue also. i feel like i am running in circles!

• Terri // Jul 8, 2004 at 6:13 am

  Please, anyone that has problems with their Kia, please email me at scorpiobch@grandecom.net…….wether it is mechanical or involves the airbags, etc… I am working hard to get something going against this company. Isolated incidents are one thing, but my god i have rread so much since I was involved in my accident, that I am totally amazed. Things are NOT right with these autos. Please email me.

• Tracy // Jul 9, 2004 at 8:14 am

  My husband and I have had 2 Kias. I bought a Kia Sephia LS in ‘00 and a Kia Spectra ‘01. We made 2 big mistakes. The Kia Sephia had the battery die 3 times in 2 years! The first one died in the first 4 months of buying the thing. I never left my lights on or anything. Then the passenger side door would sometimes not latch to close. We had to keep getting some piece in the door replaced. We also had the interior dash light go out on more than one occasion. We got rid of that junk in just 2 and a half years and took a loss on it when financing a better car. Even with a warranty you can’t afford to keep renting a car and paying for one.

  Now we have nothing but issues with our Kia Spectra. I can’t wait to get rid of that junk. It has been in the shop 4 times in the last 2 years. Now at 46,000 miles the transmission is out! Kia considers that normal wear and tear and isn’t covered under our warranty. Lord help us if we are in an accident in that thing. We are so tired of seeing the blinking O/D off button! We will never make the mistake of buying one of these AGAIN!

• KIM // Jul 9, 2004 at 11:21 am

  I bought a kia spectra in February of 2003 new. My son was driving my car and hit a ditch. The roads were wet. The air bags deployed late. The air bag on the passenger side hit the front windshield and schattered and the driver air bag hit my son in the face. The retnia in his right eye became detached and had surgery to fix it. But now he can only see light and figures. Most likely he will be blind in the right eye.

• D // Jul 11, 2004 at 8:05 pm

  OK…I have seen a lot of independent stories about how good these cars are, and about how much they suck. TG is my future wife, and after the wreck she got in, and seeing her blood in the car, my viewpoint is certainly tainted. The seat breaking in the manner that it did may very well have caused long-lasting injuries to the woman I love. I never liked traveling in the Kia because it felt like a soda can on wheels. The hollow “THUNK” when the doors closed always made me nervous. I am grateful that she is alive, but the fact the she has not been able to stand for more than 15 minutes at a time since the accident worries me. Her back is in a constant state of pain, and is accentuated when standing for more than a few minutes. Sorry to those of you who have 200K miles on your car, but as far as I am concerned, a Kia is just an accident waiting to happen…

• Trina // Jul 14, 2004 at 8:38 pm

  Just wait until you hear this: I bought my 1999 Kia Sephia LS from a dealer for about 5,000 dollars. It looked good, sounded good, and felt good, plus it only had 35,000 miles on it. Too Good to be true, right? Right. Took it in to have it’s oil changed and within the next month the oil light was back on. I went back to wear I got it changed, thinking that maybe they forgot to put it in, but they didn’t. The oil was disappearing. I had no leaks and they couldn’t figure out the problem. So, they loaded me back up with oil and I went on my merry way. The next day, I start my car and the biggest cloud of black smoke comes out of my back pipe. I take it back to the place because the car also starts making a clicking noise and guess what? They told me that I needed a whole new engine because it was dry as a bone inside and advised me to take it to the Kia Dealership. So, I did and was lucky the original 50,000 mile powertrain warranty was transferable. So, I got a new freaking engine at 38,000 miles. I’ve had to take it back another time because the engine constantly stutters, so they did adjustments which left me without a car; the first time for a full month; the second time over a week!. Now, my cv joint covers are messed up, which means my car is clicking every time it turns right or left. The boots need to be replaced. My car is only at 45,000 miles. I called up a few companies like Midas breaks and asked them when the joints should wear and I told him my car was at 45,000 miles and he laughed, telling me nowhere near that. 60,000 at the earliest. I called the Kia Dealership and they were giving me a hard time stating that they don’t know if my warranty will cover it because my car is a 99 and this is 2004 so the 5yr or 50,000 may be up. I am at the point where I’ll gladly sew them so that I can get a new car, I’m to the point where I want to use the Lemon Law. Any advice? Here is a list of problems with the car: Engine pulses when stopping, clicking when turning right or left, interior dashboard is curling up, cd player only works when it wants to, door and glove compartment constantly rattle, car is extremely loud and shakes constantly. What makes me so mad is the fact that I take great care of my car, I loved it, it was perfect when I first got it, now I wish I could do it all over again. I feel completely unsafe in the vehicle.

• David // Jul 16, 2004 at 5:17 pm

  I lovingly refer to my Kia as the “pile of Kia” in the driveway. Here is a condensed list of the problems I have had with it since purchasing it from a dealer. It had 16,000 miles on it and was said to be a ‘programed’ car (rental).

  –One the way home after purchase, the door trim strip fell off. That continued to occur another 4 times before I glued it back on myself with military issue ‘double bubble’.

  –CV joints have had to be replaced 5 times. (I finally found out the turning radius was to large and using the end of the turning range was tearing the CV boot, that quit happening when I quit turning sharp)

  –I tried to change my first flat tire and broke two wheel studs. There is no way to replace the wheel studs without removing the bearings and replaceing seals. The dealer didn’t tighten the brake assembley-it came off and cracked the disc distroyed the brake assembly.

  –The check engine light has been on most of the cars life. While it was under warranty, they said I needed to tighten the gas cap.

  –The air bag light comes on and off when it feels like it, with no logical pattern what-so-ever.

  –Both oxygen sensors failed at the same time (hint-if out of warrenty, use generic Bosch and splice the original connectors on). The rear oxygen sensor was factory striped into the muffler.

  –I had to replace the timing belt

  –the dash warped while under warrenty, they replaced it. Then it warped after warrenty and I can’t afford to fix it.

  –The stereo quit working and was replaced while under warrenty.

  –The battery died abruptly shortly after I bought it. When the battery dies on this car, nothing works. It kills the car while driving.

  –It has always leaked oil

  –The Exhaust manifold gasket was leaking and had to be replaced

  –The front windshield trim is comming off

  –Brake pads have to be replaced on a regular basis (much more often then they should)

  –The A/C switch does not stay engaged (I had to insert a piece of plastic into the side of it to keep it engaged).

  .

  I’m sure there are many things that I have forgotten by now. Bottom line–I will never-ever buy a Kia again, and will strongly reccomend to everyone that I meet to avoid Kias like the plague.

  Right now I am batteling another issue with it. It will not maintain idle and runs to rich or lean. This time it’s not the oxygen sensors (already replaced them again).

• David // Jul 16, 2004 at 5:23 pm

  I forgot to mention that my ‘pile of Kia’ is a 1996 Sephia LS, 1.8 DOHC. I bought it in Tampa, FL, but now live in Oregon.

• Brenda // Jul 22, 2004 at 7:49 pm

  I purchased a 2000 Sephia about 9 months ago with 37K miles on it. I had many of these same problems, but got most of them fixed. My check engine light was blinking, the O/D OFF light was blinking, the door wouldn’t close tightly enough to lock, one day it wouldn’t start at all, and most of the time it takes about 15 tries, cranking on the starter to get it going.

  Here’s what we have done: replaced the oxygen sensor (I think - I will check for sure) that fixed the check engine light. When it stranded me and made no noise when you turned the key, we replaced the transmission range sensor (it didn’t know what gear it was in). We also replaced the cam sensor. It is still very hard to start, so we are in the process of replacing the fuel pump, as it seems to start better on a new, clean, full tank of gas. I also have had a minor tune-up: there was sand in my spark plugs.

  I am grateful to all of the accident victims who have posted. I want to unload this heap before I get hurt!

  My oil also disappears mysteriously and I haven’t replaced brakes yet, but also haven’t had them checked! I will now.

  Oh, the door was missing a bolt, so it works now too.

  I really think we should start a national class action suit. Where do I sign up? TG: How can we help you?!

• Dave // Aug 2, 2004 at 8:57 am

  I bought a 2003 Spectra GS this past March 23, with 141 miles on it. I’ve put over 8200 miles on it so far. Only problem I’ve had has been with the radio/cd player, which will soon be replaced with something decent. CD player quit once, but that was due to a piece of film (from the disc itself) in the player. Now, I have a static sound when a disc is playing. No other problems.

• Dave // Aug 2, 2004 at 8:58 am

  I bought a 2003 Spectra GS this past March 23, with 141 miles on it. I’ve put over 8200 miles on it so far. Only problem I’ve had has been with the radio/cd player, which will soon be replaced with something decent. CD player quit once, but that was due to a piece of film (from the disc itself) in the player. Now, I have a static sound when a disc is playing. No other problems.

• michelle // Aug 4, 2004 at 7:38 am

  well,yesterday my mom was driving when she heard what sounded like shots being fired at her……then the car completely power!….couldnt steer, couldnt brake.nothing.she look within all the smoke and all the fluids were under her car at that point…..when she got it towed they looked under the hood…………the fan (white plastic p.o.s) had shattered……all the blaeds were everywhere in pieces……that is why all the lines and hoses were cut up…………we live up in the mountains at 7000 elevation ………she was scheduled to go that mountain in 2 days ……..thank goodness she wasnt going down those windy roads during this occurence

• Judy // Aug 7, 2004 at 4:38 am

  Bought a 2003 Kia in West Palm Beach Florida. I have 67000 miles on it. To replace a broken timing chain costs more than $3,000 due to defective engineering because I’ve had timing chains replaced before over the past 20 yrs and it’s only expensive if it rips through the engine, which they could not possibly know since they didn’t even inspect the engine. The dealer says if it breaks after 60,000 miles it has a special high teck “???” & will cost a lot if it is not replaced at 60,000 miles. No mention of this in literature or at purchase. I WOULD NEVER HAVE BOUGHT IT HAD I KNOWN. Also, air bags didn’t deploy when my 2002 Kia was totaled in a wreck and the front end demolished. What a mess I’m in. Any help?

• Terri // Aug 9, 2004 at 12:14 pm

  I have a 2000 Kia Sephia and I will buy another Kia in the future. I have read lots of complaints about this car but if you look around at other vehicles there are numerous complains on them also. I have 83 thousand mile on my car and I’ve had to fix a couple things but things happen with any car. So for most people their complaints are really unnecessary, just except that you bought a low cost vehicle and quit complaining.

• Cassie Bock // Aug 14, 2004 at 5:22 pm

  I knew this car was a bad buy within the first 6 months. Fluid was pouring out on to the ground. I can’t even explained everything that they had to do. It was three major things,brake differenial,cylinder and some other major thing. It took almost two weeks to repair and I had to borrow a car to work because I am in sales and travel.Less than a month later the transmission was messed up. Then a few months later it wouldn’t hold oil and while repairing they broke a bolt and had to send off for that. Again I had to borrow a car no loaners for us Kia Spectra folks. The check engine light has always been on, so I don’t even pay attention to it any more. Today I go out and it won’t even click when I try to turn on. Just out of the blue. This vehicle is the instrument I count on to earn a living. Pretty scary. If there is anything that I can do or help this to get to the right people.. I did keep all of my repair paperwork. I wish I had done more research before I purchased this car. Unbelieveable that there isn’t a national class action suit.

  Cassie

• Christy // Aug 23, 2004 at 11:03 am

  Ok I can tell everyone in here is feelingthe same as I am about anything Kia makes! I bought a 99 Kia Sportage with only 54K miles and I thought I was getting a steal… God help me if I would have known better.

  I have the check engine light come on and the starter blow out within the fisrt week and the dealership wasn’t going to fix it…. well they fixed it at no charge! Well a week after that ordeal.. I see some BIG problems… i.e. my head gasket is BLOWN, the waterpump for the engine is so bad and leaking all over the belt, if I go over 55 on the highway I shimmy to death until I get up to 70 and that was a wheel bearing on passenger side front. Oh well I got those fixed! No its doing the mysterious sputtering.stalling and dieing on the side of the road thing now that every Kia owner has heard of and dreads! The check engine light came on while sputtering and dieing on me yeaterday.. I thought it was going to explode. I let it cool down and drove it to get my dog and drove 50 miles back home with my fingers crossed. Oh BTW, have I mentioned I live in Alaska and that winter is almost here and I have a odd feeling I am going to be on the side of the road in 5 degree above zero conditions. I also bought this POS on April of 04…. hmmmmm I wonder if anyone will sue Kia if I die due to extreme cold conditions cause they can’t figure out what the engine problem is! If there is a lawsuit… I wanna be on the band wagon cause I don’t have enough money for this anymore. I am about to give back the vehicle and just walk…. at least I won’t be 50 miles outside of the city in the woods and wondering if a moose is going to run over me!

• David // Aug 27, 2004 at 6:42 pm

  Avoid Kia like the Plague. My car has gotten to 83K somehow — about 10K a tire. It still wobbles & nearest dealership is 75 miles away. The brakes have never worked well & now the transmission is picking gears at will.

  I can’t wait to see what’ll take to fix it this time. Oh & all the OEM items are POS specked.

  The whole point of geting a “new” car is to avoid all this.

  Avoid Kia at all costs. Go buy a better car.

• sudds // Aug 30, 2004 at 12:49 pm

  I have a 99 kia sephia. purchase at 32,000 and it is now at 58,000. Major problems with this car. Started with dash lights out, latches not catching, paint chipping, transmission issues. Hard shifting, not able to get from 2nd to 3rd gear, brakes noises, multiple car vibrations, door seals coming off, winshield seals flys off on the highway (finally superglued it myself), hesitations..wow the list is endless. Would love to get rid of this car, but still owe 5k. what a ripoff

• Felicia Page // Sep 3, 2004 at 6:01 am

  Im from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and I brougt my 2000 kia sephia at 5k. I also thought I was getting a deal but I begain to have problems with it like my rubber around the windshield came out, shocks went out within the first six months, loud noise coming from the fan under the hood. I hate this car and I never had so many problems in my life with cars. Please send me some useful information that I can use on getting help with this situation.

• Pete // Sep 10, 2004 at 6:29 pm

  I use to work an autocenter at a mall in California and they had a Kia dealership in the mall and i tell you alot of new car owners come to us about brake problems at 5k miles and short life span of the battery (wich is very hard to find battery)i felt sorry for the customers. Though i dont (and never will) own a Kia just spread the word!

• Chandra Wade // Sep 13, 2004 at 11:17 am

  I brought my 1996 Kia within a month my check engine light kept coming on, I took it back to the Kia dealership on several occasions and was told it was fixed. Also the car would take off by itself and it would only go 5 to 15 miles

• Kevin // Sep 17, 2004 at 3:07 pm

  I have a 1999 Kia Sephia that is my project car. I’ve raced it at legal import races and it beats most Hondas.

  P.S. Kias kick ass

• Trina #2 // Sep 21, 2004 at 8:44 am

  My goodness! I am shocked at how BAD these Kia Sephia cars are!

  Mine is not changing gears properly and it will not take off from drive or reverse at times. There is a shake in the front end, and the brakes are wearing quickly.

  I think there should be a class action law suit against Kia here in Canada!!!

• harry // Sep 22, 2004 at 1:34 pm

  I have a 2001 kia sephia with 60000 miles…did all the normal wear and tear things to it timing belt @ 50000

  now i have a check engine light on…

  i scan it with a paper clip and i have a code p1505 iac opening coil signal low……what does this mean and how do i fix it….i admit the car was cheap and it gets me from point a-b but i will never get screwed by kia again……ps the dealer wants 500 to fix the problem