1997 Kia Sephia: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Sep 6, 2003 · Body · WA

The dashboard is pulling apart and this is unsafe and I worry about the air bags blasting off and other damage. I know this problem is prevelant to this car also there is something wrong with the breaks they squeak horribly, but the break people say they don't need to be replaced, unsure of the cause.

Filed Dec 2, 2000 · MD

I have reported this intermittent problem ever since I first purchased this car; however, the dealer insists there is nothing wrong with the car since they can't detect the problem while it is in their possession. I have reported the problem at least a dozen times over the past 3 years, yet it has shown up on my maintenance slip only once or twice that I have reported it. Quite often, when I start the engine (regardless of weather conditions or whether the engine is cold or warm) and I turn the key, the starter sounds as if the engine is already running and I hear that god awful grinding sound in the selenoid. It sounds just like the engine is already running and I turn the key again. I am extremely frustrated with the dealer and am tired of reporting the problem, especially since they don't seem to want to replace it. Of course now, after 3 years, the warranty has run out and I would have to pay for any replacement. At one time, one salesman told me to continue reporting the problem because kia has received complaints from other owners with the same problem and if it's ever recalled, it will be documented. However, as I stated previously, the dealership has not been recording my complaints on the maintenance papers so it still isn't documented. I just keep wondering where I will be and how much longer it will be before it lets me setting somewhere. I realize the 800 # will cover towing, etc. But that's not much comfort when you're a woman alone and stranded somewhere and have tried numerous times to correc the problem before it does let me stranded --- hopefully not in a rural or deserted area where there are no phones or at night when I am alone. What more can I do?! No safety defect mentione din summary.

Filed Apr 13, 2000 · Brakes, Electrical · GA

I started having brake failure and grinding from the rear after 5 days of purchasing the car.I was coming up to a stop sign and the car would not stop after applying the brakes.when backing up or coming to a stop I had a grinding sound and sounded like a liquid was splashing around at the same time.I took the car back to southlake kia and told the service rep about the problems.before that I was checking the spark plugs and when they were pulled out one by one they were burned out and the air filter was almost as black as tar.I told the service rep about plugs and air filter.the spark plugs was changed but I was told that the filter was not going to be replaced.I talked to darryl harris/sealer/and he had to talk to his boss in order to get the filter replaced.darryl's boss told me that air filters was not going to be replaced,so I spoke with darryl again and he finally got them to change the air filter as well.after telling darryl why I was back so soon he called where the cars are taken to be serviced and was told that the car had never been serviced,and that's when the air filter was replaced.after explaining about my brakes and advising the service department that it was my back brakes that failing the most I was told by tom and the mechanic/I believe his name is george,I not really sure/that cars do not have back brakes.I was told by tom in so many words that a car does not have to be serviced and that a car can be sold even if it is know that it has brake or any other type of problems.I spoke with tony at 800 333 4542 ext 35014 who said that he would get someone from dps who could authorize the repairs.to date I still have not heard from anyone who can assist me with my problems.on 7/26/99 tom had the mechanic to replace front pads and rotors with updated pars,cleaned and adjusted rear barkes.the front pads had uneven wear as well.after the repairs tom told me that he had the front and back brakes replaced and replaced the pads.

Filed Jul 20, 1999 · Brakes · FL

While driving at any speed and applying brakes, brakes are soft and go half way to the floorboard. Also, there is a squeaking noise coming from the brakes.

Filed Jan 29, 1999 · Brakes · VA

When traveling at normal highway speed and when aapplying brakes, front brake rotors vibrate very hard. They feel like they are going to collapse, and they make a grinding sound. Dealer has been contacted.