Tl* the contact owns a 1998 kia sephia. While driving various speeds, the vehicle would shut off without warning. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency campaign number: 99v317000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact was informed by the manufacturer that the vehicle had been serviced for the recall in 1999. The contact took the vehicle to hanson kia (2300 carriage loop sw, olympia, wa 98502, (360) 943-2120) and was informed that a diagnostic test needed to be performed to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 119,000.
The worst 1998 Kia Sephia problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes256
- Engine108
- Electrical105
- Transmission68
- Fuel system62
- Visibility44
- Airbags31
- Lights28
- Body26
- Steering24
- Suspension23
- Acceleration6
- Seat belts6
- Locks5
- Tires5
- Seats3
- Wheels3
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Kia Sephia
Stalling 41Won't start 27Grinding brakes 25Check engine light 23Brake failure 22Fuel pump 16No deployment 15Headlights 14Wipers 14Premature wear 13Jerking 12Transmission failure 11Engine failure 10Fire or smoke 10Overheating 7Airbag light 6Fuel gauge 6ABS 5Hesitation 5Loss of power 5Pulling 5
Recalls 6
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- Remedy
- Owner notification began december 20, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kia at 1‑800‑333‑4542.
Recall number 02V216000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles with 36,000 miles or less as of july 15, 2002, an electrical contact problem may have developed in the hazard switch which could result in inoperative hazard lights and/or inoperative turn signals.
- Risk
- The loss of turn signals or rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is turning and/or is stopped and could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the hazard switch. Owner notification began september 6, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kia at 1‑800‑333‑4542.
Recall number 02V207000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Manufacturing changes were made to the orvr spring force and float wire length reducing the valve angle. Certain valves caused fuel shut off before the tank reached 95% of nominal capacity.
- Risk
- This would cause customers to add more fuel to the tank causing fuel spillback or spitback from the fuel filler neck.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the orvr valve. Owner notification began november 13, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kia at 1‑800‑333‑4542.
Recall number 00V175000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Electrical current to the fuel pump passes through the c304 and c305 connectors. If exposed to moisture, these connectors could corrode. Over time, the fuel pump will not receive enough current to operate.
- Risk
- This condition could cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the existing connectors and reposition those connectors to an area where the placement is designed to prevent contact with moisture.
Recall number 99V317000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The electrical circuit for the fuel pump is grounded at junction connector g300. If the pin tension is poor, or the bolt securing the connector to the vehicle floor is not tightened sufficiently, a poor connection is made. As the fuel pump operates, the poor connection can create heat which in turn increases resistance. Eventually the fuel pump will not receive enough current to operate.
- Risk
- This condition could cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- This corrective action is being performed in conjunction with recall no. 99v317.
Recall number 99V318000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The ball socket on the windshield wiper link may be out of tolerance resulting in the link disengaging from the wiper motor drive under load, such as pushing against ice, snow or other resistance. Also the wiper arm retaining nut could be inadequately tightened allowing the wiper arm to slip and/or stop functioning.
- Risk
- This condition could cause impairment of visibility in inclement weather increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the windshield wiper link and also properly tighten the wiper arm retaining nuts.
Recall number 99V271000 · Recall details
See all 6 recalls for the 1998 Kia Sephia
Defect investigations
Refueling spit back
Based on the low rate of fuel spit-back incedents (14.3 incidents per 100,000 vehicles sold), a low warranty claims rate of 0.02 percent, and the lack of engineering information that would support the presence of an engineering defect, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
EA04004
Refueling spit back
In june 2000, kia notified odi of a defect condition in approximately 100,000 my 1998-99 sephia passenger vehicles manufactured from october 17, 1997 to may 16, 1999, that could result in fuel spit back while refueling (ea99-034, recall 00v‑175).according to kia, manufacturing changes made to the onboard refueling vapor recovery (orvr) valve could cause fuel shut off before the tank reached 95% of nominal capacity during refueling.kia stated that if the consumer then attempted to add more fuel to the tank, fuel spillback or spitback from the fuel filler neck could occur.kia replaced the orvr valves in the recalled vehicles.odi has received 16 complaints of fuel spit back on vehicles that have received the recall and 5 complaints on vehicles that were not covered by the recall.kia has identified 2 fuel spit back complaints on vehicles that were recalled and 8 complaints on vehicles not covered by the original recall.kia has also provided warranty information showing 191 claims potentially related to fuel spitback on non-recalled vehicles. Odi has upgraded its investigation to an engineering analysis to further assess the scope, frequency, and trend of the fuel spitback risk associated with the alleged defect in the subject vehicles.
RQ03006
Non-crash engine compartment fires
Odi gathered fire data from various sources and inspected subject vehicles to assess the scope and frequency of non-crash engine compartment fires caused by starter cable chafing.odi's analysis found that most of the suspect fires occurred after the vehicle had received service repairs in the area of the subject cable.consumer complaint data indicate that the problem experience has declined since a peak in late 2001.the most recent known event occurred in november of 2002. Kia will perform a service campaign beginning in late 2003 to inspect subject vehicles built prior to january 2000 for cable damage and will replace damaged cables as necessary. Given the declining fire rate and kia?s service campaign, further expenditure of agency resources is unjustified in this matter.the engineering analysis is therefore closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will take further action in the future if warranted. Further details may be found in the attached closing report.
EA02016
Safety belt buckle malfunction
By letter dated august 25, 2002, kia advised the federal safety agency that the subject vehicles will be recalled.specific corrective action to be taken by kia has not been reported to the federal safety agency at this time.the safety recall program has been assigned campaign no. 02v‑216.
PE02051
Battery cable chafing
PE02028
Transmission oil cooler line
The oil cooler line allegedly develops leaks at it's junction to the radiator
PE00028
Turn sighal
There is no summary currently available
EA00018
Turn signal, traffic safety hazard
Allege that while driving, the trun signal switch failed.this failure increases the risk of a vehicle crash due to operator distraction and due to other vehicles being uninformed of the operator's intentions.
PE00004
Refueling spit back
The number and dates of complaints and warrant claims reported by Kia indicates that fuel spit-back has been a serieous ongoing problem with the Sephia models.Kia has made changes in both the ORVR valve and in the installation process on the fuel tank check valve, in an attempt to correct the problem.The failure of the check valve, due to cracking during installation, could go undetected until problems develop with the ORVR valve.Should an ORVR valve malfunction, when the vehicle has a tank chech valve with a latent crack, significant fuel spitting out the fuel filler pipe during refueling is possible.Current owners of 1998 and 1999 models could still be driving vehicles with latent defects.
EA99034
Intermittent stalling
Kia issued a Kia Technical Times in October 1998 stating that, due to loose connections at the fuel pump ground at G300, the fuel pump may shut off intermittently.The corrective action is to solder the fuel pump ground terminals at the terminal connec
SQ99020
Refueling spit- back
The subject vehicles are equipped with Onboard Refueling Vapor Recover Systems.Owners report that, during the refueling process, fuel sprays out of the refueling opening and soaks the person refueling the vehicle with liquid gasoline
PE99042
Windshield wiper
Alleged windshield wiper becomes inoperative when the wiper arm and pivot separate
PE99033
Technical service bulletins for the 1998 Kia Sephia 19
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Information for headlamp condensation and moisture
- Pitstop - engine component re-use guidelines
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- Mandatory replacement of locking/security hardware
- Automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the...
- Kia: all models. article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear...
- Charging system upgrade. tt
- Battery cable chafing inspection, repair and replacement. revised technical service bulletin. tt
- Battery cable chafing inspection, repair and replacement. technical service bulletin, letters to service...
- Recall campaign 027 to replace front seat belt buckles. notification letter to dealers. tt
1998 Kia Sephia fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4‑cyl | FWD | 20-21 | 28-29 | 23-24 |
What 1998 Kia Sephia owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 kia sephia. The contact stated that when she activated the windshield wipers, the wiper scratched the windshield and did not clear the rain. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 99v271000 (visibility) however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they stated that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 kia sephia. The contact was reversing from a parking space when he heard an unusual click. The steering wheel began to lock yet the contact was able to move the wheel. He proceeded to drive to his residence as the steering became increasingly difficult. The contact noticed the rack and pinion mounting bracket had fractured from the fire wall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 120,553.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 kia sephia. While driving approximately 35 MPH the vehicle began to accelerate to 50 MPH on its own. The driver stated that he had to press the brake pedal excessively in order to slow the vehicle down. The failure mileage was 160,000. The current mileage was 171,000. The VIN was unavailable. The driver also stated that he notified the dealer and they told him that someone would contact him.
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 kia sephia. The contact noticed that his vehicle would periodically fail to start. On one occasion, the vehicle was towed to a repair shop and the mechanic changed the fuel pump. A few weeks later, the failure recurred. The mechanic changed the fuel pump relay, but the failure still occurred. The mechanic referenced the federal safety agency campaign id numbers 99v317000 and 99v318000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump) and showed the contact a wire in the fuel system that was not insulated and had been overheating. Once the wire was removed, the failure seem to be resolved. The mechanic replaced all the wires and connectors and re-sautered everything. The manufacturer stated that the recall repair was already performed on the vehicle and would not assist. The current mileage was approximately 109,250 and failure mileage was 108,083.
The dash board is curling up around the front window vents which is kicking the vents out.
My 1998 kia sephia rear brake pad fell off fell off the shoe. Apparently they are held on by glue. It was replaced but I still have problems when it rains a lot , they lock up when parked. I don't dare use my emergency brake because the brakes lock up.
The airbag in my daughters kia sephia 1998 passenger side only deployed while she was sitting at a red light. There was no accident and no reason for the airbag to go off. Took to dealship for review and was told that the expert looked at the car and said there is nothing they can do and no idea why it happen. Then continued to say that someone could have done something wrong to the car and we would never no, but they were not going to spend any more time or money to find out what really may have caused this. My daughter, the driver, was slightly injured and now is affraid while driving or riding in a car.
Tl*the contact owned a 1998 kia sephia. A relative was driving the consumers vehicle and he saw his brother driving in the opposite direction. He swerved to play a game with his brother, but instead he lost control of the vehicle and crashed head on into the other vehicle. The drivers air bag failed to deploy, however the passenger air bag deployed and there were no passengers. Updated 04/30/08. Lj the consumers also owns a 2000 toyota tacoma which was also involved in the accident and the drivers air bag did not deploy. Updated
I brought a new kia sephia in 1998, and had nothing but trouble with it! Transmission was replaced 2 times by the mechanic for kia motors, and needed to be replaced again on 7/2007. Also , the brakes have been replaced 4 times and need to be replaced again. Now the headlights keep turning off while driving at night, but no mechanic can locate the electrical short problem.
Compare the 1998 Kia Sephia
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Questions about the 1998 Kia Sephia
Is the 1998 Kia Sephia reliable?
Owners have filed 491 complaints about the 1998 Kia Sephia, 81.8 times a typical Sephia model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Kia Sephia?
Brakes, with 256 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles. Next is engine (108).
How many recalls does the 1998 Kia Sephia have?
6 recalls, covering seat belts, exterior lighting and engine and engine cooling.
What year does the Kia Sephia have bad brakes?
The Kia Sephia model years with the most brakes complaints are 1998 (256 complaints), 1999 (173 complaints) and 2000 (85 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Kia Sephia get?
Official estimates for the 1998 Kia Sephia range from 23 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 20-21 city and 28-29 highway.
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