Vehicle engine caught on fire. *mr when the consumer attempted to come to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal went to the floor and the brakes failed. Consumer had to drive on the lawn in order to get the vehicle to stop. And then the engine caught on fire. *tt
1998 Kia Sephia brakes complaints
Page 2 of 10: complaints 11 to 40 of 256, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Consumer states the front rotors overheat and warp, affecting the braking ability. When braking at any speed there is pulsation and vibrating. Dealer has turned the front rotors three times. Ts
Consumer stated the brakes were wearing quickly, which caused the vehicle to experience extended stopping distance.
The brakes on this car are terrible! I have been in and out of the shop since this car was bought. I have had numerous pad and rotor replacements. I even got into a rear-end accident 1 1/2 years ago that I could have avoided with competent brakes. I now have to replace the drums and rear shoes because they have been working overtime to compensate for the poor front brakes. Thanks a bunch kia! Worst car I've ever driven.
Brake lining shattered and separated from brake shoe, causing rear wheel to lock up. Upon inspection and repair, the brake lining was otherwise not worn enough to warrant total failure of the part and appears instead to be the result of a defect. Dt
Consumer states of having problems with the brake pad and shoe are glue together. Dealer was contacted. Mr
Both right brake shoe linings came off of the backing plates and broke apart into pieces that jammed the wheel. The left shoes were beginning to come apart in the same manner. The linings had very little wear, and were the original factory pieces. The partial loss of rear brakes and jammed wheel would have been very dangerous at higher speeds. Dt
Consumer states that the either brake system failed while driving , have vehicle serviced 5 times for this problem. Nlm
Consumer having problems with the front rotors which cause brakes to wear down, and steering column to vibrate.
While traveling on highway brakes light will not show when applying brakes. Dealership is aware of problem.
While driving vehicle, went to stop & had no brakes. Pulled up on the emergency brake, looked in rearview mirror and noticed smoke all over. Pulled over & got out quickly. Opened paseinger door to get belongings & noticed flames coming from underneath. Called 911. Car was burning tremendously. A total loss. My daughter was driving, and got out safely. This happened for no apparent reason. What a traumatic experience, especially for a 17 yr. Old.
My car has been in the shop ten times! I cannot specify a part, most parts have been repaired. When I say ten times, it is in the shop for the 10th time now but needs 8 different repairs. (not ten total repairs) as far as safety, the tires (different brands) have to be replaced every season... 2 sets a year! The brakes have been replaced twice. They checked out okay last time it was in, but they constanty shudder and grind, and have completely gone out. They also squeal very loud at about 60 MPH while driving. Not sure if it is the brakes or tires. I just feel unsafe in my vehicle. It has been towed three times, leaving me stranded. My heater also quit working and I live in alaska. I don't know if these are common problems, but I have never owned a vehicle that I felt so unsafe in. I also got into a car accident in 200, in which I was hit head on by an explorer. I was driving about 25 MPH and she was driving about 10 MPH. It broke out my headlight, dented the hood up and put a hole in the bumper.... This much damage and the airbags never deployed! This was not called in to the police, I just let her go (it was her fault). I wish I had reported it.
I don't have one particular problem, the vehicle has a lot of defects. Especially brakes.
While driving approximately 65 MPH, hood released and smashed into windshield which blocked vision of driver, consumer felt problem was due to brake pads and rotors that cause severe vibration and had to be replaced frequently, there was no crash or injury to report when this incident occurred.*ak brakes would vibrate and were noisy, requested rear brakes be cleaned lubed, dealer found rotors warped and pads worn and excessive dust in rear brakes, numerous engine problems such as cooling fan rumble, check engine light on, engine stall, burning smell, belt squeaks, electric cooling fan inoperative, fan blade, plug wires and coil boots, valve cover gasket were replaced, evaporator was replaced and recharged, many electrical problems including ignition switch, starter, alternator, multifunction switch, battery terminal, and bulb failure, dealer has also found corrosion, poor connections and low voltage, consumer states numerous problems with shifter, harsh shifts and clunks, dealer replaced old style flex plate, binding shifter which was cleaned and lubed, fluid leaks, dealer replaced leaking power steering hose, multiple structural problems such as missing wiper arm cap, key will not open trunk, trunk lever does not release, broken trunk release handle, left rear door molding coming off, dealer replaced trunk release, reinstalled door weatherstrip, found oil leaks, and undercarriage showing signs of damage, bubbles in dash pad, sunvisor coming loose, dealer replaced dash pad, dealer found tail pipe damaged, both front aftermarket tires (no tire information) worn, left rear rim bent, rear tires (no tire information) cupped and feathered due to lack of rotation and alignment problems, consumer also requested dealer to check cv boots for grease leak, dealer found no problem.
Intermittently when brakes are applied pedal goes to floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Dealer has been notified.
Brakes were grinding. Took to dealer, and was informed that warranty on brakes had expired. Consumer took vehicle to another mechanic, and they cut rotors, and replaced front pads. Brakes were wearing too fast. Please provide any further infomation.
Brake system is defective, loud noise and pulsation when applying brakes. Contacted dealer, and the dealer replaced brake pads and rotors.
Vibration when brake apply, road test brake pulsation rotors warped pads worn uneven, replaced pads and rotors clean and lube slides hand torque wheels.
When applying brakes they squeal/ pulsate, and there is extended stopping distance. Dealer has replaced defective front rotors 4 times with new and improved rotors. Rear rotors were replaced 2 times. Rear wheel cylinder replaced once. Brakes have been squealing and pulsating again at this time.
Consumer states the brakes go out an average of every 14-15000 miles, the rear cylinders or front calipers fail, losing the ability to stop.
The left rear tail light is out, dealer replaced bulb.
Consumer stated the vehicle has been riddled with problems since the day of purchase, the wire harness melting and failed.
The vehicle pulls to the right, the dealer performed 4 whell aligmnent and rotated the tires. Nlm
Brakes are defective. When applying brakes pedal goes all the way down to the floor. Dealership is aware of problem.
I bought my kia new. Since then, I have had 4 complete brake jobs done. Dealer says it's "normal" wear and tear, said they replaced my rotors on several occasions, yet the last time (6/01), they said my warranty ran out, and I have to pay to have inspected from them. When told of previous prob's with these brakes, they claim that kia brake pads were bad, thus changing to the new version. Those failed also. They would not do job without me paying, so I had another private mechanic do the job. I had to have, the rear brake shoes, and left rear drum. This is after having my brakes done 3 x by the dealer. These cars give no warning at all, then wham, I have no brakes. I want a replacement car equivilant to mine but one that doesn't make me crazy wondering if my life as well as others are in danger due to crappy brakes kia made! This is crazy..the dealer are all nice and stuff until my warrantee runs out, then I'm stuck. I'll have to work overtime in oder to keep having rotors replaced if this keeps up! The dealer said that "normal wear" for rotors is below 10k???? My last car had one brake job done, and traded it for the kia at 155k, with brakes!!! Why isn't anyone doing anything about these brakes on these cars? Tons of people have had problems (see consumer complaint listings), yet kia says their cars are great? Also, I have had multiple prob's with trunk not opening with key, door handles falling off, water retention in headlamp (replaced), dorm light not working (fixed), car doesn't always start (dealer can't find problem), constantly unalligned causing wear on tires, side view mirrors don't always work (manual/no problem found), car doesn't always start (no problem found), front seats don't always stay in the upward position (no prob upon arrival at dealer). I think these are all of the problems...I have figured out that buying a new car isn't worth it. I would never recommend a kia to anyone! I can't even sell my car...nobody wants it!
The rotors on the brakes have been changed four times and each time they have failed over a short time.
Vehicle has been examined by the dealership approximately 9 to 10 times for brake problems, and replacement of the brake pads and rotors. Dealership continues to replace components, but has failed to remedy problem. *ak consumer replaced last set of brakes around 7-10-01 and now has approximately 375 miles and they are starting to warp again, dealer can not remedy problem.
This vehicle has been in the shop 4 times for various brake problems and although repairs were made I do not have any confidence in the reliability of this car. And, now that transmission had to be replaced, with such low mileage, I don't want to drive the car. I find it hard to believe that kia is not aware of all the problems with their vehicles! Thank you for looking out for our safety.
When driving steering will shakes and vibrate. Also, brakes pulsate. Consumer has contacted dealer approximately five times. Dealer has replaced brake pads/drums and rotors, problem still occurs.
In 2 years I had to get a new transmission, replace my brakes 6 times, service engine problems 7 times, fuel pump, 8 recalls, wipers, new tires, and many other problems... Copies of repairs are available upon request. I have also been discriminated against by the dealer many times.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1998 Kia Sephia?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history