1998 Kia Sephia lights problems

28 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). 1 crash reported.

owner complaints: 28
of this car's complaints: 6%
crashes: 1
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Headlights
11
Turn signal
5
Turn signal: flasher unit
4
Tail lights
2
Headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch
1
Headlights: concealment devices
1
Hazard flashing warning lights: switch
1
Hazard flashing warning lights
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Kia Sephia lights problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Kia Sephia lights

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Headlights 14

Related recalls

Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switchReported July 29, 2002 · 25,000 vehicles affected

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

Related investigations

Turn sighalOpened June 29, 2000, closed July 29, 2002

There is no summary currently available

EA00018

Turn signal, traffic safety hazardOpened January 13, 2000, closed June 29, 2000

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

What 1998 Kia Sephia owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 21, 2003 · Lights · 61,174 miles · NJ

The vehicle's rear brake light failed. The part has been replaced five times within one year. The consumer believed there is a short in circuit.

Filed Nov 4, 2003 · Electrical, Lights · 42,000 miles · MD

I bought a 1998 kia sephia in feb of 2000 I have had to replace 3 gear shifters and three transmissions and the car has only been driven 2/3 of the time that I have owned this car. My signal light on one side has never really worked properly and the the headlight constantly shorts out. Of course now I'm out of warranty and still experiencing these problems and many more I dont know where else to turn because all I'm ever told is that's a kia for you. I still have a loan of this car and dont think it's right that almost every year the gear shifter and trans need to be replaced. I would great appreciate any help you can give me because I havent been able to drive the car for the last 2 months because the gear shifter wont come out of park and when it did the trans raced when reaching 2 gear. There is no way anyone should experience this much trouble whether being a used car or not. Please help me.

Filed Nov 8, 2002 · Lights · PA

Consumer states that while driving there is water inside of the headlight compartment causing a distraction to the consumer fairs. Dealer notified. Ts

Filed Oct 16, 2002 · Lights · PA

Consumer states recieved recall letter, called dealer to schedule an appointment. Consumer was told that the parts for recall were not available. Consumer states its been a month and parts are still not available. Consumer feels unsafe driving under these conditions. Mr

Filed Aug 9, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · OH

The left rear tail light is out, dealer replaced bulb.

Filed Aug 9, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · MD

Consumer stated the vehicle has been riddled with problems since the day of purchase, the wire harness melting and failed.

Filed Aug 7, 2001 · Body, Brakes · FL

The vehicle pulls to the right, the dealer performed 4 whell aligmnent and rotated the tires. Nlm

Filed Dec 7, 2000 · Body, Brakes · MA

Signal lights fail to work properly when in use during cold weather for 15 minutes or so. Sometimes this happens when it's raining. The dealer replaced the hazard switch and there have not been any failures since. Seat belts have been replaced 3 times. Brakes and rotors have been replaced 3 times. Windshield wipers failed prior to recall. Head gasket replaced at 3500 miles. Molding on the doors fell off and was replaced. Tailpipe was replaced due to excessive exhaust fumes.

Filed Nov 20, 2000 · Lights · TN

Intermittently turn signals become inoperable. Dealer has repaired vehicle; however,problem still exists.

Filed Sep 29, 2000 · Airbags, Body · LA · crash · 2 injuries

Brakes,lights,seats,battery,airbags,odometer,leaks,aircondition,leftdoorhandle (tiresize: 14`)( dot number: tire size: 14` )

Questions about the 1998 Kia Sephia lights

Does the 1998 Kia Sephia have lights problems?

Owners have filed 28 complaints about the lights of the 1998 Kia Sephia, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Kia Sephia lights problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Kia Sephia lights?

Yes, 1 recall: 02V207000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Kia Sephia have the most lights problems?

The Kia Sephia model years with the most lights complaints are 1998 (28 complaints) and 1999 (12 complaints).