1998 Kia Sephia: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Jul 18, 2007 · Brakes, Electrical · 80 miles · DE

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.

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 Jul 26, 2002 · Electrical · OH · fire

A fire started from main wiring harness under dash which LED to fuse recpticle under hood. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified. *ak when the wiring harness burned, the air bag, the radio, dashboard lights, the cooling fan and the A/C failed. This problem reoccurred several times. Tail light, turn signal, head lights, starter and the alternator also failed as the result of the wiring harness.

Filed Jan 15, 2002 · Brakes, Tires · AK

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.

Filed Jul 8, 2001 · Brakes · MA

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!

Filed Jan 5, 2001 · Electrical · FL

Consumer had been having problem with electrical system; headlights will go out whithout prior warning, and sometime had to be replaced. Dealer had been contacted.

Filed Apr 30, 2000 · Brakes, Lights · NC

I would never buy a kia again. This car has been nothing but trouble. The transmission prematurely went out with no warning. Had to be completly replaced. Both front headlight assemblies melted due to reasons still unknown. The brakes worn prematurely. Not to mention all of the other hassles I've had with this car. Sometimes I wish someone would just take it, I hate it so much!

Filed Apr 17, 2000 · Brakes, Engine · OK

Sliding door keeps ajar, and overhead light come son. Brakes are squealing and the car shakes badly if I go 65 miles per hour. I noticed that when it is raining that the car makes a terrible buzzing sound. I ahve had an exhaust leak and the brakes replaced already once and the fuel pump was replaced but I am still having problems with it.

Filed Jan 5, 2000 · Lights · IN

While driving headlights malfunctioned due to a a defect in the relay switch.

Filed Dec 21, 1999 · Brakes, Lights · FL

When the transmission was in reverse, it would pop out of gear into neutral. Then vehicle would stop. Also, ABS brakes were replaced twice due to excessive wear to drums. Headlights would have condensation, and dashboard was replaced due to cracks. Vehicle now on third transmission and it still slips out of reverse when backing up.

Filed Oct 21, 1999 · Lights · ME

When the high beams are on the headlights become inoperable, cause unknown. Please give any further details.