1998 Kia Sephia steering problems

Filed Aug 4, 2010 · Steering · 120,553 miles · WA

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.

Filed Apr 19, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · OR

Rear drum brakes squealed loudly, and it did not feel as if they were working in moist conditions. Also, a steering gear bracket weld cracked, making it difficult to steer vehicle. At low speeds consumer had difficult maintaining control. Steering wheel was flopping around.

Filed Dec 30, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · 65,000 miles · TX · fire

I purchased a kia in march 02' I used the car for long trips the first year I had owned the car and I had no faults in jan.- feb 03' the car began to shift in to numerous gears and then stall. I was then deployed to iraq. I left the car with a good friend. When I came back he informed me that the car wouldn't start. Dealer said it was the fuel pump. Friend replaced the fuel pump.friend then replaced fuel pump again when car wouldn't start. Friend left the car alone,when it didn't start, until I had returned from iraq. I came back and took the car to midas, due to the fact that the dealer didn't have an idea of what was going on. Midas then said it was the fuel pump. I had it replaced for a third time. Car ran for a day then died. I took the car back to midas they said it was the wiring harness. I had that replaced. Car still didn't start. So midas said three weeks later they said it was the fuel module. The car then worked for about a month then wouldn't start. Took car to several shops all said it was the pump. I then had a mechanic from my unit check it out. He said it was within the wiring to the fuel pump still hasn't figured it out. Since then I have found that it has a faulty connection with the connecting cables near the fuel pump under the back seat. The connectors have been miss firing and has burnt a hole in my back seat. I've tried to go to the dealer but they insist on doing a dianostic and charge me $60.00 just to tell me the same thing that I already know. They also said they can't order the part until a dianostic was done. I've also had numerous problems with the fuel tank over filling and not reading full on the gauge. I have also had to replace the brakes four times in 18 months.the power steering also goes out quite frequently. I have also had a serious problem with the alignment of the car. I understand that wear and tear occurs on a vehicle but the problems that I have had with this car is not normal wear and tear. Iam dissaponted in kia

Filed Aug 29, 2002 · Steering · NY

While making a turn at the intersection steering wheel locked and will not turn. Dealership is aware of problem.

Filed Jan 4, 2002 · Body, Brakes · OH

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.

Filed Dec 7, 2001 · Steering · OH

Driving within 25 MPH when a thump/break was heard. The vehichle became inoperable to drive unable to steer or turn steering wheel. Diagonal to road and feared for life as this was rush hour traffic. Had passengers in vehicle including diasable person. Was able to turn wheel slightly and drive straight to gas station within 50 feet. Immediately called tow truck and had taken to dealer halleen kia in north olmstead, ohio and contacted manufacturer kia corporation to ascertain defective equipment or recall history. No satisfaction as I feel kia should fix frame since this major component failed.

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 Mar 5, 2001 · Steering · OH

Button on gear box stopped working, happened a year ago, but then dealer could not find problem. Currently, vehicle is out of warranty.

Filed Feb 9, 2001 · Steering · AL

Front of dashboard has warped, and defrost vents are crakced causing defrost on front windshield to not function properly.