1998 Kia Sephia suspension problems

Filed Sep 4, 2002 · Airbags, Suspension · MA · crash · 1 injury

I was in a very serious accident on august 7th, at 10:30 am while driving in the middle lane of the mass pike rt. 90 framingham, mass. I thought my kia sehpia was in accelent condition, but while I was driving in the middle lane, the steering wheel and column started shaking and I could not steer the vehicle. I tried to keep the vehicle in the lane but could not control the steering. The car screeched and was pulling to the right. To my immediate right was a large ryder rental truck, I braced myself and hit the left front end of the truck. The rest is a blur, I spun around and the rear of my car hit the guard rail and I fortunately stopped in the breakdown lane. It happened so fast, but what is most upsetting, I don't know what happened. I'm not sure if it was a steering column problem or a tire problem. All I know is, I was driving safetly and then my car when out off control. The right front of my vechicle was severly damaged, and my passenger side air bag did not deploy.

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 Aug 7, 2001 · Body, Brakes · FL

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

Filed Nov 7, 2000 · Suspension, Tires · OH

When driving rear end slides from left to right. Also, tires are bald. Dealership is aware of problem.

Filed May 17, 2000 · Airbags, Brakes · WV · crash

While driving on old route 50 another vehicle cut across in front of consumer's vehicle. Consumer was not able to stop, and hit vehicle broadside. Neither airbag deployed. Contacted manufacturer, and was told nothing was wrong. Since the accident, airbags have been on all the time. Also, had brakes replaced 5 or 6 times. When applying brakes the steering wheel shakes. Also, done an alignment.

Filed May 16, 2000 · Suspension · CA

On friday may 12, 2000 my steering wheel began to shake very eraticallly. After making a three point turn and straighting the car out and proceeding forward, the steering wheel was clocked upside down and began to shake. As my fiance proceeded to pull over to the right you could hear a loud pop sound come front the front and in the steering column. After she pulled over she tried to turn the wheel to the left, you turn the wheel about a quarter turn and then another loud pop. The wheels would turn to the right but, as you turned the wheel to the left the tires wouldn't move. The steering wheel turn and pop but, the tires would not respond. I guess I'm very fortunate that my fiance and 2 year old son didn't get into an accident. I would appreciate any information and help you can give me. Thank you, mr. Richard soto.

Filed Apr 24, 2000 · Engine, Suspension · TX

Ongoing problem with excessive heat coming inside the vehicle. Also, when applying the brakes a clicking noise would appear from the front wheels. Provide further details.

Filed Mar 24, 2000 · Suspension · FL

While driving and making a left or right turn could hear noise coming from front of vehicle, like touching the sides. But, manufacturer nor dealer could find the cause.

Filed Mar 8, 2000 · Brakes, Suspension · TN

Front brakes failed. Yh

Filed Feb 5, 2000 · Suspension · MA

The car jerks as it is passing 20th mile. This problem has been worse with time for the last 8 months.