1998 Kia Sephia: jerking or lurching

Filed Sep 9, 2000 · Engine · NV

Courtesy imports-henderson nv. I won't recommend this car to anyone. Car's engine lights came on, we took it to the dealer , but problem could not be duplicated the first time, again engine lights came on, car drives poorly- shifts terribly, jerks and engine revs in idle. , we took it back, tune-up suggested, tune-up done. Still engine lights come on, we bring it back, pick it up when ready, return it for same problem, now on 6th return for repair since 7/17/00. I think it's a real lemon. I just want my car back working properly! It's a terrible car. If you want me to fax you the work orders/service history sheets I have I loved too.

Filed Jul 13, 2000 · Fuel system · GA

This first car was to be transportation to work/school but has been nothing but trouble since a few days off the lot. Now it is unsafe and undrivable due to a malfunction that makes the car jerk constantly and stall in traffic. Please, do not buy a kia. It will be a serious waste of resources.

Filed Mar 7, 2000 · Brakes, Electrical · GA

Since the time that I have purchased this car it has been falling apart. The car is constantly shutting down or it just won't start. At this present time my car is sittting at stonemountain kia whereas it is in need a third battery all within less than a years time. Eventhough they know the dangerous history of this car that I purchased new, they continually return the car to me without doing a safety check. I have had my car towed to their location several times in the same week because they have felled to fix the problem. Once again my car is continually suffering from the same problems that are continuing to grow worst. The air conditioning system fails to work properly. The driveshaft is always sticking in the gears. The air bag light continually blink and stay on for periods at a time. The exhaust still making loud noise that I have complained about since I brought the car. The engine jerks and the car is burning a lot of gas. The battery acid continues to leak out into the car. The air vents broke just from a slight touch and so did the knob that control the air circulation. The car is constantly stalling. The car shakes badly when pressing on the brakes. Firestone refuses to work on kia's because they are aware of all the faulty system pertaining to kia's. Lation

Filed Feb 11, 2000 · Transmission · MA

Engine stalled, lost all power at speed of 5 MPH. Since april of 1999, the vehicle jerks back when it is passing 20 MPH. Now, it jerks harder while power is losing, required heavier gas pedal depression.

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.

Filed Dec 4, 1999 · Engine · CO

Since purchase have returned car under warranty at least 10 times, always for the same problem having to do with the catalytic converter, emissions system, and brakes. About once a month, check engine light flashes, car lurches and is shakey, often with a funny noise and bad smell. Dealership has "fixed" same problem each time, to no avail. Danger factor has increased as I now live in snowy climate. Car has no power, then lurches forward at high speed, stops in traffic, stalls or won't start at all. Tachometer goes up to 4 or 5 before leaving first gear (car is automatic). Dealer sold this car to me as a demo, but contract says used. Help -- this is a terrible, dangerous car and has been in the shop for at least 90 out of the last 300 days.

Filed Oct 14, 1999 · Airbags, Brakes · VA

When starting the vehicle up vehicle doesn't start up properly. Also, when driving at any speed and applying the brakes, they go half way to the floorboard, and vehicle jerks. In addition, computer chip/ gear shift malfunctioned. Vehicle has been into the shop over ten times. Air bag light and the check engine light keep coming on. Dealer can't determine the cause of the problems.

Filed Sep 24, 1999 · Brakes, Visibility · KY

When gently braking at high speeds, the steering wheel shakes badly. Also, when braking to a stop, the car does not stop smoothly. It jerks and vibrates when the brakes are used until I come to a complete stop. The roters have been replaced once already. One winter morning, I noticed that my windshield wipers were not working. Upon closer inspection, I found that they had somehow loosened. Fortunately, there was no precipitation that day. When having the problem looked at by one of kia's service centers, the guy there indicated that the problem was common.

Filed Jun 22, 1999 · Body, Brakes · OH

Tail light had to be replaced because of leaking, this is 4th time for brakes squeaking and pulsating, cow panel baffle needed replaced because of water pouring in behind glove box.people I don't know pull me over and complain about their kia sephias and similar problems with them. Also the engine sometimes won't start the first time. It takes two or three times once in a while. It also sounds like the engine will jump right out of the car because it jerks so hard when starting. The gas tank has yet to let me fill it all the way. It gets almost full, then spits the gas out and won't let you "squeeze " it full. It's like there is no venting going on. I have heard similiar reports from other owners.

Filed Apr 26, 1999 · Engine · GA

When driving at any speed the vehicle is stalling and jerking. Consumer put vehicle into the shop for repair service and the problem has returned. Dealer can't determine the problem.

Filed Apr 2, 1999 · Acceleration, Brakes · CA

The floor shifter has a rattling noise. Had shifter replaced several times. The dashboard rattles. Glove compartment fell down. Radio speakers blown. Bearings in wheel grind. Doing fwy speed, vehicle would shimmy & shake. When slowing to stop, brakes would jerk. While waiting at stop, engine would be surging.

Filed Nov 18, 1998 · Transmission · IL

When traveling at any speed the transmission would not allow any acceleration. Consumer also noticed very hard jerking when placing the vehicle in gear. Please provide any further details.