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1998 Kia Sephia visibility problems

44 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car). 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
44
of this car's complaints
9%
crashes
1
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Windshield wiper/washer
    14
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
    7
  • Windshield wiper/washer: linkages
    5
  • Windshield wiper/washer: motor
    4
  • Windshield
    4
  • Glass, side/rear
    2
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: fan/motor
    2
  • Windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring
    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 visibility problems in other years

1995199619971998199920002001

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Kia Sephia visibility

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

Wipers 14

Related recalls

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkagesReported October 6, 1999 · 90,054 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The ball socket on the windshield wiper link may be out of tolerance resulting in the link disengaging from the wiper motor drive under load, such as pushing against ice, snow or other resistance. Also the wiper arm retaining nut could be inadequately tightened allowing the wiper arm to slip and/or stop functioning.
Risk
This condition could cause impairment of visibility in inclement weather increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the windshield wiper link and also properly tighten the wiper arm retaining nuts.

Recall number 99V271000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Windshield wiperOpened May 6, 1999, closed October 21, 1999

Alleged windshield wiper becomes inoperative when the wiper arm and pivot separate

PE99033

What 1998 Kia Sephia owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 18, 2013 · Visibility · 55,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 kia sephia. The contact stated that when she activated the windshield wipers, the wiper scratched the windshield and did not clear the rain. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 99v271000 (visibility) however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they stated that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.

Filed Jan 6, 2004 · Engine, Visibility · 50,000 miles · NJ

Dear sir: kia sephia 1998 has several other problems which never been reported. My car (VIN# [xxx]; 52,000 miles) has (1) an oil leak from the engine head (valve cover) gasket, which can potentially create a fire, and it has (2) very pure air flow on the windshield which reduce my driving visability due to fog accumulation inside of the wiendshield. Both conditions are very dangerous and may lead to a car crash. Please inform kia manufacturing corporation that these deficiencies should be fixed for free. Thanks! Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] *ak updated 07/26/2012

Filed Mar 1, 2003 · Visibility · 19,830 miles · SC

Pre owned vehicle purchased in very good condition and still in very good condition. At purchase front of dashboard was slightly warped. Since purchase, front of dashboard has become increasingly warped, defrost vents are severely cracked, causing front windshield defrost not to function properly.

Filed Jan 10, 2003 · Visibility · 18,000 miles · CT

While in motion, the drivers side window cracked in to very small pieces. *jg

Filed Sep 28, 2001 · Visibility · NY

Windshield wiper motor came loose while consumer was driving and windshield wipers stopped working. Contacted dealer . Please provide more information.

Filed Aug 9, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · OH

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

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 Jun 2, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · NY · crash

In 2 years I had to get a new transmission, replace my brakes 6 times, service engine problems 7 times, fuel pump, 8 recalls, wipers, new tires, and many other problems... Copies of repairs are available upon request. I have also been discriminated against by the dealer many times.

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 Sep 4, 2000 · Visibility · PA

Driver side wiper link falls off when windshield gets alittle dry & wipers start to drag

Questions about the 1998 Kia Sephia visibility

Does the 1998 Kia Sephia have visibility problems?

Owners have filed 44 complaints about the visibility of the 1998 Kia Sephia, 9% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1998 Kia Sephia visibility problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Kia Sephia visibility?

Yes, 1 recall: 99V271000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

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

The Kia Sephia model years with the most visibility complaints are 1998 (44 complaints), 1999 (19 complaints) and 2000 (19 complaints).

Other 1998 Kia Sephia problems

Brakes 256Engine 108Electrical 105Transmission 68Fuel system 62Airbags 31Lights 28Body 26Steering 24Suspension 23Acceleration 6Seat belts 6Locks 5Tires 5Seats 3Wheels 3

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