1999 Kia Sephia: brake failure

Filed Mar 10, 2004 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · FL

Sudden brake failure; leakage around windows, trunk; gas splash back (found out there was a recall on this, never fixed by previous owner); fear shift button won't go in to change from park to drive or reverse; transmission hestitates at times, then lunges; car overheats while sitting or driving at slow speed (fan works and radiator full); smell comes from air conditioning when stopped (it really stinks, worse than a skunk); when filling gas tank to full, mark never registers full. I spoke to kia about these problems and they said I'd have to pay to have them fixed. I think there needs to be recalls on these problems as the people at kia are not very friendly nor willing to help out people. We bought this car used and thought some of the problems stemmed from that. However, in researching the brake pad issue, I found many of these same problems began early in the manufacturing of these vehicles. Unfortunately, I am not under warranty like others so have no recourse but to sell this vehicle as soon as I get the brake pads fixed. I do wish the nthsa could do something to help us out on these problems which are not being fixed by kia. Thanks - don't buy a kia sephia 1999 model. Too many problems.

Filed Oct 24, 2003 · Brakes · 56,000 miles · WI · crash

The vehicle experienced brake failure. When the brake pedal was applied, the vehicle failed to stop, which resulted in a rear end collision.

Filed Aug 12, 2003 · Brakes, Seat belts · FL · crash · 1 injury

Consumer was involved in a collision in which seat belt buckle released from latch plate. Subsequently the buckle hit the driver should and hit her in the head. The strap bruised her shoulder. The consumer believed that the brake did not work properly. *ak *slc *ph *nlm*ea04007*

Filed Nov 12, 2002 · Brakes, Engine · MO

While driving the brakes failed, the vehicle had to be stopped by pulling the emergency brake at which time the consumer noticed a fire under the hood of the vehicle, possibly brake or engine failure. Nlm

Filed Jun 11, 2001 · Brakes · PA

Brakes seem to go out every 3,000 miles. Brakes have a grinding sound and the stopping distance has to be increased. Dealer stated wrong size brakes were made for vehicle and back brakes went out. Vehicle depended on front brakes. *ak consumer states that now the dealer wants her to pay for the brakes, dealer has replaced brake pads, rotors, and rear drums, pulsation also occurs. Engine light illuminated, dealer stated transmission needed replaced at 30758 miles. Excessive crank in the am, dealer performed wire harness campaign which was also causing lack of power. Squeal in steering, dealer replaced the steering pump and power steering belt.

Filed Jan 4, 2001 · Brakes · CA · crash

While driving about 30 MPH when stepping on brakes pedal to stop vehicle could not stop, and rear ended another vehicle, but brakes had been prior repaired. *ak the brake failure resulted in accident which cost the consumer $ 500 in deductable.

Filed Oct 23, 2000 · Airbags, Brakes · OH · crash

Brakes went out after being applied. Was traveling 30mph & was trying to stop. Brake pedal went to the floor. Rearended another vehicle in front. Upon umpact, air bags failed to deploy. Vehicle was towed home.

Filed Sep 29, 2000 · Brakes, Steering · WI

Consumer was at intersection waiting to make a turn, went to apply brakes and there were no brakes or steering. Consumer took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic couldn't duplicate problem. Consumer picked vehicle up, and a few minutes later, vehicle did the same thing.

Filed Aug 26, 2000 · Brakes · NJ

Do not buy a kia! Where shall I begin?--the car has 18,654 miles and the front brake pads and rotors have been replaced 5x. Unbelieveable!! Wanna hear more? I went to court on 6-15-00, nj lemon law, and they thought the brakes were fine, so I settled for an extended warranty----now just 2 months later the brakes failed again!!!!! I have had other numerous problems such as AC, heat, stalling, radio, fuel tank and more--reminder-the car is 2 years old. Please contact me, if anyone has any questions or suggestions for me. Right now, I've been contacting kia, consumer affairs, better business bureau trying to see what I can do,cause, I don"t want the kia anymore!!!!!!!!

Filed Jul 6, 2000 · Airbags, Brakes · MD · crash

While driving on the beltway consumer attempted to stop vehicle on heavy traffic but the brakes failed to stop. The consumer pressed on the pedal and the pedal hit the floor without stopping. The consumer served to the side to slow the vehicle down and coast. The consumer had the brakes already replaced at 9,000. Also, brake failure caused consumer into an automobile accident. Airbags did not deploy at the time of the accident. Per dealer, manufacturer is aware of brake problem.

Filed May 18, 2000 · Brakes · GA

Brakes werr defective. When consumer applied brakes car shook, and the pedal went all the way to the floor. Then bounced back up hard. Also, brake rotors and pads had been replaced three times.

Filed Mar 13, 2000 · Brakes, Suspension · NY

When the brakes are applied pedal goes to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Also, vehicle vibrates uncontrollably at highway speeds. Dealer has inspected and repaired the vehicle five times, and the problem still exists.