Consumer had to have the motor rebuilt. *ph the engine was rebuilt because the engine kept overheating. Now the transmission needs to be replaced but the consumer cannot afford to repair it. The starter was also replaced.
1999 Kia Sephia: engine overheating
9 of the 422 complaints about the 1999 Kia Sephia describe engine overheating.
- owner complaints
- 9
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 1
Engine overheating by model year
What owners say
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.
Vehicle has no power, belts sound loose, and overheated due to missing radiator cap.
Engine check light would stay on, vehicle overheated & overdrive would blink on/off. Ground wire was suppose to be fixed,but vehicle caught on fire. Vehicle was totalled. Manufacturer said they couldn't do anything, filed a lawsuit. Warranty was not up on vehicle.
Radiator fan failed causing the vehicle to overheat.
Transmission failed took to dealer he stated transmission failed because I was trying to get out of the snow in my driveway???? Contacted kia they stated they could only take the word of the service manager of the dealership. I had this vehicle for only 6months and 11000 miles and has had other problems such as brake failure, emission failure and overheating problems in addition to the transmission failure.
Transmission fluid was leaking, and the vehicle engine overheated. And caught on fire.
Consumer stated vechicle was defected when she purchased it on sep 11 1999 . Consumer took it back on sep 13 1999 because she has been having problems, such as transmission fluid leaking out from underneath her vechicle. Also, brakes not working properly when applying brakes. Pedals went allthe down to the floor. Also vechicle overheated. Also, front grill /windshield wipers and gas gauge had to b ereplaced, and I still don't work . At this time the consumer has registered a complaint with the lemon law. Her car is at the dealership waiting for a part.
Electric cooling fan blew fuse - causing car to overheat while it was parked - dealer replaced fan stating that it appeared to have water damage - ??????
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Manufacturing changes were made to the orvr spring force and float wire length reducing the valve angle. Certain valves caused fuel shut off before the tank reached 95% of nominal capacity.
- Risk
- This would cause customers to add more fuel to the tank causing fuel spillback or spitback from the fuel filler neck.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the orvr valve. Owner notification began november 13, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kia at 1‑800‑333‑4542.
Recall number 00V175000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1999 Kia Sephia overheating
Is engine overheating a common problem on the 1999 Kia Sephia?
9 of 422 owner complaints about the 1999 Kia Sephia (2%) mention engine overheating. The model year with the most reports is 1999.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1999 Kia Sephia?
There is 1 recall and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1999 Kia Sephia
Stalling 33Fire or smoke 29No deployment 25Grinding brakes 24Check engine light 17Brake failure 16Won't start 16Premature wear 15Transmission failure 14Fuel pump 13Wipers 12Hesitation 8Fuel gauge 7Jerking 6Seat belt 6Door locks 5Fuel leak 5Won't shift 5
VIN decoder
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