There was an ongoing / intermittent problem with the vehicle stalling while taking off from a stop position or while driving 25 MPH or more. The vehicle hesitated before it stalled. The vehicle had been to the dealer three times and they were unable to correct/ duplicate the problem. Please provide any further information concerning this issue.
1999 Kia Sephia engine complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 87, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Repeated problem with battery. Replaced 3 times. Never liked to start, always shimmied.returned to dealer for tune up. Car was returned with more problems that turned in with. Car wouldn't keep a constant gas flow.*ak traded it in and the dealer said the motor was bad and headed for a total break down. When it died - it was three years old with 60,000 miles.
While driving the vehicle caught on fire in the engine compartment. *mr *cb
Consumer has experienced several problems with 1999 kia sephia. Nar 07/21/2003.*mr transmission, rear blinkers, brake pads, fuel pump and valve.
While driving, the consumer heard a noise and pulled over, the consumer was then informed by a passing motorist, the vehicle was on fire. *ts
Air intake manifold caught on fire.
Consumer stated the resonator separated at the seam and could cause vehicle fumes. Consumer contacted the service department, and was told that it was a manufacturer defect, and was not damaged with normal wear and tear. Scc
This vehicle just turns off during driving - stalls out at any time. Had the vehicle towed into dealership 2 times, only to drive off both times and break down. It's in the shop now for the third time. They said it was the fuel pump (replaced, still stalls), then the catalytic converters (replaced, still stalls), now the wiring harness. Too dangerous to drive this car. They don't have a clue what's wrong. I'm scared to drive it after I've been virtually run over when the engine cuts off. Dt
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
The transmission failed at 30,000, when the vehicle was repaired, consumer was informed that eventually there would be problems with the engine, consumer stated it took numerous tires to get the vehicle to start. Ts
On four occasions the ignition failed causing the vehicle to stall while in traffic, the dealer has not been able to duplicate the problem. Nlm
While driving vehicle stalls without warning, also vehicle will not start until after 8 or 9 tries. Dealer contacted.
While traveling and without any indication transmission hose bursted, causing transmission fluid to leak and spray on wires resulting in a fire. *ak dealer did not replace wiring, but instead applied electrical tape over burnt wires and casings, consumer was advised by personal mechanic that transmission fluid is not flammable, therefore could not have been the cause of the fire, consumer has a lawyer to investigate, possible engine failure.
On several occasions, vehicle has lost power while pulling out of roadway, consumer has mentioned this problem to the dealer, however nothing has been done to remedy the problem.
Insured had just fueled up and started the vehicle, when smoke starting coming from under the hood, the gas attendant came out and lifted up the hood and engine was on fire. Claim number 02-0422-914.
While insured was driving down the road, the engine caught on fire, also the fire spread to passenger compartment. Claim number 40-2480-791.
Vehilce caught on fire, the investigator thinks it was an electrical problem. Claim number 59-v593-419.
Insured heard a loud noise while traveling, then there was a fire underneath the engine compartment. Claim number 11-3827-188.
While the insured was driving, the vehicle caught on fire. Vehicle was a total loss due to fire. Claim number 59-v905-624.
Insured states that the engine caught on fire. Claim number 20-5359-665.
The vehicle caught on fire in engine the compartment. Claim number 18-0585-289.
While driving at approximately 25 MPH, an electrical fire started in steering column and flames were coming from underneath the hood. Consumer was unable to turn engine off by turning the key in the ignition. Insurance company is in possession of vehicle, but has not informed consumer as to what caused the fire to occur.*ak consumer was unable to turn engine off, but was able to jump out of vehicle while moving, three recalls were performed on this vehicle and consumer believes that recall should have been performed prior to purchase, consumer also complains that the vehicle is noisy, exhibits hard start condition, sluggish acceleration, and inoperative fuel gauge.
Transmission was replaced in january 2001; then, again in may 2001 due to no pick up and sluggish performance. Please add further details.
While driving, another motorist advised consumer to pull over as the vehicle was on fire, black smoke was coming out of the vehicle, vehicle was a total loss due to fire in engine compartment, claim 59-v905-624.
Vehicle has no power, belts sound loose, and overheated due to missing radiator cap.
While at a stop sign and attempting to make a turn vehicle died. Took vehicle to dealer, and they could not duplicate. Problem still was occurring. Recall 99 v 318 000 concerning engine stalling, but this vehicle was not included due to VIN. Engine check light stayed on, and after refueling it will not start. Please provide any further information.
Vehicle experienced fire in the engine compartment, claim 18-0585-289.
Battery failed. Nlm
Engine light recurringly goes on. Diagnosed and repaired, previously, for emissions solenoid part failure. When brought in and, again, codes came up as emissions / small evap leak in system, dealership kept vehicle over 16 hours, told owner they could not locate an available kia mechanic to look at or work on, so they had a different manufacturer (hyundai) without my authorization look at the vehicle. The hyundai mechanic, svc mgr said, couldn't figure out what to do, and then svc manager told owner that the hyundai mech moved some things under the hood and tightened gas cap, vehicle then seemed okay and vehicle okay to drive with engine light on- just not when flashing on and off' and if goes back on, bring back in when a kia mechanic could look at it. I told them that I did not feel safe driving, esp. As it had just been repaired for the emissions system/engine light several months before and could he please call other local dealer. He said he did not have access to their warranty work or their local system repair records and said not necessary for them to call or take to another kia dealership (even though other dealership only 20 minutes and a local phone call away). Also asked dealership to check transmission and change oil/wash (had dealership online coupons for latter svcs) of which, of course, no services done either (even after having vehcle over 16 hrs). Transmission still sticks/drags while driving and vehicle still random cold-start stalls.
The car wouldn't start shortly after I bought it. It took several trips to the dealer in order for them to replace the starter. After the starter was replaced the problem continued and the flywheel was finally replaced. Approximately one week prior to receiving a recall notice on the wiper blades the wipers stopped working during heavy rain on a highway which almost caused me to get into an accident. I have had electrical problems such as the ceiling light going on and off whenever I turned corners. The car battery was even replaced after the new starter and flywheel were put in because the car still had problems starting. Recently the transmission had to be replaced. A week after the transmission was replaced the overdrive light and the engine light started blinking on and off. The car finally stalled and had to be towed. The car was given back to me and I was told that a gasket in the transmission was leaking. A week after that the over drive light and the engine light started flashing again and the car starting driving as if it was stuck in first gear. The car finally stalled again and wouldn't move.
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