1999 Kia Sephia: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Dec 31, 2003 · Engine · 52,000 miles · AL

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.

Filed Jan 6, 2003 · Locks · 65,000 miles · MA

Vehicles' manual doors are inoperative. The driver side door hesitated to open. After consumer entered the vehicle all four doors unlocked but they will not open, consumer was trapped in their vehicle. A passer bi had to pry open the door from the outside. Manufacturer indicated that this was caused by mother nature. Please provide more details. Ph

Filed Dec 26, 2002 · Seat belts · NY

This is a complaint regarding equipment on the 1999 kia sephia ls, manufactured by kia in korea on 08/25/98, and targets an extremely important safety item, specifically the driver's seat belt which has a defectively designed latch, since when the tab is inserted securely seated into the latch, it pulls out when pulled, or when one leans forward slightly stressing the seat belt. It is very , very dangerous, and I informed the closest dealer to my location, bay ridge kia when I brought the car in for correction of recall items, but the belt was not on the list. I am informing dot in the hope of preventing anyone from being injured by this defect. I went back to the dealer and at my expense immediately ordered a new latch section of the belt, part no. 0k2ab-57-680-96. Of course I asked, if that part had been modified? The answer was, no surprise, yes. I also had sent a letter to kia service headquarters in san diego , california . Do not hesitate to recall this item, as the belt seems locked, but it isn't.*ea04007*

Filed Jul 26, 2000 · Body, Brakes · VA

Brake pads and rotors have been replaced 4 times in less than 1year and at 30,335 miles right now, service department fights with us each time we bring car in. Car does not start up right away, it turns a few times before it finally does, took to service department 2 times, they are unable to diagnose problem. When driving at times when you step on gas car hesitates to go, almost like it is out of gas, but it is not. After 2mths. Of using airconditioner this summer, it completely stopped working, took to service department, diagnosed with leaky "o" rings, they repaired under warranty. Rear doors when opening hit the edge of closed front doors, service department said they needed new door stoppers, haven't got them yet.

Filed May 25, 2000 · Engine · IL

Vehicle experiencing ongoing / intermittent problem with hesitation / lack of acceleration/ stalling.vehicle had been to two different dealer shops on several occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Feel free to provide further details.

Filed Nov 23, 1999 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

When starting the engine it would turn over & then vehicle would stall. Once started, vehicle would hesitate. The fuel gauge fails to register fuel intake. Also, vehicle is very hard to shift into gear properly. Took vehicle to dealer to have problems checked. The mechanic replaced the fly wheel & the gas tank.

Filed Nov 22, 1999 · Engine · TX

No warning lights came on when car started to hesitate. Car stalled out on the freeway, and a 18 wheeler was right behind it. Consumer feels they could have been killed.

Filed Nov 17, 1999 · Engine · AL

Sitting at corner, waiting for light to turn green, pulled out into the intersectionwhile making a left, and vehicle stalled. It had no power, going uphill or in second gear. Driver could put foot on pedal which went straight to the floor. But had not enough power, some hesitation. Contacted dealer.