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1999 Kia Sephia visibility problems

19 complaints (5% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 15,000. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
19
of this car's complaints
5%
typical mileage
15,000
crashes
2
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Windshield wiper/washer
    7
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
    3
  • Windshield wiper/washer: linkages
    2
  • Windshield
    2
  • Windshield wiper/washer: motor
    1
  • Rearview mirrors/devices: exterior
    1
  • Rear window wiper/washer: linkages
    1
  • Power window devices and controls
    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 1999 Kia Sephia visibility

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

Wipers 12

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

What 1999 Kia Sephia owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 1, 2016 · Fuel system, Seat belts · MS

Seat belts work improperly, windshield wipers don't work, fuel pump is working inefficiently.

Filed Dec 27, 2005 · Body, Engine · 78,000 miles · CA

1) air conditioner hoses defective and will not hold charge 2) car rattles and makes noise coming from trunk area, taken to dealer repeatedly without any idea of how to remedy the problem 3) car would loose power without warning and at dangerous times, took to dealer 3 times before the car failed completely and they were finally able to fix the problem 4) rear drivers side window sticks and rattles, taken to dealer un-repairable 5) rear door look does not work, taken to dealer repaired but now it doesn't work yet again 6) engine light on, told by dealer the gas cap wasn't tight enough 7) power locks open and close at intervals while driving the car 8) engine light blinking, no idea what problem is this time contacted kia and asked to speak to field representative and was told that kia could do nothing to assist owner in fixing owner. This car is a money pit and do not recommend to anyone to buy a kia under any circumstances.

Filed Jan 4, 2005 · Body, Visibility · 61,500 miles · NC

The dashboard is separating from the windshield, preventing the defroster from circulating to the windshield. Manufacturer states they can not assist the consumer.*ak

Filed Oct 3, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 15,000 miles · AL

The car died while driving down the road repeatedly. Battery leaked. Brakes had to be replaced for the entire car at 60,000 miles. The vents on the dashboard have popped up and broken. Now the defroster does not blow the air on the windshield. This vehicle was stored in a garage. The seams on the seat come undone. The cigarette lighter broke and flops in the dash. The switch to override the transmission lock is broken. The rear brake light broke when replacing the struts which you have to remove the back dash to get to. The board that is under the carpet in the trunk warped. The carpets came up from the sides of the car. The storage bin in the center console broke, twice. The wind shield chips and errodes when in a car wash. I have never seen a windshield in this bad shape before. The back seat does not stay down. The headlights have a bad seal and there is water now in them. The rubber around the doors comes out repeatedly. Gear shifter is continually stuck. Brakes take twice as long to stop my car as any other vehicle I have ever driven. I have to drive 2 & 1/2 hours to get repairs. The gas milage is closer to 24 mpg then the 35 that was marked on it when I bought it. There are noises from the engine compartment that are loud and unpleasant. There is a ground fault wire that is bad they want $75 an hour minimum of 10 hours to repair it. The fuse panel cover broke. The headlights cannot be alligned.

Filed Jul 18, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · IA

The vehicle had numerous recalls and problems. When the consumer put fuel in the vehicle it leaked out. When it did hit she had to play around with it, until the nozzle was in the tank just right, then it would take the fuel. Also, the vehicle was had problems with the brakes, and rotors wearing out too quickly and the master cylinder was cracked and leaking brake fluid. The consumer had the vehicle in the repair shop at least 10 times and needed to be returned to the repair shop. *ak the fuel tank problem had been worked on four times and still was not fixed. There were gear shift problems where the shifter would stick, multiple wiring console light problems, the wiper blade links were defective and caused the blade to come apart. *scc *jb referenced in rq03-006

Filed Jul 4, 2003 · Brakes, Engine · 594 miles · IA

Consumer has experienced several problems with 1999 kia sephia. Nar 07/21/2003.*mr transmission, rear blinkers, brake pads, fuel pump and valve.

Filed Aug 27, 2002 · Visibility · PA · crash · 1 injury

At slow speed vehicle was sideswiped by another vehicle, driverside mirror was designed to fold inward when this happened; instead, mirror exploded, and driver was hit by glass, window was down. Driver suffered multiple facial cuts. Damage to vehicle unknown at this time.

Filed Aug 13, 2001 · Electrical, Engine · CT

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.

Filed Mar 28, 2001 · Brakes, Visibility · NC

Windshield needed to be replaced due to stress cracks. *ak rotors were replaced two times.

Filed Feb 21, 2001 · Visibility · PA

Intermittently windshield wipers become inoperable, obstructing view of driver. Dealer has been notified.

Questions about the 1999 Kia Sephia visibility

Does the 1999 Kia Sephia have visibility problems?

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the visibility of the 1999 Kia Sephia, 5% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1999 Kia Sephia visibility problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 15,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1999 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 1999 Kia Sephia problems

Brakes 173Engine 87Transmission 71Electrical 61Fuel system 49Airbags 37Steering 22Body 17Suspension 17Seat belts 13Lights 12Locks 10Acceleration 7Tires 6Seats 5

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