2000 Kia Sephia: complete transmission failure

Filed Dec 27, 2005 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · MI

Over the course of the previous few months, prior to the incident, I noticed that the 2000 kia sephia with 80000 miles began to have a hard time with the shifter. It became increasingly more difficult to get the car to shift from park to drive. It continually felt like the shifter was stuck. I ended up having the car towed via flatbed because the car refused to start. After getting it to a mechanic I was told that the transmission had failed, however, being the car only had 83000 miles I sought a second opinion. After contacting the dealer and describing the problem to one of the mechanics (who will not be named), I was told this is a common problem with this make and model kia. That the seal is faulty in the transmission casing and after a period of time dirt and/or water leaks into the linkage causing it to not shift. The way to correct is to either replace the transmission or to have the linkage redone and re-lubricated for proper operation. A third opinion revealed the same information. A kill switch does not allow the car to start unless the car is in park or neutral. So once the automatic transmission was manually shifted into park the car started immediately. It was indicated this problem is common and will more than likely re-occur but that the "treatment" should hold for at least a year. After $485.00 in repairs not including the tow the transmission is beginning to act up again. I don't want this happening to other people and wanted to make sure that this complaint is lodged and urge that transmission issue records be seized because it seems to be a pretty common knowledge thing among mechanics that this happens on this make and model kia sephia. The seals had to be repaired and the linkage properly lubricated to correct the issue. However, reading the kia website for information about transmissions this is supposed to be a non-serviceable area and the dealer is supposed to replace the transmission to the tune of $1800.00 plus labor and taxes.

Filed Aug 11, 2004 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · FL

Constant problem with check engine light. Transmission replaced on 5/28/04 (47,800 miles). On 7/5/04 had same acceleration problems, dealer found no evidence of problem after having car for 2 days. On 8/3/04 again had same acceleration problems with transmission, again after having car for 2 days, dealer found no evidence of problem. Same day (8/5/04) took car home transmission would not change gears. Pulled off road, put car in park, shut off car, waited a couple of minutes, restarted car, no problem at that point with shifting. Called dealership in brandon (who replaced transmission) spoke with andy advised him what had happened. He stated it was an electrical problem and it was reseting itself once the car was turned off. He said he would get in touch with his technical people to find out what to replace to fix car. I have called andy every day, sometimes twice a day and all I can get from him is his people will not return his call and in turn andy is not returning my calls. The check engine light is still coming on and now you have to bump the starter a couple of times to get the car cranked. The starter was not giving me a problem until the transmission was replaced. All I am asking is for this car to be properly fixed.

Filed Oct 29, 2003 · Body, Transmission · 30,738 miles · OH

Transmission failure.

Filed Jul 9, 2003 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · CA

While driving engine light came on and overdrive light flickered. Then ,vehicle hesitated to accelerate. Per dealership this was due to transmission failure.

Filed Dec 30, 2002 · Transmission · CA

Consumer stated that while driving at any speed and without the transmission failed causing the vehicle not to accelerate. Dealer replace transmission three times. Ts

Filed Jun 28, 2002 · Body, Brakes · AK

Master cylinder needs to be replaced due to leaking brake fluid. Consumer is adding a pint of brake fluid daily. Brake light illuminates on dashboard, when the brakes are applied, there is extended stopping distance.*ak. Consumer stated the master cylinder has been replaced previously, this will be the 3rd master cylinder, the vehicle also vibrates and the dealer stated it was because the vehicle was out of alignment, however the vibration continued after the alignment, the transmission was replaced at 17,000 miles.

Filed Jan 10, 2002 · Transmission · IN

Transmission failed for second time while driving. Dealer notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

Filed Nov 14, 2001 · Transmission · CA

Transmission failed while driving vehicle ,it would run roughly. When vehicle was driven a certain distance and tried to accelerate vehicle would not accelerate. Contacted dealer and dealer stated warranty expired. *ak

Filed Jun 22, 2001 · Transmission · TX

While driving 70 MPH overdrive and engine check light came on. Vehicle then dropped down to 20 MPH. Towed to dealer, and transmission was replaced. This happened again, and transmission was replaced again. Consumer doubted that it was replaced the second time. She never received anything in writing. On 4 june, 2001 this problem happened again. After a few minutes, she was able to resume driving at normal speed. Consumer believed transmission was defective.

Filed Jan 17, 2001 · Brakes, Transmission · NJ · crash

Brakes squeaking when applied. Dealer notified, and rplaced both front brake rotors. *ak transmission failed twice within two months. The brake failure resulted in accident. Check engine light came on several times but dealer checked and stated okay.

Filed Aug 22, 2000 · Transmission · NH

While traveling at 35 MPH transmission failed without any indication. Please provide further information.

Filed May 2, 2000 · Brakes, Transmission · OH

Brakes overheated badly, and consumer was able to smell them. Also, brake pedal went to the floor. Even when pumping it hard, brake pedal still remained at the floor. In addition, transmission failure. When shifting gears, it caused vehicle to jerk violently. Dealer notified, and was unable to resolve the problems.