Have replaced pads and turned rotors multiple times since may 07. In may 08 my ABS system failed causing a wreck! Had pads replaced in january 08.
Kia Sephia abs comes on
16 of the 1,696 owner complaints about the Kia Sephia describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 1998 model year.
- owner complaints
- 16
- worst model year
- 1998
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
- 20003
- 19993
- 19985
- 19963
- 19952
Often reported together
Won't start 2Stalling 2Pulling 1Slipping 1Overheating 1Hesitation 1Headlights 1
What owners say
Consumer complained that instrument panel gauges worked intermittently. Abs light, air bag light and the engine check light illuminated while driving at any speed. Consumer stated, this problem started after a "service campaign " was done to the battery cable.
Abs braking light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. Consumer noticed while applying the brakes the pedal went to the floor. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the problem could not be duplicated.
Steering locked up while going 55mph on a 2 lane highway. Consumer heard a click in the steering as it turned slightly to the left, and the ABS was thumping. Steering immediately locked up, causing vehicle to roll into a riverine. Also, consumer complained to the dealer about steering when vehicle was repaired in february after being side swiped. Dealer then didn't find a cause of problem. Please provide more information.
Every 12 thousand miles ABS brakes need to be replaced. Vehicle is on fourth set of brakes. Please provide further information.
Transmission has been worked on over past year. *ak ABS light came on and stayed on due to catalytic converter failure. Wheel bearing failed and was replaced. Automatic transmission had no engagement due to half shaft failure. Engine stalled at a stop due to transmission assembly failure. Brakes were noisy and were replaced, including the rotors. Engine will not start due to battery and starter failure.
At 1500 miles, brake rotors needed to be replaced due to excessive wear. Would brake, and steering wheel & brakes would vibrate. Vehicle was controllable. Brakes felt like they were pulsating & they were not ABS brakes. Will be taking vehicle to dealership to check.
While driving about 65mph, ABS brake light came on at dashboard. Brakes were grabbing. Vehicle had to be towed, and rotors/ pads had to be replaced.
Whenever the brakes (ABS) are applied, steering wheel would shake. After going 65mph or better, the entire vehicle would shake/vibrate. The ABS brake system was repaired twice. The air conditioner makes loud noises when turned on. Sometimes the vehicle would not start or catch right away. Needs to jiggle key to get it started.
When the transmission was in reverse, it would pop out of gear into neutral. Then vehicle would stop. Also, ABS brakes were replaced twice due to excessive wear to drums. Headlights would have condensation, and dashboard was replaced due to cracks. Vehicle now on third transmission and it still slips out of reverse when backing up.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Kia Sephia abs
Why does the abs come on in the Kia Sephia?
Owners who report it most often also describe won't start, engine stalls while driving and pulls to one side.
Which Kia Sephia years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1998 (5 complaints), 1996 (3 complaints) and 1999 (3 complaints).
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