Engine
1.8L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 376 of 491 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 34 of 491 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
315 complaint records3 fire reports13 crash reports
"EVERY OTHER WEEK BRAKES WOULD MAKE A GRINDING NOISE. DEALER WOULD REPLACE THEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Electrical system
134 complaint records9 fire reports5 crash reports
"THE ENGINE IS NOT STARTING, BATTERY REPLACED AND OTHER REPAIRS COMPLETED HOWEVER THE ENGINE IS STILL NOT STARTING. *MJS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
128 complaint records6 fire reports3 crash reports
"THE ENGINE IS NOT STARTING, BATTERY REPLACED AND OTHER REPAIRS COMPLETED HOWEVER THE ENGINE IS STILL NOT STARTING. *MJS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA04004 opened Feb 2004 | closed Jul 2004 | Fuel System, Other | REFUELING SPIT BACK BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT... |
| RQ03006 opened Aug 2003 | closed Feb 2004 | Fuel System, Other | REFUELING SPIT BACK IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO... |
| EA02016 opened Aug 2002 | closed Oct 2003 | Electrical System | NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES ODI GATHERED FIRE DATA FROM VARIOUS SOURCES AND INSPECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY STARTER CABLE CHAFING.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOUND THAT MOST OF THE SUSPECT FIRES OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE... |
| PE02051 opened Jun 2002 | closed Sep 2002 | Seat Belts | SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MALFUNCTION - led to recall 02V216000 BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 25, 2002, KIA ADVISED NHTSA THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED.SPECIFIC CORRECTIVE ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY KIA HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA AT THIS TIME.THE SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM HAS BEEN ASSIGNED CAMPAIGN NO. 02V-216. |
| PE02028 opened Mar 2002 | closed Aug 2002 | Electrical System | BATTERY CABLE CHAFING |
Show 7 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE00028 opened Jul 2000 | closed Nov 2000 | Power Train | TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE THE OIL COOLER LINE ALLEGEDLY DEVELOPS LEAKS AT IT'S JUNCTION TO THE RADIATOR |
| EA00018 opened Jun 2000 | closed Jul 2002 | Exterior Lighting | TURN SIGHAL - led to recall 02V207000 There is no summary currently available |
| PE00004 opened Jan 2000 | closed Jun 2000 | Exterior Lighting | TURN SIGNAL, TRAFFIC SAFETY HAZARD ALLEGE THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE TRUN SIGNAL SWITCH FAILED.THIS FAILURE INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH DUE TO OPERATOR DISTRACTION AND DUE TO OTHER VEHICLES BEING UNINFORMED OF THE OPERATOR'S INTENTIONS. |
| EA99034 opened Dec 1999 | closed Jun 2000 | Vehicle Speed Control | REFUELING SPIT BACK - led to recall 00V175000 The number and dates of complaints and warrant claims reported by Kia indicates that fuel spit-back has been a serieous ongoing problem with the Sephia models.Kia has made changes in both the ORVR valve and in the installation process on the fuel tank check... |
| SQ99020 opened Jun 1999 | closed Jan 2000 | Vehicle Speed Control | INTERMITTENT STALLING - led to recall 99V318000 Kia issued a Kia Technical Times in October 1998 stating that, due to loose connections at the fuel pump ground at G300, the fuel pump may shut off intermittently.The corrective action is to solder the fuel pump ground terminals at the terminal connec |
| PE99042 opened Jun 1999 | closed Dec 1999 | Vehicle Speed Control | REFUELING SPIT- BACK The subject vehicles are equipped with Onboard Refueling Vapor Recover Systems.Owners report that, during the refueling process, fuel sprays out of the refueling opening and soaks the person refueling the vehicle with liquid gasoline |
| PE99033 opened May 1999 | closed Oct 1999 | Visibility | WINDSHIELD WIPER - led to recall 99V271000 ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPER BECOMES INOPERATIVE WHEN THE WIPER ARM AND PIVOT SEPARATE |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02V216000 | Seat Belts | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH. | Normally free |
| 02V207000 | Exterior Lighting | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH 36,000 MILES OR LESS AS OF JULY 15, 2002, AN ELECTRICAL CONTACT PROBLEM MAY HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WHICH COULD RESULT IN INOPERATIVE HAZARD LIGHTS AND/OR INOPERATIVE TURN... | Normally free |
| 00V175000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. MANUFACTURING CHANGES WERE MADE TO THE ORVR SPRING FORCE AND FLOAT WIRE LENGTH REDUCING THE VALVE ANGLE. | Normally free |
| 99V318000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FOR THE FUEL PUMP IS GROUNDED AT JUNCTION CONNECTOR G300. | Normally free |
| 99V317000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE FUEL PUMP PASSES THROUGH THE C304 AND C305 CONNECTORS. IF EXPOSED TO MOISTURE, THESE CONNECTORS COULD CORRODE. | Normally free |
| 99V271000 | Visibility | 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... | Normally free |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSB_BOD055_R1 Sep 2021 | Exterior Lighting | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. | |
| PS539 Mar 2018 | Engine And Engine Cooling | PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine. | |
| TSB-GEN085R1 Jan 2017 | Equipment | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? | |
| TSB-GEN085 Nov 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. | |
| TSBTRA046 Dec 2013 | Power Train | TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. |
Show 13 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| KT-2008082201 Aug 2008 | Parking Brake | KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE | |
| 017 Sep 2004 | Electrical System | CHARGING SYSTEM UPGRADE. *TT | |
| 035R Jan 2004 | Electrical System | BATTERY CABLE CHAFING INSPECTION, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT. REVISED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. *TT | |
| 035 Dec 2003 | Electrical System | BATTERY CABLE CHAFING INSPECTION, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, LETTERS TO SERVICE MANAGERS AND DEALERS AND OWNERS. *TT | |
| 027 Dec 2002 | Seat Belts | RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. NOTIFICATION LETTER TO DEALERS. *TT | |
| 025 Sep 2002 | Electrical System | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO INSPECT POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK. *TT | |
| 008 Mar 2002 | Power Train | AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSIS. CERTAIN MODELS INCLUDING ALL RIOS. *SLC | |
| 007 Dec 2001 | Power Train | A LOGIC CHANGE IN THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM). *TT | |
| 020 Sep 2001 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | SUBJECT ON FRONT DOOR LATCH. *ET | |
| 001 Jun 2000 | Exterior Lighting | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE TURN SIGNAL CIRCUIT IN CERTAIN VEHICLES. IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE CIRCUIT WHEN DIAGNOSING A TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION. *TT | |
| 003 Oct 1999 | Power Train | THIS TECHINICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUTLINES THE NEW SEPHIA REMANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROGRAM. *TT | |
| 98002 Aug 1998 | Electrical System | PROVIDED INFORMATION ON THE SEPHIA STARTER CIRCUIT. *YC | |
| 98020100498 Jun 1998 | Structure | PROVIDED INFORMATION RELATED TO THE KIA MOTORS AMERICA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER AND THE TECH LINE WORKSHEET. *YC |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Kia Sephia →