1998 Kia Sephia

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

6 recalls · 12 investigations · oldest first

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1. ▮
   1998Complaint volume 491 complaints filed for this model year.
2. I
   1999-05-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-10-21 Windshield wiper
3. I
   1999-06-24Preliminary evaluationClosed 1999-12-16 Refueling spit- back
4. I
   1999-06-30SQClosed 2000-01-12 Intermittent stalling
5. R
   1999-11-19Visibility99V271000 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…

   Remedy: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper link and also properly tighten the wiper arm retaining nuts.

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6. I
   1999-12-16Engineering analysisClosed 2000-06-29 Refueling spit back
7. R
   1999-12-23Fuel system, gasoline99V317000 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. Over time, the…

   Remedy: Dealers will replace the existing connectors and reposition those connectors to an area where the placement is designed to prevent contact with moisture.

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8. R
   1999-12-23Fuel system, gasoline99V318000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The electrical circuit for the fuel pump is grounded at junction connector G300. If the pin tension is poor, or the bolt securing the connector to the…

   Remedy: This corrective action is being performed in conjunction with recall No. 99V317.

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9. I
   2000-01-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-06-29 Turn signal, traffic safety hazard
10. I
    2000-06-29Engineering analysisClosed 2002-07-29 Turn sighal
11. I
    2000-07-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-11-07 Transmission oil cooler line
12. R
    2000-11-13Engine and engine cooling00V175000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Manufacturing changes were made to the orvr spring force and float wire length reducing the valve angle. Certain valves caused fuel shut off before the…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the orvr valve. Owner notification began November 13, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free…

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13. I
    2002-03-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-08-06 Battery cable chafing
14. I
    2002-06-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-09-20 Safety belt buckle malfunction
15. I
    2002-08-06Engineering analysisClosed 2003-10-07 Non-crash engine compartment fires
16. R
    2002-09-06Exterior lighting02V207000 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…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the hazard switch. Owner notification began September 6, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…

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17. R
    2002-12-20Seat belts02V216000 On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle may "False latch" And expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.

    Remedy: Owner notification began December 20, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time…

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18. I
    2003-08-15Recall queryClosed 2004-02-03 Refueling spit back
19. I
    2004-02-03Engineering analysisClosed 2004-07-29 Refueling spit back

Is the 1998 Kia Sephia reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Kia Sephia is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Kia Sephia?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 62% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1998 Kia Sephia have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.