Model year record

1998 Kia Sephia

6 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 994 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V216000

Seat belts: front: buckle assembly

Component
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected
189,706
Reported to NHTSA
2002-08-16
Owners notified
2002-12-20

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer 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 SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V207000

Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch

Component
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch
Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected
25,000
Reported to NHTSA
2002-07-29
Owners notified
2002-09-06

Defect description

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 SIGNALS.

Safety risk

THE LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS OR REAR HAZARD LAMPS COULD FAIL TO WARN A FOLLOWING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND/OR IS STOPPED AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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 FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V175000

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control

Component
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control
Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected
100,137
Reported to NHTSA
2000-07-17
Owners notified
2000-11-13

Defect description

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 TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY.

Safety risk

THIS WOULD CAUSE CUSTOMERS TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK CAUSING FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK.

Manufacturer 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 REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V318000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected
102,944
Reported to NHTSA
1999-11-09
Owners notified
1999-12-23

Defect description

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 VEHICLE FLOOR IS NOT TIGHTENED SUFFICIENTLY, A POOR CONNECTION IS MADE. AS THE FUEL PUMP OPERATES, THE POOR CONNECTION CAN CREATE HEAT WHICH IN TURN INCREASES RESISTANCE. EVENTUALLY THE FUEL PUMP WILL NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH CURRENT TO OPERATE.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

THIS CORRECTIVE ACTION IS BEING PERFORMED IN CONJUNCTION WITH RECALL NO. 99V317.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V317000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump
Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected
102,944
Reported to NHTSA
1999-11-09
Owners notified
1999-12-23

Defect description

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 FUEL PUMP WILL NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH CURRENT TO OPERATE.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING CONNECTORS AND REPOSITION THOSE CONNECTORS TO AN AREA WHERE THE PLACEMENT IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH MOISTURE.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V271000

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages

Component
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages
Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected
90,054
Reported to NHTSA
1999-10-06
Owners notified
1999-11-19

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE IMPAIRMENT OF VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINK AND ALSO PROPERLY TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM RETAINING NUTS.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc76
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components68
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline67
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor5750,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip4680 mi
Power train: automatic transmission3712,800 mi
Unknown or other2941,596 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads2550,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition23
Air bags: frontal2140,000 mi
Electrical system2060,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump2065,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner18
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1848,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery16
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator15
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer15
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system14
Structure: body: door14
Exterior lighting: headlights1342,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum13
Electrical system: starter assembly12
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers12
Suspension: front11
Engine and engine cooling: engine10127,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission10
Suspension10
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system9
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe9
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar9
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash8
Fuel system, other8
Service brakes, hydraulic840,000 mi
Structure: body8
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood754,469 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.7
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system719,830 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch6
Vehicle speed control6160,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages6
Air bags5
Electrical system: wiring542,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control5
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor5
Exterior lighting: turn signal5
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch5
Steering5
Tires5
Electrical system: horn4
Electrical system: ignition: module4
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit4
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system483,500 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)442,000 mi
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: drum450,000 mi
Structure480,000 mi
Visibility: windshield4
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor4
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module3
Equipment380,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery3
Interior lighting3
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch3
Power train344,508 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings332,370 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump3
Steering: rack and pinion3120,553 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments3
Air bags: side/window2
Engine and engine cooling241,596 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan2
Engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel2
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)2
Equipment: electrical2
Exterior lighting: tail lights2
Fuel system, gasoline2108,083 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap2
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift2
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift2
Seat belts: front: anchorage2
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly2
Seats2
Service brakes, air: disc: pads265,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: wheel cylinders250,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder280,000 mi
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)2
Steering: hydraulic power assist system2
Structure: frame and members2
Suspension: front: wheel bearing2
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor250,000 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear218,000 mi
Wheels2
Electrical system: starter assembly: solenoid157,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: rear compartment/trunk165,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings1
Exterior lighting1
Exterior lighting: back up lights1
Exterior lighting: brake lights161,174 mi
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights1
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch1
Exterior lighting: headlights: concealment devices1
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage165,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: auxillary tank1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: auxillary tank: selector devices1
Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system1
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: filling/charging1
Fuel/propulsion system1119,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages1
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch1
Parking brake1
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable1
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines1
Power train: axle assembly1
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft1
Power train: axle hubs1
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1
Power train: manual transmission: floor shift assembly1
Seat belts185,126 mi
Seat belts: rear/other1
Seats: front assembly: recliner1
Service brakes, air: antilock: wheel speed sensor1
Service brakes, air: controls1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper1
Steering: linkages: drag: power assist system165,000 mi
Suspension: front: macpherson strut1
Suspension: rear: shock absorber1
Visibility/wiper155,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: rear window1
Visibility: power window devices and controls1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior1
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring1
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs1
Wheels: rim1

The 1997 model has 3 times as many complaints as this one. The 1999 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.