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Exterior lightingPart report

1998 Kia Sephia Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
27about this part
Share
6%of 491 total for the year
Median mileage
51,587miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1998 Kia Sephia, 6% of the 491 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,587 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I bought a 1998 Kia Sephia in feb of 2000 I have had to replace 3 gear shifters and three transmissions and the car has only been driven 2/3 of the time that I have owned this car. My signal light on one side has never really worked properly and the the headlight constantly shorts out. Of course now I'm out of warranty and still experiencing these problems and many more I dont know where else to turn because all I'm ever told is that's a Kia for you. I still have a loan of this car and dont think it's right that almost every year the gear shifter and trans need to be replaced. …”

NHTSA complaint #10045388, filed 2003-11, 42,000 miles

“I would never buy a Kia again. This car has been nothing but trouble. The transmission prematurely went out with no warning. Had to be completly replaced. Both front headlight assemblies melted due to reasons still unknown. The brakes worn prematurely. Not to mention all of the other hassles I've had with this car. Sometimes I wish someone would just take it, I hate it so much!”

NHTSA complaint #722106, filed 2000-04

“Nhtsa recall 99v318000 and manufacturer's recall 99v318000 concerning fuel pump failure. Dealership has the parts, but only has 1 mechanic that works on this type of car. They scheduled an appointment for 02-182-00 for the backup lights, but not for engine stalling. Consumer will try to get recall repairs for the fuel pump done on the day of the appointment.”

NHTSA complaint #856572, filed 2000-02

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #854259, filed 1999-12

“Whenever fuel is pumped into tank, it would spill back out. Vehicle cannot be completely filled. Has taken vehicle to dealer & entire fuel tank system has been replaced. The problem still exists. Also engine check light keeps coming on/turn signals would not show, and headlights would get moisture inside of lens.”

NHTSA complaint #838337, filed 1999-05

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200144%
200073%
1999102%
1998276%
199721%
199643%

Other parts of the 1998 Kia Sephia

Brakes
256 complaints
Engine cooling
108 complaints
Electrical system
104 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
68 complaints
Fuel system
62 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
44 complaints
Air bags
31 complaints
Other or unknown
29 complaints
Equipment
26 complaints
Body and structure
26 complaints
Steering
24 complaints
Suspension
23 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1998 Kia Sephia

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology