1998 Kia Sephia Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 5%of 491 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 80,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the body and structure of the 1998 Kia Sephia, 5% of the 491 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 80,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Dashboard is beginning to lift and bubbles are forming near the vents for the defrostr. Consumer believes dashboard may obstruct vision. Cause is unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #10038264, filed 2003-09, 71,000 miles“Tail light had to be replaced because of leaking, this is 4th time for brakes squeaking and pulsating, cow panel baffle needed replaced because of water pouring in behind glove box.people I don't know pull me over and complain about their Kia sephias and similar problems with them. Also the engine sometimes won't start the first time. It takes two or three times once in a while. It also sounds like the engine will jump right out of the car because it jerks so hard when starting. The gas tank has yet to let me fill it all the way. …”
NHTSA complaint #707763, filed 1999-06“While driving approximately 65 MPH, hood released and smashed into windshield which blocked vision of driver, consumer felt problem was due to brake pads and rotors that cause severe vibration and had to be replaced frequently, there was no crash or injury to report when this incident occurred. …”
NHTSA complaint #8001511, filed 2002-01“Can feel brakes pulsating when attempting stop vehicle. This causes the vehicle to pull to the right. Would make grinding noises when this happens. The steering wheel would shake. Inside the vehicle, the structure would leak. Been to dealer & had entire brake system replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #850641, filed 1999-10“Failure of front brakes 3 times, dash board wire harness failure causing dash board displays, starter wire harness failed and needed to be replaced, paint rubbing off and blistering, lowed noises/vibration under driver side when driving in wet condittions,, poor gas milage, faulty gas guage, broken right rear speaker, back right door weather gasket falling off for the third time, slopp steering responce during quick turns”
NHTSA complaint #715783, filed 1999-12Related service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
Body and structure: other model years
Other parts of the 1998 Kia Sephia
256 complaintsEngine cooling
108 complaintsElectrical system
104 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
68 complaintsFuel system
62 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
44 complaintsAir bags
31 complaintsOther or unknown
29 complaintsExterior lighting
27 complaintsEquipment
26 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsSuspension
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 Kia Sephia
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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