1999 Kia Sephia Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 3%of 428 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the equipment of the 1999 Kia Sephia, 3% of the 428 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Took car to brenner and they said it was ok the first time. Overdrive kept turning off while driving. 7/03 took my car back and now it needs a transmission and they don't want to put it in, because I did not have them do the maintenance on my car. I showed proof that the work was done. They are way over priced when it comes to main. That is not covered under warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10028398, filed 2003-07“New problems arise with a black, oily, and greasy soot all over my front tires and all over my engine. Car purchased brand new. Has been nothing but a headache. Don't buy a Kia!”
NHTSA complaint #708412, filed 1999-07“The first time I drive my car for the day and I turn on my air, it makes a very loud knocking noise. My husband says it's metal to metal. The dealer says it is normal that all Kia's do this. I know others who have no problem w/ their A/C. Now dealer says some Kia's do this & they don't know why so it is normal. Dealer says Kia engineers know about problem but don't know how to fix it. Three people I talked to at Kia's consumer line have never heard of this promblem. They replaced my compressor which was useless & the dealer told me it would be. …”
NHTSA complaint #735299, filed 2000-10“Would be driving and vehicle stalled out. Then, would restart on its own. Cruise control remained unreliable. Brakes would not release cruise control when it was on. Took to dealership & mechanic replaced electrical wires. Also, exhaust system had holes in it & was leaking, and air conditioner was replaced due to compressor seizing up.”
NHTSA complaint #876924, filed 2000-12“Whenever the brakes (ABS) are applied, steering wheel would shake. After going 65mph or better, the entire vehicle would shake/vibrate. The ABS brake system was repaired twice. The air conditioner makes loud noises when turned on. Sometimes the vehicle would not start or catch right away. Needs to jiggle key to get it started.”
NHTSA complaint #854516, filed 1999-12Related service bulletins
- 10109812Jan 18, 2017TSB: 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…
- 10109777Nov 4, 2016TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited…
Equipment: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 Kia Sephia
173 complaintsEngine cooling
88 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
71 complaintsElectrical system
63 complaintsFuel system
49 complaintsAir bags
37 complaintsSteering
23 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsSeat belts
13 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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