1999 Kia Sephia Latches, locks and linkages Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 2%of 428 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the latches, locks and linkages of the 1999 Kia Sephia, 2% of the 428 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles.
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.
“When it gets cold, about 20 degrees, the front doors will freeze open. For instance, in the morning I will have to pull on the door hard to get it to open because it's frozen and then the door will stay open (the latch will freeze) until it gets above 35 degrees. Even with the heat going for over an hour it will not unfreeze. I have to hold the door closed as I drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10266203, filed 2009-04, 70,000 miles“When below freezing, doors and locks consistently freeze, and will not allow entry or will not close properly (doors will not close). This has happened every year I have owned the car. This past year, the Kia dealer tried to fix, and only improved for a few days (lubricate/oil etc). Usually had to warm up car for about 15 minutes to defrost lock just to be able to close doors (I tried to not lock car once winter begins). The locks are frozen daily and cannot lock or unlock until interior is warmed up. Not looking forward to winter again.”
NHTSA complaint #10090837, filed 2004-09, 24,500 miles“Vehicles' manual doors are inoperative. The driver side door hesitated to open. After consumer entered the vehicle all four doors unlocked but they will not open, consumer was trapped in their vehicle. A passer bi had to pry open the door from the outside. Manufacturer indicated that this was caused by mother nature. Please provide more details. Ph”
NHTSA complaint #10002049, filed 2003-01, 65,000 miles“In cold weather vehicle will not start nor will doors open. Also, while vehicle was being driven doors would unexpectedly open, cause unknown. Please give any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #877474, filed 2001-01“Passenger's inside door lock isn't working. Consumer can't get inside vehicle o passenger's side. This problem has happened three times, and dealer can't determine the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #838792, filed 1999-06Related service bulletins
- 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…
Latches, locks and linkages: 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