1999 Kia Sephia Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 4%of 428 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,750miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the body and structure of the 1999 Kia Sephia, 4% of the 428 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,750 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“While driving on the interstate at 75 MPH the top layer of the hood (skin) separated from the hood and flew upward into the windshield and detached itself from the vehicle causing the drivers vision of roadway to be blocked. Once it detached itself causing high risk of safety for other drivers behind the Kia Sephia.”
NHTSA complaint #11306850, filed 2020-02, 166,500 miles“The dashboard is separating from the windshield, preventing the defroster from circulating to the windshield. Manufacturer states they can not assist the consumer.”
NHTSA complaint #10103664, filed 2005-01, 61,500 miles“We have had many prblems with this car. First the orvr valve for the gas tank wead, then we have had prblems with the automatic door locks not opening or closing the other doors from the drivers side door, then the automatic windows on the passanger side both the front and back doors have gone up very slowly almost to the point of having to push them up by hand. Then a dash was replaced, do to it bubling up. We have a battery replaced once because the vehicle would not turn over at all. …”
NHTSA complaint #743404, filed 2001-04“The problems I am having or have had with this car are as follows, cooling system has completly froze up, water leak into the front passenger side under dash, molding around the doors replaced, 4 transmissions replaced, warped rotors which have also worn the brake pads. And I just recieved a recall notice for the on board refueling vapor recovery valves, which I am hoping will stop the gas from pouring out of the car onto me when I am refueling. This car is not road worthy. …”
NHTSA complaint #737172, filed 2000-12Related 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 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 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsSeat belts
13 complaintsEquipment
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Kia Sephia
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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