1999 Kia Sephia Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 71about this part
- Share
- 17%of 428 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 31,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 71 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Kia Sephia, 17% of the 428 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 31,000 miles. 6 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Sudden brake failure; leakage around windows, trunk; gas splash back (found out there was a recall on this, never fixed by previous owner); fear shift button won't go in to change from park to drive or reverse; transmission hestitates at times, then lunges; car overheats while sitting or driving at slow speed (fan works and radiator full); smell comes from air conditioning when stopped (it really stinks, worse than a skunk); when filling gas tank to full, mark never registers full. I spoke to Kia about these problems and they said I'd have to pay to have them fixed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10060905, filed 2004-03, 82,000 miles“The dealer had replaced two automatic transmissions in the last two years. The vehicle was a lease and had only one year remaining and was unable to be driven. The vehicle needed a transmission and brakes. The engine light had come on, the transmission lines leaked, and when the brakes were applied they were noisy.”
NHTSA complaint #10047899, filed 2003-12, 32,000 miles“(1)clutch pedal would stick near floor, would'nt return to normal position. (2)with clutch pedal depressed to floor while at a long light, vehicle begins to creep forward, no further pedal travel to disengage available. (3)nothing yet.”
NHTSA complaint #10122396, filed 2005-05, 102,566 miles“The transmission failed at 30,000, when the vehicle was repaired, consumer was informed that eventually there would be problems with the engine, consumer stated it took numerous tires to get the vehicle to start. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8021280, filed 2002-10, 30,000 miles“The car died while driving down the road repeatedly. Battery leaked. Brakes had to be replaced for the entire car at 60,000 miles. The vents on the dashboard have popped up and broken. Now the defroster does not blow the air on the windshield. This vehicle was stored in a garage. The seams on the seat come undone. The cigarette lighter broke and flops in the dash. The switch to override the transmission lock is broken. The rear brake light broke when replacing the struts which you have to remove the back dash to get to. The board that is under the carpet in the trunk warped. …”
NHTSA complaint #10093527, filed 2004-10, 15,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1 | 17% |
| 2001 | 18 | 17% |
| 2000 | 50 | 19% |
| 1999 | 71 | 17% |
| 1998 | 68 | 14% |
| 1997 | 30 | 15% |
| 1996 | 13 | 11% |
| 1995 | 12 | 19% |
| 1994 | 5 | 31% |
Other parts of the 1999 Kia Sephia
173 complaintsEngine cooling
88 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 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 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