Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Kia Sephia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Pre owned vehicle purchased in very good condition and still in very good condition. At purchase front of dashboard was slightly warped. Since purchase, front of dashboard has become increasingly warped, defrost vents are severely cracked, causing front windshield defrost not to function properly.
Since the time that I have purchased this car it has been falling apart. The car is constantly shutting down or it just won't start. At this present time my car is sittting at stonemountain Kia whereas it is in need a third battery all within less than a years time. Eventhough they know the dangerous history of this car that I purchased new, they continually return the car to me without doing a safety check. I have had my car towed to their location several times in the same week because they have felled to fix the problem. Once again my car is continually suffering from the same problems that are continuing to grow worst. The air conditioning system fails to work properly. The driveshaft is always sticking in the gears. The air bag light continually blink and stay on for periods at a time. The exhaust still making loud noise that I have complained about since I brought the car. …
We have replaced the rotors and brake pads 4 times and the drums once. The car has difficulty starting and taking off. Various problems concerning minor problems, seat cushion , lighter, A/C, gas spewing back out of tank etc. Our major concern is the braking system which started six weeks after purchase and hasn't ended yet. The Kia representative is uncooperative.
Since purchase date I have had numerous problems such as vehicle stalling in middle of highway, engine light staying on, radio, air conditioner and most importantly the brakes. The original brakes failed at 5560 miles, replacemts at 7520 miles, again at 10750 miles. This is a major inconvenience and I am afraid an accident will occur.
Brakes pads/rotors calipers were replaced 3 times because they prematurely wore out and caused squeaking and grinding noises, which resulted in extended stopping distance and May cause a crash. Dealer could not determine the cause. Air condition failed.
Premature wear of brake pads and rotors. Dealer has repaired and replaced the brakes several times. In addition heater core, alternator, starter,spark plugs, front windshield and door weather strips failed.
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. Brakes would vibrate and were noisy, requested rear brakes be cleaned lubed, dealer found rotors warped and pads worn and excessive dust in rear brakes, numerous engine problems such as cooling fan rumble, check engine light on, engine stall, burning smell, belt squeaks, electric cooling fan inoperative, fan blade, plug wires and coil boots, valve cover gasket were replaced, evaporator was replaced and recharged, many electrical problems including ignition switch, starter, alternator, multifunction switch, battery terminal, and bulb failure, dealer has also found corrosion, poor connections and …
Dear sir: Kia Sephia 1998 has several other problems which never been reported. My car (VIN# [redacted]; 52,000 miles) has (1) an oil leak from the engine head (valve cover) gasket, which can potentially create a fire, and it has (2) very pure air flow on the windshield which reduce my driving visability due to fog accumulation inside of the wiendshield. Both conditions are very dangerous and May lead to a car crash. Please inform Kia manufacturing corporation that these deficiencies should be fixed for free. Thanks! Sincerely, [redacted] updated 07/26/2012
Brakes,lights,seats,battery,airbags,odometer,leaks,aircondition,leftdoorhandle (tiresize: 14`)( dot number: tire size: 14` )
Fan motor failed causing the customer to smell a burning odor coming from behind the glove box and under the hood. Nlm
AC & Heater complaints in other Sephia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 1998 Kia Sephia?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 1998 Kia Sephia, 4% of the model year's 491 complaints. The component named most often is appliance › air conditioner (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Kia Sephia ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 1998 Kia Sephia, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Kia Sephia ac & heater problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to a/c & heater problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.