Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
My wife was driving our 1998 Kia Sephia and the engine began to stall. She pulled into a parking lot and the engine caught on fire. My wife ran away form the vehicle. The whole front of the car was burned up.
I also had to bring the car in for service 5 times for the sme problem. Engine check light would come on 02/06/99 took car in because engine light came on they found code po 440 for EVAP emissions system malfunction they found hose that rubbed against bracket created leak 02/27/99 check engine light on again and smell gas fumes found engine surges and hard to start performed g300 ground wire repair under drivers seat to correct problem 03/15/99 check engine light on again code po172 replaced defective mass air flow meter solenoid valve during road test engine misfire #3 spark plug fouled replaced plugs 03/10/99 check engine light on again codes po270,p1505,po0300 injector circuit to low , random misfire they found egiharness was cut and pinced going through firewall replaced eci harness & control unit car would not start after check over found no power to starter solenoid. …
Since May of 2002, this car has been in the shop 9 times and of this date it is still there. First they said it was fuses. Actually it has never run or started right. It had to be towed at least 4 times. The last time that it went in was 8/5/03, they fixed the water pump, belts, crank pulley. This was all under warranty. When I picked up my car it made a terrible sound. They said it was the new belts. So I drove it home and 2 days later it?s back in there. The next day sabrina called and said that it was the air conditioner compressor. It was going to cost me over 600.00 to fix it. I have a limited income of 535.00 a month, am disabled and if the car broke down I don't know what I would do.. The car is still at Kia dealer ship, that's as of today.
While traveling at 60 MPH consumer noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Consumer pulled vehicle over, and discovered that vehicle was on fire. Vehicle was serviced, and technician stated that mass air flow sensor had an electrical malfuncation. Please provide further information.
Vehicle engine caught on fire. When the consumer attempted to come to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal went to the floor and the brakes failed. Consumer had to drive on the lawn in order to get the vehicle to stop. And then the engine caught on fire.
Recalls 99V317000/99V318000, vehicle was repaired for the recalls on jan 25, 2000, but vehicle stalled unexpectedly, causing a crash. Dealer is bill barrette Kia, 11550 lbj freeway, dallas texas 75238 phone # [phone].
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. …
Since purchase have returned car under warranty at least 10 times, always for the same problem having to do with the catalytic converter, emissions system, and brakes. About once a month, check engine light flashes, car lurches and is shakey, often with a funny noise and bad smell. Dealership has "fixed" same problem each time, to no avail. Danger factor has increased as I now live in snowy climate. Car has no power, then lurches forward at high speed, stops in traffic, stalls or won't start at all. Tachometer goes up to 4 or 5 before leaving first gear (car is automatic). Dealer sold this car to me as a demo, but contract says used. Help -- this is a terrible, dangerous car and has been in the shop for at least 90 out of the last 300 days.
Tail light had to be replaced because of leaking, this is 4th time for brakes squeaking and pulsating, cow panel baffle needed replaced because of water pouring in behind glove box.people I don't know pull me over and complain about their Kia sephias and similar problems with them. Also the engine sometimes won't start the first time. It takes two or three times once in a while. It also sounds like the engine will jump right out of the car because it jerks so hard when starting. The gas tank has yet to let me fill it all the way. It gets almost full, then spits the gas out and won't let you "squeeze " it full. It's like there is no venting going on. I have heard similiar reports from other owners.
Courtesy imports-henderson nv. I won't recommend this car to anyone. Car's engine lights came on, we took it to the dealer , but problem could not be duplicated the first time, again engine lights came on, car drives poorly- shifts terribly, jerks and engine revs in idle. , we took it back, tune-up suggested, tune-up done. Still engine lights come on, we bring it back, pick it up when ready, return it for same problem, now on 6th return for repair since 7/17/00. I think it's a real lemon. I just want my car back working properly! It's a terrible car. If you want me to fax you the work orders/service history sheets I have I loved too.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Manufacturing changes were made to the orvr spring force and float wire length reducing the valve angle. Certain valves caused fuel shut off before the tank reached 95% of nominal capacity.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the orvr valve. Owner notification began November 13, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
Engine complaints in other Sephia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Kia Sephia?
NHTSA has 108 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Kia Sephia, 22% of the model year's 491 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (67 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Kia Sephia engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-175 (emission control, Jul 17, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Kia Sephia engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 6 fires and 4 injuries to engine & cooling 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.