Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
I bought a 1998 Kia Sephia in feb of 2000 I have had to replace 3 gear shifters and three transmissions and the car has only been driven 2/3 of the time that I have owned this car. My signal light on one side has never really worked properly and the the headlight constantly shorts out. Of course now I'm out of warranty and still experiencing these problems and many more I dont know where else to turn because all I'm ever told is that's a Kia for you. I still have a loan of this car and dont think it's right that almost every year the gear shifter and trans need to be replaced. I would great appreciate any help you can give me because I havent been able to drive the car for the last 2 months because the gear shifter wont come out of park and when it did the trans raced when reaching 2 gear. There is no way anyone should experience this much trouble whether being a used car or not. …
Signal lights fail to work properly when in use during cold weather for 15 minutes or so. Sometimes this happens when it's raining. The dealer replaced the hazard switch and there have not been any failures since. Seat belts have been replaced 3 times. Brakes and rotors have been replaced 3 times. Windshield wipers failed prior to recall. Head gasket replaced at 3500 miles. Molding on the doors fell off and was replaced. Tailpipe was replaced due to excessive exhaust fumes.
I would never buy a Kia again. This car has been nothing but trouble. The transmission prematurely went out with no warning. Had to be completly replaced. Both front headlight assemblies melted due to reasons still unknown. The brakes worn prematurely. Not to mention all of the other hassles I've had with this car. Sometimes I wish someone would just take it, I hate it so much!
NHTSA recall 99V318000 and manufacturer's recall 99V318000 concerning fuel pump failure. Dealership has the parts, but only has 1 mechanic that works on this type of car. They scheduled an appointment for 02-182-00 for the backup lights, but not for engine stalling. Consumer will try to get recall repairs for the fuel pump done on the day of the appointment.
Sliding door keeps ajar, and overhead light come son. Brakes are squealing and the car shakes badly if I go 65 miles per hour. I noticed that when it is raining that the car makes a terrible buzzing sound. I ahve had an exhaust leak and the brakes replaced already once and the fuel pump was replaced but I am still having problems with it.
When the transmission was in reverse, it would pop out of gear into neutral. Then vehicle would stop. Also, ABS brakes were replaced twice due to excessive wear to drums. Headlights would have condensation, and dashboard was replaced due to cracks. Vehicle now on third transmission and it still slips out of reverse when backing up.
Whenever fuel is pumped into tank, it would spill back out. Vehicle cannot be completely filled. Has taken vehicle to dealer & entire fuel tank system has been replaced. The problem still exists. Also engine check light keeps coming on/turn signals would not show, and headlights would get moisture inside of lens.
Consumer states recieved recall letter, called dealer to schedule an appointment. Consumer was told that the parts for recall were not available. Consumer states its been a month and parts are still not available. Consumer feels unsafe driving under these conditions. Mr
Vehicle experiencing ongoing problem with turn signal failing to operate whenever A/C or heater are being used.s turn signal stop operating if either system is on. Dealer notified, and problem unable to be corrected at this time.
The vehicle's rear brake light failed. The part has been replaced five times within one year. The consumer believed there is a short in circuit.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting › Hazard flashing warning lights › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles with 36,000 miles or less as of July 15, 2002, an electrical contact problem May have developed in the hazard switch which could result in inoperative hazard lights and/or inoperative turn signals.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hazard switch. Owner notification began September 6, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a…
NHTSA investigations
Turn signal, traffic safety hazard
Allege that while driving, the trun signal switch failed.this failure increases the risk of a vehicle crash due to operator distraction and due to other vehicles being uninformed of the operator's intentions.
TURN SIGHAL
There is no summary currently available
Headlight complaints in other Sephia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1998 Kia Sephia?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the lights of the 1998 Kia Sephia, 6% of the model year's 491 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Kia Sephia headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 02V-207 (switch, Jul 29, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Kia Sephia headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to lights 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.