Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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 purchased a Kia in March 02' I used the car for long trips the first year I had owned the car and I had no faults in jan.- feb 03' the car began to shift in to numerous gears and then stall. I was then deployed to iraq. I left the car with a good friend. When I came back he informed me that the car wouldn't start. Dealer said it was the fuel pump. Friend replaced the fuel pump.friend then replaced fuel pump again when car wouldn't start. Friend left the car alone,when it didn't start, until I had returned from iraq. I came back and took the car to midas, due to the fact that the dealer didn't have an idea of what was going on. Midas then said it was the fuel pump. I had it replaced for a third time. Car ran for a day then died. I took the car back to midas they said it was the wiring harness. I had that replaced. Car still didn't start. …
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Kia Sephia. The contact was reversing from a parking space when he heard an unusual click. The steering wheel began to lock yet the contact was able to move the wheel. He proceeded to drive to his residence as the steering became increasingly difficult. The contact noticed the rack and pinion mounting bracket had fractured from the fire wall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 120,553.
Brakes failed causing accident, they have been replaced 4 times also rotors fuel pump, transmission, glovebox,wiring harness, many other things too... Could have lost my 2 of my grandsons in the accident... Are we going to put up with this??? I can be reached at [email]
Since purchased the mv has been in shop for numerous (13+) problems and defects. My concern over safety issues has been dismissed or given many different answers. Dealership does not always gives repair order slips whenever the car is looked at or serviced. The safety and dependability of this mv is questionnable given the number of times in the repair shop. Dealership/manufacturer's representative claims nothing wrong, although manufacuter's representative did offer reimbursement of 3 car payments. The issue of the lack of deceleration has still to be resolved. As a female consumer, I feel that I am being taken advantage of by both the dealer and manufacturer. I believe that this particular vehicle is a "lemon" and in all likelihood will continue to problems in the future.
Driving within 25 MPH when a thump/break was heard. The vehichle became inoperable to drive unable to steer or turn steering wheel. Diagonal to road and feared for life as this was rush hour traffic. Had passengers in vehicle including diasable person. Was able to turn wheel slightly and drive straight to gas station within 50 feet. Immediately called tow truck and had taken to dealer halleen Kia in north olmstead, ohio and contacted manufacturer Kia corporation to ascertain defective equipment or recall history. No satisfaction as I feel Kia should fix frame since this major component failed.
Rear drum brakes squealed loudly, and it did not feel as if they were working in moist conditions. Also, a steering gear bracket weld cracked, making it difficult to steer vehicle. At low speeds consumer had difficult maintaining control. Steering wheel was flopping around.
The stering wheel shakes when applying presure to the breaks. Breaks makes noise when slowing down. Had a wheel alignment and got new tires the problem still is accuring this is what the dealer told me to do in order for it to stop and it has not to this day. Kias are lemons.
The defective steering column causes the wheel to lock up while making a turn which almost caused an accident. Currently, the vehicle has a no start which was caused a defective part in the steering column. Cause unknown. Please provide further information.
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 …
Vehicle vibrates due to warped front brake rotors/pads. Also, defective windshield/plastic pieces on seats sticking and digging into skin, and sttering wheel rubbe rloose on spokes. Ak
Steering complaints in other Sephia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1998 Kia Sephia?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Kia Sephia, 5% of the model year's 491 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Kia Sephia steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 121,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries to steering 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.