Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Kia Sephia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was in a very serious accident on August 7th, at 10:30 am while driving in the middle lane of the mass pike rt. 90 framingham, mass. I thought my Kia sehpia was in accelent condition, but while I was driving in the middle lane, the steering wheel and column started shaking and I could not steer the vehicle. I tried to keep the vehicle in the lane but could not control the steering. The car screeched and was pulling to the right. To my immediate right was a large ryder rental truck, I braced myself and hit the left front end of the truck. The rest is a blur, I spun around and the rear of my car hit the guard rail and I fortunately stopped in the breakdown lane. It happened so fast, but what is most upsetting, I don't know what happened. I'm not sure if it was a steering column problem or a tire problem. All I know is, I was driving safetly and then my car when out off control. …
While driving on old route 50 another vehicle cut across in front of consumer's vehicle. Consumer was not able to stop, and hit vehicle broadside. Neither airbag deployed. Contacted manufacturer, and was told nothing was wrong. Since the accident, airbags have been on all the time. Also, had brakes replaced 5 or 6 times. When applying brakes the steering wheel shakes. Also, done an alignment.
On Friday May 12, 2000 my steering wheel began to shake very eraticallly. After making a three point turn and straighting the car out and proceeding forward, the steering wheel was clocked upside down and began to shake. As my fiance proceeded to pull over to the right you could hear a loud pop sound come front the front and in the steering column. After she pulled over she tried to turn the wheel to the left, you turn the wheel about a quarter turn and then another loud pop. The wheels would turn to the right but, as you turned the wheel to the left the tires wouldn't move. The steering wheel turn and pop but, the tires would not respond. I guess I'm very fortunate that my fiance and 2 year old son didn't get into an accident. I would appreciate any information and help you can give me. Thank you, mr. Richard soto.
The power windows & door locks would go up & down on their own. The doors are not locked securely. The windows fail to remain close or open when this happens. The steering wheel would vibrate after vehicle is started. Whenever the brakes are applied, vehicle shakes. The tire moulding & the trim is peeling off. Every time the vehicle stops, it would to be jump started, constantly. Taking vehicle back to dealer to repair problems.
Whenever brakes are applied, they would start to make a popping noise. It would sound like metal rubbing. Took to dealer & informed a nut was left out of the suspension. It was replaced, but vehicle started vibrating again like it's out of balance. The gas gauge does not register right and spose gas out while filling.
Transmission would make funny noises when shifting into gear. A new transmission was installed. Vehicle still having problems. Brakes: would squeal when applied. Had entire brake system changed twice & problem still exists. Alignment: due to the brakes, the tires were worn out on the inside & had to be changed.
The floor shifter has a rattling noise. Had shifter replaced several times. The dashboard rattles. Glove compartment fell down. Radio speakers blown. Bearings in wheel grind. Doing fwy speed, vehicle would shimmy & shake. When slowing to stop, brakes would jerk. While waiting at stop, engine would be surging.
When applying brakes the entire vehicle shakes or vibrates and a noise occurs in the front end, cause unknown. Vehicle has been into the dealer eight times. Dealer cannot identify the problem. Please give any further details.
While driving on freeway steering wheel was shaking and vibrating. Pulled over. Had the vehicle towed back to the garage. Contacted dealer. Dealer made the necessary repairs, but vehicle is still having the same problem.
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 …
Suspension complaints in other Sephia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1998 Kia Sephia?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Kia Sephia, 5% of the model year's 491 complaints. The component named most often is front (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Kia Sephia suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.