Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Kia Sephia. The contact stated that when she activated the windshield wipers, the wiper scratched the windshield and did not clear the rain. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 99V271000 (visibility) however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they stated that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
In 2 years I had to get a new transmission, replace my brakes 6 times, service engine problems 7 times, fuel pump, 8 recalls, wipers, new tires, and many other problems... Copies of repairs are available upon request. I have also been discriminated against by the dealer many times.
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.
When gently braking at high speeds, the steering wheel shakes badly. Also, when braking to a stop, the car does not stop smoothly. It jerks and vibrates when the brakes are used until I come to a complete stop. The roters have been replaced once already. One winter morning, I noticed that my windshield wipers were not working. Upon closer inspection, I found that they had somehow loosened. Fortunately, there was no precipitation that day. When having the problem looked at by one of Kia's service centers, the guy there indicated that the problem was common.
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.
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.
Car needs front axles. Also, motor mounts were replaced along with flywheel and fuel pump. In addition, consumer just received a recall notice 99V271/ winshield wiper linkage. Car is 1 year old and has 26000 miles, owner has already experienced many problems with it.
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.
Brakes have been replaced discs warped and pads depleted. Also, windshield wipers quit during a snow storm, drivers side only. Dealer fixed but we were admonished about using wipers during heavy snow storm. Duh?
While in motion, the drivers side window cracked in to very small pieces.
Related recalls
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The ball socket on the windshield wiper link May be out of tolerance resulting in the link disengaging from the wiper motor drive under load, such as pushing against ice, snow or other resistance.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper link and also properly tighten the wiper arm retaining nuts.
NHTSA investigations
Windshield wiper
Alleged windshield wiper becomes inoperative when the wiper arm and pivot separate
Window & Wiper complaints in other Sephia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1998 Kia Sephia?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Kia Sephia, 7% of the model year's 491 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Kia Sephia window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-271 (linkages, Oct 6, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Kia Sephia window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.