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 1999 Kia Sephia owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1999 Kia Sephia. Shortly after the vehicle was purchased, it failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and repaired. One month later, while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to sputter and eventually shut off. Prior to shutting off, the vehicle lost power steering ability and the contact struck a curb. The cv axle joint was damaged. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The current mileage was 147,000 and failure mileage was 140,000.
When attempting to make a left hand turn , the steering wheel locked and almost hit a curve. The consumer then placed the vehicle in reverse 2-3 times. (in the middle of traffic & busy intersection) the following day, the incident recurred while the consumer was driving to the dealer. There had been no accidents with this vehicle, but the sub frame rack & pinion had broken apart. One side had been broken for a while and started to rust. (looked like poor welding/manufacturer defect)
There is severe vibration when driven over 55 MPH. There is also loss of vehicle control over 55 MPH, when over 55 MPH and you try to go around a curve or corner the front end floats like it is on ice and then suddenly grabs allowing you to steer the vehicle. Had the front tires checked and they are fine. This has been a problem since I bought the vehicle new with only 7 miles on it in 1999. The problem has gotten worse and is to the point that I feel it is unsafe to drive the car.
Steering locked up while going 55mph on a 2 lane highway. Consumer heard a click in the steering as it turned slightly to the left, and the ABS was thumping. Steering immediately locked up, causing vehicle to roll into a riverine. Also, consumer complained to the dealer about steering when vehicle was repaired in February after being side swiped. Dealer then didn't find a cause of problem. Please provide more information.
Tl* the contact owns a 1990 Kia Sephia. While driving 5 MPH when making a right turn, the steering wheel failed to move. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were unavailable.
While the insured was driving, the vehicle caught on fire, insured stated that the hose for the power steering separated causing fluid to leak on to hot surfaces. Claim number 22-v332-608.
I had to get new brakes put on within one week of owning the car 632 miles, and I've had a cracked brake line, fuse problems which they blame on the alarm, but another women had the same exact problem with no alarm attached, I've brought my car in numerous times regarding the brakes, and I was told that it was nothing. I just brought my car in with 23580 miles on it, and I was told that I needed new brakes and rotors, but that I would have to pay for. I have felt the same kind of brake problems ever since I bought this car, even when they said that there was nothing wrong. The car drags feeling like it's never going to stop, and then the brakes pump all the time. I've called Kia regarding this and the fuse problem explaining, what if this causes a fuse to blow with my brakes, headlights, etc....and they did nothing. …
The brakes squeak and the pads were replaced at 1200 miles, the brakes failed again at 6600 miles the rotors were warped and the pads were worn and I returned the car to northwestern Dodge and Kia and they replaced the pads and machined the rotors, however the stering wheel shakes and vibrates when I drive on the expressway and the brakes are still grinding. The stering wheel and column vibrates and shakes when I drive at 50+ MPH. At 6600 miles the check engine light illuminated and there is a burning smell. The car dies out when I am at a stand still for no reason and without any warning. I have to start the car at least 3 times before it turns over. …
I would just like to say that I am very upset that the problems I have seem to be repetitive. The brakes have been done 4 maybe 5 times and Kia will no longer replace them. The power steering has been malfunctioned twice. I have been through the better business bureau and have worked out the first 3 times the brakes went bad but I have since been back twice and had a power steering leak and now my car is in the shop again. As for the brakes each time they went back there was severe pulsation when breaking and shaking in the steering wheel. The power steering fluid leaked and was fixed and now leaked again and is being fixed currently.
This car has been, nonstop, 1 mech problem after another with Kia co & manuf claiming 'normal wear/tear or first heard of problems.' your site shows that other consumers of same vehicle have all experienced same problems (ESP brakes, battery, tires, steering column, fuel assembly). Kia & dealership unresponsive and unaccountable for products sold and represented- ESP. Highly dangerous vehicle problems/defects. (dot number: 96737 tiresize: p185/65r14)
Steering complaints in other Sephia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Kia Sephia?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Kia Sephia, 5% of the model year's 428 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Kia Sephia steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1999 Kia Sephia, though it has 5 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 1999 Kia Sephia steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 2 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.