Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
This car has been a constant repair and financial problem for the last 4 years starting two weeks after I purchased the car. It is an unsafe vehicle and can not be kept maintained for safety or reliability it was purchased with 21000 miles on the vehicle and a majority of repairs has had to be fixed. 4 starters, ignition switch, ignition switch wiring harness (ignition still doesn't work), air bag sensor, air bag wiring (air bags still does not work), alternator, front passenger side drive axel broke while I was driving the car, right passenger ball joint fell off the car while I was driving the car, master cylinder and rear brake cylinder went out at the same time while I was driving the car, heater/air conditioning motor. The car has been towed 3 times, and has left me and my children stranded too many times to count. The car is still in need of major repair. …
Sudden brake failure; leakage around windows, trunk; gas splash back (found out there was a recall on this, never fixed by previous owner); fear shift button won't go in to change from park to drive or reverse; transmission hestitates at times, then lunges; car overheats while sitting or driving at slow speed (fan works and radiator full); smell comes from air conditioning when stopped (it really stinks, worse than a skunk); when filling gas tank to full, mark never registers full. I spoke to Kia about these problems and they said I'd have to pay to have them fixed. I think there needs to be recalls on these problems as the people at Kia are not very friendly nor willing to help out people. We bought this car used and thought some of the problems stemmed from that. …
The car died while driving down the road repeatedly. Battery leaked. Brakes had to be replaced for the entire car at 60,000 miles. The vents on the dashboard have popped up and broken. Now the defroster does not blow the air on the windshield. This vehicle was stored in a garage. The seams on the seat come undone. The cigarette lighter broke and flops in the dash. The switch to override the transmission lock is broken. The rear brake light broke when replacing the struts which you have to remove the back dash to get to. The board that is under the carpet in the trunk warped. The carpets came up from the sides of the car. The storage bin in the center console broke, twice. The wind shield chips and errodes when in a car wash. I have never seen a windshield in this bad shape before. The back seat does not stay down. The headlights have a bad seal and there is water now in them. …
While traveling and without any indication transmission hose bursted, causing transmission fluid to leak and spray on wires resulting in a fire. Dealer did not replace wiring, but instead applied electrical tape over burnt wires and casings, consumer was advised by personal mechanic that transmission fluid is not flammable, therefore could not have been the cause of the fire, consumer has a lawyer to investigate, possible engine failure.
The dealer had replaced two automatic transmissions in the last two years. The vehicle was a lease and had only one year remaining and was unable to be driven. The vehicle needed a transmission and brakes. The engine light had come on, the transmission lines leaked, and when the brakes were applied they were noisy.
Engine check light would stay on, vehicle overheated & overdrive would blink on/off. Ground wire was suppose to be fixed,but vehicle caught on fire. Vehicle was totalled. Manufacturer said they couldn't do anything, filed a lawsuit. Warranty was not up on vehicle.
(1)clutch pedal would stick near floor, would'nt return to normal position. (2)with clutch pedal depressed to floor while at a long light, vehicle begins to creep forward, no further pedal travel to disengage available. (3)nothing yet.
The transmission failed at 30,000, when the vehicle was repaired, consumer was informed that eventually there would be problems with the engine, consumer stated it took numerous tires to get the vehicle to start. Ts
When trying to stop the vehicle there is a horrible vibration. It is very hard to control and stop the vehicle while braking. Our gas tank will not take in gas. The tank could be completely empty and it will take a dollar's worth of gas, then gas will start spewing out all over. Our car dealer said he doesn't know what it could be and hasn't heard anything from Kia about this being a problem. (it isn't the gas gauge.) the air bag light came on and stayed. We got this fixed and haven't had problems with this again. Also, we have a manuel transmission. We have had trouble with it kicking out of gear. We could be going down a highway and it will kick out of fifth gear. It does its own thing. We have had this vehicle since August and it has been nothing but problems. My wife and I no longer trust this car and this is the only vehicle we have to rely on. …
Have had my car in several times for service and was told that it was the way I dirve...I then began taking my car to dale spradley in pueblo co for warranty service...I was told that they reset computer on the transmission and it would have to adjust to my driving again...my problem is the transmission slips when cold as soon as you put it in gear. Sometimes does it after being driven awhile and you let off the gas to make a turn it will act as if it is in neutral and then finally drop into gear. It is really hard for a woman to get good service as service department (men) employees think we have no idea what we are talking about. …
NHTSA investigations
Transmission oil cooler line
The oil cooler line allegedly develops leaks at it's junction to the radiator
Transmission complaints in other Sephia years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Kia Sephia?
NHTSA has 71 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Kia Sephia, 17% of the model year's 428 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (51 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Kia Sephia transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 6 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.