Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While making a left turn a piece of the steering column popped off and became wedged in the back of the steering wheel. This resulted in consumer not being able to turn the steering wheel. Dealership replaced the clock spring and the steering column, but problem recurred.
I have had to have a power steering, rack and pinion, 4 sets of brakes going on 5. I have had to have my tires rotated more times than necessary. The brakes makes a grinding, rattling noise when I try to stop. When I press on the brakes it doesn't stop quickly. The gaskets around the door ifs falling off. The radio will shut off for no reason. The heater works when it's hot outside. The windshield was leaking. It has since been repaired. Sometimes the car wont crank after sitting for a while it will crank. The engine light comes on. The glove box fell apart. I have computer problems and wiring problems. The gears are hard to put in reverse and then when it finally pops into gear it makes a loud popping sound. It slow to put in drive and then it will take off real fast almost making you run into something.
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)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sephia years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (24), 1999 (23), 2000 (9) and 1997 (7) model years. Steering complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Kia Sephia steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Kia Sephia model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Kia Sephia steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the steering wheel/handle bar (24 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist system (13).
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.