Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Both lower control arms have gone at the same time...at 65,000 miles...which when I checked with repair shop is highly unusual that at this low miles one would go let alone both...he said it is a quality issue. Kia says its not covered...when went to get out of drivers side the door handle snapped off. An electrical problem with heater/air conditioner...took to Kia east syracuse, ny they said they don't make them any more because so many problems.
Master cylinder needs to be replaced due to leaking brake fluid. Consumer is adding a pint of brake fluid daily. Brake light illuminates on dashboard, when the brakes are applied, there is extended stopping distance. Consumer stated the master cylinder has been replaced previously, this will be the 3rd master cylinder, the vehicle also vibrates and the dealer stated it was because the vehicle was out of alignment, however the vibration continued after the alignment, the transmission was replaced at 17,000 miles.
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. …
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. …
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.
Ongoing problem with battery failure; dealer notified, and replaced faulty battery on two occasions, and problem reoccurred. Also, and problem engine hesitation. Dealer notified. The consumer found out right after leasing the vehicle, that the radio was inoperable. The vehicle began squeeking in the rear end when turning. The heater malfunctioned. The left rear strut assembly failed causing knocking noise at right rear. The o-ring failed causeing the distributor leak and there was loss of power while driving.
While driving differential went out/ digital laser failed to work on cd panel/ power window electrical switch stopped working, and engine check light came on & did not go off. Dashboard covering was separating from window. There was water in the headlights, and battery would go dead. Took vehicle to dealer. Vehicle needed alignment due to problem with transmission & the brake assembly needed replacing due to excessive wear.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sephia years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (23), 1999 (17) and 2000 (9) model years. Suspension complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Kia Sephia suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles; 67% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (26 mentions), followed by the front › macpherson strut (3).
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.