Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Before 40,000 miles, had fuel pump changed 2 times, starter changed 2 times, new transmission, ignition control module once, doors replaced due to defect, new paint job due to trash under original paint job, all hub caps and trim were replaced due to fading at 10,000 miles (which faded again a few thousand miles later), ac blower resistor motor replaced, all mirrors were replaced, electrical short in dome light, & ignition switch replaced. I bought my car in oct 2001, and was put in shop for the first time in jan. 2002 and has been there 55 days since. I have kept up with all required maintenance. Sorry, but this car is junk. And I hate to have had a bad experience buying my first new vehicle.
Having trouble with drivers side window. It will work then the motor/regulator gets stuck and won't function. Then all of a sudden it will work then not work. I just want to find out what's causing problem. All wires to switch tested positive power is going to and from motor/regulator to all switches. My cell is [redacted] I just want a name and phone number of someone who can fix this in 07646 area code. I,e an expert on power window problems thank you. My name is [redacted] this is sort of a complaint because it's become a difficult diagnosis I need a Kia specialists help.
1. Rear window tint damaged by defoster wires causing the tint to bubble and obstruct rear view. 2. Heat damage to front dash results in an adjustment or movement to the fromt windsheild creating cracks in windshiled to large to repair. Occurs with both factory and commercially installed glass. 3. A sub result occurs where the defroster vents on the dash break and no longer provide directed air to the windshiled, causing obstructed views.
Tl contact owns a 2000 Kia Sephia. While driving less than 60 MPH, the windshield wipers stopped working. The failure occurred during heavy rain conditions and the wiper motor continued to activate; however, the wipers went into a vertical position and would no longer operate. The failure and current mileages were 138,000.
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. …
1) air conditioner hoses defective and will not hold charge 2) car rattles and makes noise coming from trunk area, taken to dealer repeatedly without any idea of how to remedy the problem 3) car would loose power without warning and at dangerous times, took to dealer 3 times before the car failed completely and they were finally able to fix the problem 4) rear drivers side window sticks and rattles, taken to dealer un-repairable 5) rear door look does not work, taken to dealer repaired but now it doesn't work yet again 6) engine light on, told by dealer the gas cap wasn't tight enough 7) power locks open and close at intervals while driving the car 8) engine light blinking, no idea what problem is this time contacted Kia and asked to speak to field representative and was told that Kia could do nothing to assist owner in fixing owner. …
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.
Related recalls (1)
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
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Sephia years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (34), 1999 (17), 2000 (17) and 1997 (9) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Kia Sephia window & wiper problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 99V-271 (linkages, Oct 6, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Kia Sephia window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles; 64% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the windshield wiper/washer (27 mentions), followed by the windshield (20).
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.