From: BLACKMANDM@aol.com
Do you happen to know of any web sites about recalls on Kia Sephias because I
seem to be having the same problelms that have been occurring to many other
owners.
From: Kat2926@aol.com
My wife and I decided to purchase this vehicle on Feb.8,1999. Little did we
know how much of a nightmare this would turn out to be!
Feb. 8,1999 - customer complaint "Battery died" -
tech report - load tested battery weak, replaced
battery after tested (395 miles)
Apr. 6,1999 - customer complaint "Check engine light on" -
tech report - follow dg proceedure testing low
input signal, checked all voltages,resistances,grounds all in spec. checked
fuel pressure switch connector.harness checked out ok no hard faults
found,tightened all pins in connectors earse code will see if light comes on
during road test. road test ok (4,508 miles)
I started the Sportage up and put it into reverse and the
check engine light came on again
Apr. 7,1999 - customer complaint "Check engine light on" -
tech report - codes po9453,po122, complies with
high resistance in fuel tank pressure switch, replaced pressure switch, and
closed canister valve,purge valve,clear codes road test
Car surges,check engine light comes on. codes po122,po453,present dg codes
needs high press. switch measured all points to tps sensor found tps voltage
low at times, checked all grounds,connectors. same codes present trace
referance voltage wire through harness. could not find any troubles.
replaced high pressure switch,purged valve,closed canister switch,test drove,
engine light came back on. dg somemore. tried e.c.u. road tested over night
no light on will have to drive it more or give back to customer, put car all
back together.
I got the Sportage back on Apr. 12,1999.
May 26,1999 - customer complaint - check engine light on -
tech report - diagnose code po101 mass air flow clear codes does not reset
check per chart no trouble found check terminal tension on mass air flow and
tps terminals loose
tension terminals on mass air flow and tps road test code would not reset
check air cleaner no restrictions check mass air flow sensor not clogged no
vacuum leaks noted check pcv and vacuum lines installed properly oil fill and
dipstick properly installed mass air flow duct secure no leaks road test
again did not reset code.
May 28,1999 - customer complaint - check engine light on -
Now about this time I've had enough. I spoke to the Kia dealership and
scheduled another appointment for June1,1999. I also called Kia customer
service at 800 333 4kia and spoke to a representive who said that I should
get a general manager involved. That was about all they had to offer. When
speaking to the dealership I ask to have a general manager involved and did
get the vice president involved and spoke to him on a couple of occasions. Of
course he was concerned and wanted to make sure this problem was resolved.
tech report - when light is on car has high idle and surge at low speed when
shifting rpm go up
diagnose code po101 contact tech assistance faxed revised diag chart found
high resistance in tps wires poor connection in harness to egi unit also swap
egi relay with fuel pump relay need to drive and recheck
found high resistance in harness to tps repair connections add stabilant to
connectors and road test several times code would not reset
I received Sportage 6-4-99 (mileage 7514)
Sept. 22,1999 - customer complaint - 4x4 engauges intermittently -
tech reports - replaced front hub assy's = replaced l/f asy
1 hub kit
2 free wheel hub-v
1 shaft assy-drive
1 pad set-front
2 disc-plate
I received Sportage back(mileage 13984)
That was our first year with it. I routinely have the oil changed and follow
all service recommendations with this vehicle. As you can see it was in the
shop for quite a few days.
Feb. 9,2000 - customer complaint - car making noise -
tech report - replaced guard over muffler(20512 miles)
Feb. 18,2000 - customer complaint - starter grinds,4x4 not working
properly,bad batterery,noise in engine compartment -
tech report - replaced starter
(4x4) replaced knuckles,swap over bearings,install rotors and pads,replaced
vacuum lines
replaced battery and tighten power steering belt(21053 miles)
March 8,2000 - MOTOR VEHICLE RECALL -
Poor connections may exist in the fuel injection wire harness curcuit(22013
miles)
March 20,2000 - MOTOR VEHICLE RECALL -
Steering intermediate shaft coupling could contact hydraulic brake pipe which
could result in loss of rear brakes.(23204 miles)
Oct. 14,2000 - MOTOR VEHICLE RECALL + 30000 MILE MAINTENANCE
The MCC (manifold catalytic converter) may have a weak weld - replaced MCC
Dec. 5,2000 - custormer complaint - ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ON -
I have appointment set-up for Dec. 7,2000. Sure sounds
like I'm back around the block again, doesn't it.
Howard Anderson
Springfield,
Vt.
From: s_comito@yahoo.com
From: Peacepf25@aol.com
From: HAPPY68169@aol.com
From: Missy670@cs.com
From: Lovetweet@aol.com
From: LADYTIP2@cs.com
From: Secretivef@aol.com
From: Shatj1@aol.com
From: wcsapp@etinternet.net
From: lovedog2@juno.com
From: KLTom24@aol.com
From: Bumper098@aol.com
From: fwilliam@neocomm.net
From: orders@gibroadband.com
From: JermaineIsland@cs.com
From: davetter1@compuserve.com
From: NodaAgain@aol.com
From: Karen21pvt@aol.com
From: SylvDl@aol.com
From: nitelife@tcsn.net
From: nitelife@tcsn.net
From: VerderameB@aol.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I am an unfortuante 1997 Kia Sephia owner. At first we
had several problems with the Kia that were covered
under warranty. Now after the warranty is up and we
are at about 60,000 we are starting to experience
other problems.
At first my fuel tank door would no longer release. We
had to manually force it open then it would not close.
For several months I have driven with an open fuel
tank door.
Next we started noticing my dashboard was coming
apart. First is started lifting on the part were it
seems to attach to the windshield and now were the
dashboard meets the gauge reading.
And now the day before we go car shopping I get
stranded on my way from work. The engine light has
gone on and the car sputters.
According to the dealership they will only give us
$2500.00 for a car that still has 2 more years of
payments.
If there is anything you may be able to do for us it
would greatly be aprreciated.
Sincerely,
Sean and Debbie Comito
I bought a kia a couple months ago and have had nothign but problems.
Especially with the dealership lying to me. I have friends who would also
like in on this law suite. Let me know how I get in touch with the attorney
PLEASE.
Paula
HI MY NAME IS JESSICA I WROTE YOU BEFORE ABOUT MY 2000 KIA SEPHIA. WELL IT
HAPPEN I WAS JUST TURNING ON MY STREET AND SOME LADY HIT ME AT 50 MILES MY
SEAT GAVE AND FELL BACK ON MY 6 MONTH OLD THANK GOD HE HAD WIGGLED HIS WAY
DOWN IT WOULD OF HIT HIS HEAD BUT I WAS NOT SO LUCKY I HIT THE TOP OF THE CAR
SEAT WITH MY HEAD NOW I HAVE HEADACHES REALLY BAD AND MY NECK HURTS WELL KIA
SAID NOTHING WHEN I CALLED THEM I AM PRAYING TO GOD THAT THEY TOTAL THE CAR
OUT. JESS
I purchased a kia sportage 2 years ago and have had many problems. It is at
the dealer as I e-mail you. 2 years- 4 sets of hubs, a battery, starter,
3sets of rotors, 2sets of brake pads, cat., converter, tailpipe, repaint
wheel fares, loose wire connections, no fourwheel drive when needed-30,000
miles. What kind of relief should I expect from Kia. I am extremely
distressed at the thought of continuing to drive this piece of junk
My husband and I wanted a new car, we decided to buy the kia because it was
well within our price range. (I wonder why) Any way the day we bought it we
noticed problems right away. The check engine light was on, the car would
jerk when you pushed on the gas, the wipers sucked, and the speed onmiterer
didn't work. Now this is at time of purchase. They told us to bring it back
the next day and they would fix everything. Yeah right!! Two months later
the speed onmitere stopped working AGAIN, the check engine light came back
on, and the wipers still sucked. A month later the transmission had to be
rebuilt. My Kia is only a 97, why would the transmission need to be built.
Needless to say two DAYS after that they had to replace something that had to
do with the transmission, which by the way was not covered under warranty. I
have been in the shop at least twice a month and I have only had my car one
year. Last month my check engine light came on and they told me it was
because my gas cap was loose haha, its still on so I guess they didn't feel
the need to tighten it. We have tried to trade it in but not one will take
the damn car. I have two toddlers and I feel safer walking than driving my
Kia any day of the week. We all need to ban together and get Kia off the
roads. Thank you for letting my say my 2 cents.
Dannielle
Jacksonville, FL
I am 18 and I purchased a 2000 KIA Sephia in August. It is December and the
horn has just died out. The rubber is coming off the doors and the trunk,
and the cassette player has broken. The left, front tire also goes down at
will. I think it is ridiculous for a brand new 2000 KIA to break apart like
this within months. I want to be a part of this lawsuit if it means I can
get rid of this car before it causes anymore problems.
I own a 98 Kia Sportage ............I can't believe all the problems I have
had with this car since I bought it. It is currently in the shop for various
things such as exhaust parts falling off.........a third incident with the
hub seals
Heather Polo
I have had my sportage for 2 years, and have had it in the shop 8 times for
running problems, 4 wheel drive problems, and so on. The problem with the 4
wheel drive has yet to be fixed. When I contacted Kia to talk to them about
it they said that I needed to talk to the service people that I am using,
Bournivle Kia in Portsmouth, NH. When I spoke to them and told them the
situation they were more than happy to make an appointment to try to fix it,
the problem was that I needed another car to drive until they fixed it, well
that was not happening. They said that they don't give rental cars and Kia
doesn't either. So in order to get this car fixed I need to free a whole day
so I can sit there in the dealership and wait for them to fix that piece of
trash they call a car. I called Kia and asked them about the rental car, and
again you need to talk to your service Manager. I just wanted to le! t you know
how I felt about Kia and there cars. Sense I have owned the car I have told
any one that has asked me about it, the biggest mistake in my life was buying
one of those damn cars.
Not that I would want one after reading all the trouble people have with
KIA cars, I did stop in at the KIA dealer near me and look at the new
KIA Optima. It's really a nice looking car. The dealer had 2, one was
equipped with leather seating & the other one had plain cloth. This was
on a Sunday and it so happened that the one with cloth seating was
unlocked so I got in & sat down. For a car that is priced at over
$18,000 (the one with leather was over $19,000) the interior looked and
felt cheap. VERY thin carpeting on the floors and the dashboard plastic
is very hard and easily scratched, for this new car already had several
scratches from where the key has been inserted in the ignition and had
scraped the plastic surround. Maybe I'm biased after reading all the
negatives in this column, but does anyone feel that this new flagship
will be better built. It's one thing to sell a poorly made car at a
cheap price, but an entirely different situation when you sell a poorly
made car at the prices the Optima is listing for. This may be what it
takes to get quality improved. Buyers of competing models such as the
Camry, Accord & Stanza will not stand for poor quality. By the way, the
first KIA I ever saw was a Sportage driven by a co-worker. She had
traded a 1 yr old Accord LX for it. She said the running gear was ok,
but all the power windows had failed, along with the rear wiper & the
cruise control. Many trips were spent at the dealership in Charlotte,
NC (I won't name them, but they sell Buicks as well) and she said the
waiting room was always full with people asking "whats wrong with
yours?" Either its power windows, radios, wipers, etc going bad, or
leaks or peeling paint. When her cruise control was supposedly
repaired, the mechanic had ordered the wrong part and replaced her
cruise stalk with one for a Sportage not so equipped. I cannot find
anyone to say anything good about these cars. She was finally able to
trade it for a bare bones Toyota Corolla, but at least she has a good,
dependable car now.
I purchased a 2000 Spectra from a dealership in Kansas City, MO. The tin
can is in the shop now, getting a new transmission installed at 7,000
miles. It has been making a loud noise when driving. I took it back to
the dealer on a Saturday morning, and was told that they are not open on
Saturdays. Took it back the following Monday evening in a snow storm
with the wiper fluid frozen and was told that the bearing in the
transmission was bad. I was promised a call in three days, so that the
transmission could be replaced. No call, and I wanted 5 days and called
them back and was told they did not know what was going on, and they
would call me on Monday. I called them on Tuesday because they I didn't
receive a call ( I got about 8 calls when they were trying to sell me the
car), and was told that they would have to talk to the District Benefits
Manager. No call the following day, and I called back to the Sales
Manager (??), and was told that no one had called him back. At this time
they had a very irate female on their hands. I called the so called
Sales Manager back, and he said he had no answers for me. Well, after
having the Mr call he found some answers. We were told that they could
not locate any transmissions in the midwest, and they would call us (we
believed that). After calling the owner of the Kia dealership, they
magically found one about 10 miles away at another dealer. We took it in
today, and I can not wait for the excuses that we will get today when it
is not done.
I have purchased Chrysler products all of my life and you can bet the
next call will be one.
Hi! I can not believe how many horror stories are out there regarding the
KIA's and I thought I was the only one having these problems. I bought my
Kia in April of 2000, and I absolutely hate it. My rear defroster fell off,
so they have to replace the whole back windshield, so while it was snowing
and fogging up, i could not see. Then, my brakes that is my biggest problem.
The first time I went into the Kia dealership, they told me that my brakes
were non-metallic brake pads and that I would have to have my brakes
constantly deglazed. Well, I went back in December to have my brakes
deglazed, they told me that I will have to have new front brakes put on, and
I just bought it. Then, my belt is constantly loose and makes my car sound
like it is 10 years old. Then, my keyless entry doesn't work and I am having
this replaced. Then, talk about the horrible service I had. The service
manager insulted me by telling me I would not have these problems if I took
care of my car. I asked him what that is suppose to mean. He said because I
don't get oil changes. I told him that I do get oil changes, because I don't
go to the dealership where they charge an arm and a leg. I get my oil
changes for only $13.00 and the man who does them, I am friends with and have
known for years. Anyways, when I went back in December they told me that I
was given false information regarding my brakes and that man was fired. I
explained to them that that is not my problem and that they are still
relilable for the information that their employess release whether it is
false or not. So, he told me that my brakes need to be replaced because I
have semi-metallic brake pads and not non-metallic. My car sounds like a
piece of shit. Excuse my language. I used to have a 96 Honda Civic and I
loved it. I could hit myself for getting rid of it. I am a full time
college student and work full time, I need a reliable car.. I would like to
be part of this lawsuit that you are trying to put together. Just e-mail me
with the information. Oh, one last thing, since we have lots of snow where
I live (Ohio) when I turn on my vents to heat my car, i get snow in my car.
The vents just blow snow in. Isn't that nice. Thank you for your time.
Kelly
To Kia owner
I was shocked to read your situation with your Kia.I to have been stranded
many miles from my home from Tenn.Florida,North Carolina and a few more
states...I have an ongoing electrical problem that seems to stem from the
dash heat board. They have had my Sportage 5 times and now today again for
the car bucking and all power while driving diminishing then turning back on
as I am driving down the highways. I cant show them the problem as it happens
randumly.I don't know what to do.I also have had several repairs to the
windows, locks, and other minor situations.Tires,Rims. At one point this
summer I had No 4 wheel drive. They said I bought it that way bran new. In
their words I had blown it. I found this impossible as I had never used 4
wheel drive till that day stuck in mud. IM not sure where to go with all this
but I appreciate your sight telling me IM not alone. From a dissatisfied
1999 Kia owner....
I PURCHASED A 2000 KIA SOPHIA IN JUNE OF THIS YEAR. SEPTEMBER THE TIRES WAS SHOWING WIRES AND ALSO BALD WITH
NO TREADS. SO THEY CALLED THEMSELVES FIXING THE PROBLEM. THEY LINED MY CAR UP AND PUT TWO NEW TIRES ON. ONCE
AGAIN ITS DECEMBER AND I HAVE TWO FRONT TIRES THAT ARE BALD AND WITH WIRES SHOWING. THEY WONT DO ANYTHING
AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE 1800 NUMBER KEEPS PUTTING ME OFF. CAN YOU HELP ME FIND OUT SOMEBODY ELSE THAT CAN
REALLY HELP ME? IF YOU CAN PLEASE E MAIL AT fwilliam@neocom.net
I originally purchased a 97 Kia Sportage. I had so many problems with this
car that I had to take it to arbitration through the lemon law. They gave
me a brand new 98 Kia Sportage under the original loan. The 98 Kia Sportage
has given me a lot of problems. I currently need to take it back in for
something I have already taken it in twice for. I believe it is the exhaust
or perhaps the belt. Among having other problems...and I am still upside
down on my payments for a loan that was for a 1997 Kia. Yes, one of the
worst mistakes I have ever made!
Hi my name is Rick Logan I'm 18 years old and the owner of a 1998 Kia Sephia
LS I've had this car almost a year and the only trouble I've been having was
the check engine light but it hasn't given me anymore type of trouble that I
know of I just hope my car last because I need it I depend on it but please
keep me informed on any development on these Kia cases thanks.
Here is another story about a KIA Sephia that is a total bummer. I
bought my KIA in Fort Worth, Texas in October, 1997. Since then, I have
had a new engine at 33000 miles, a new set of tires at 16000 miles,
engine mount, 2 sets of brakes - the first at 8000 miles, AND
.......Not 1 transmission, not 2, not 3, BUT 4 transmissions, and as we
speak, the transmission is slipping AGAIN!!!
I wish I had read your web site BEFORE I had bought a Kia Sephia. I have a
1999 Sephia. I bought it with 2300 miles on it and I now have 4300 miles on
it. I can rarely drive it and it is nothing more than an expensive parking
lot decoration. I've replaced the brakes, starter, fuel tank due to recall
and now I have to take it in to get a new back window because the old one is
falling out. Under TX lemon law it isn't considered a lemon. We can only
hope the brakes go out 3 more times so we can use the lemon law.
My fiancee and I bought this car because we thought it would save us money
and be a good "family" car. I wish now I had be willing to spend a few more
dollars and gotten a Saturn.
I am trying to find out if there is a lawsuit pending. If you know anything,
please let me know.
Thank you.
Chenoa Holm/Kevin Talmadge
joe
i bought a 99 kia sportage in october of 1999. in jan 0f 2000 the car died
while i was
up in vermont on vacation. i was stuck up there for another two weeks while
they replaced the engine. when i picked up the car i noticed on the ride
home that the rear window wiper did not work. a few months later the engine
light went on and the car was again in the shop for two days and they were
unable to fix the wiper as they did not have the part. in the summer of 2000
the brakes were sounding terrible and the front wheels were covered in brake
dust, again i made the trip to the dealer and after road testing the car and
charging me 50 bucks he assured me there was nothing wrong with the car and
had the nerve to tell me that maybe i had a heavy foot on the brake and gas
pedal.
owning this car has been a nightmare. i drove two corolla's 10 years total
and over 90k on one and 100k on the other and did basic maintainance . i
feel very unsafe in this car and as soon as i am back to work will be trading
it in. even the people you talk to on the phone at kia are useless. all in
all a very unpleasant experience.
thanks for letting me vent.
From: dietgrafix@hotmail.com
Hi,
You can count me in. My name is Michael Van Rhee and I'm living the Kia
Sportage nightmare. I'm having the same problems everyone else is and i'm
tired of it. I wish someone could do something. Please let me know if there
is any news.
Thanks,
Michael
Well I am totally frustrated with kia. I bought two kias 2000. One , the 2
door convertiable has had trouble since the first month. The stereo went out
the first month, I had to wait for 3 months to replace it from manufacturer.
The next month my son had a blow out of the two right side tires. Kia said
they were not defective, so I had to repurchase tires. Since then my Kia has
been in the repair shop at least 10 times. Each time it is getting more
difficult to get the repairs done. The power windows have been completely
replaced several times, on both sides. The battery went dead. A number of
electrical problems. Now the dealer says they will not warrentee the lastest
electrical problem, the radio, electrical door , alarm, lights on the inside,
and of course power windows. I have had my kias under 1 year and regret my
purchase. I am not looking for a lawyer. Please if anyone else in Fort Worth,
Texas wants a Kia please think again.
Hi,
In Feb '99 i bought a '96 kia sephia. I've had endless problems with it. Lets see i bought it they had to replace the dash and do engine
work (what exactly they didn't tell me) immediately (that they told me stuff was wrong with it AFTER i had payed for it at Saturn of
Augusta in Augusta, GA) Since then i've replaced the brakes 4 times, i had the transmission replaced once at 38,000 miles and am
doing it again at 77,000 miles, i've had the lifters swapped out along with other work on the cylinders that caused a very loud clicking,
i've had very poor performance and pick up speed since i bought the car, the car shakes above 65-70 mph. at 70,000 i lost
compression in two cylinders and they had to replace quite a bit of the engine and they said the valves had holes in them the size of a
nickel. I hear a loud rattling in the engine when i get above what feels like 2500-3000 rpms. My seatbelts stopped working at about
36,000 miles had those replaced, am about to have the dash replaces again due to curling, still have an oil leak that doesn't let me go
more than 3 days about without adding oil to my engine.. the list goes on and on... and on top of that the place i bought the car from
"misleadingly" sold a united states service member (me) a piece of crap car at 10,000$ and i've had it for two years and i still owe over
$7,800 principal and around $9,500 after interest.... i guess i've had a bad time with this car so far. When people see me driving they
think it's akward that i've actually driving my car and it's not in the shop, that's where it's usually at! Thanks for making this site, i've
finally had a chance to vent my hatred towards KIA of America (or kia of anywhere for that matter!)....
Gary Schreiner
hey,
oh yeah i didn't mention the fact that i've had the axles replaced twice, and my rotors are really warped (been that way since i've bought
it but i don't have 60$ a piece to buy new ones) and my car woudln't start for the longest time, i'd have to open the hood and jiggle
wires around until it started and when it did it had a loud screeching noise, after a while of doing that it's been starting ever since
(don't ask me??) and the fact that when my transmission went out the first time, it wouldn't go into third, it'd shift between first and
second constantly when taking off , many problems, wouldn't go into overdrive...and then when i took it to the kia dealership in riverside,
ca (which the shop is at a BMW dealership) it took me about two weeks to get them to replace it because they said that i probably
drove it bad i had to call kia customer care and hastle them for those 2 weeks causing me hardships at my job (being in the military
that isn't good), then i asked them to replace the lifters and they kept telling me it wasn't covered under the drivetrain warrenty, then
finally when i went to the Kia dealership in Paso Robles (san louis bay motors suzuki/kia) they replaced the lifters with no problem
telling me "oh hell yeah that's covered under the warrenty" and wasn't pleased with how Kia of Riverside's mechanics were treating
me.. oh yeah and my locks don't work anymore, so bad that i had to install power door locks just to get into my car now.. anyways
thats all i can think of right now.. thanks for the help with this webpage...
Gary Schreiner
hello i have a kia that is having the same prob. its been in the shop more
then at home its left me and my daughter stranded 2 times already i took it
in for brke problems i was told there is nothing wrong i took it to 2
different garages who tell me my calibers are bad but kia wont fix it i just
took it in today and now they are telling me that i have a majore oil prob.
well they told me they did an oil change on it but they didnt so now my car
is blowing up and i still have to make payments the car is a 1999 and its
been more trouble then its worth i had my daughter almost fly through the
windshield because the seat belt does not lock right and they tewll me its me
doing it. ive had so much work done on it its starting to get on my nerves i
dont know what to do now im out of a car and all the money i have is in that
car. so what do i do now sence they say i blew up the motor
susan
Note:I have received almost 1000 emails since I have put
this site up. I am no longer posting any new emails - I think you get the idea!
Return to the Don't Buy a Kia!!! webpage.