From: dlw72 (dlw72@netzero.net)
my 98 sephia has been to the shop more than 20 times since purchased in nov.98.4 times for rotors and pads,2 times for headlights filling up with water,2 times for fuel pump wiring problems,mirrors and hub caps replaced for peeling paint,1 time(so far)for an annoying rattle sound they replaced the exhaust but that wasnt the problem,1 time for water leaking on the floor from under the dash,and another time for the starter relay and fuse going bad,wiper recall,and for the egr solenoid. As for the sportage its been in for an antifreeze leek,hubs recall ,brake line recall,alignment at less than 1000 miles,check engine light at least 6 times,one time rusulting in a 9 day stay at the dealership to replace 2 defective coil packs,the heater is making a strange buzzing sound and smells like antifreeze when using the heater.And im sure theres more i have forgotten about.Bottom line dont buy a kia unless your prepared to spend all your spare time in your local dealership waiting room.

From: OSTALLIONO102175@aol.com
Just had to put my two cents in about Kia..... I drive a '95 Sephia, and although it has never left me stranded on a highway, it's been in the shop countless times and has more problems than I can name. So far I have had the brakes and brake rotors entirely replaced two times (once in 7/98 and once this month), i have had TWO axles in the car totally replaced, as well as the CV joints (didn't know that you even had to do that unless your car was in a major accident!), I have had the radiator replaced two times, i have had the horn replaced, I have even had to have the glove compartment totally replaced!!!! This is not factoring in all of the stupid little things like spark plugs, headlamps that lately I have had to replace once a month, etc etc. Still, it chronically stalls (I used to live in Washington, DC, and it stalled every day when I was merging onto the beltway), it reeks of gasoline (i think there is a problem with the gas line related to the stalling, but surprise, surprise, the dealer was never able to find that problem), and it leaks when it rains. And speaking of the dealer, I have never had worse customer service. I called to complain about the car really shortly after I got it, and the dealer told me "well, I tried to steer you away from it." Meaning that they knew they were selling me a complete piece of crap!!!! I have tried to take it to some of those "buy one of our cars and we'll pay off your car" sales that dealers always have and I have consistently been laughed at by every dealer because Kias are such auto industry jokes. Well, thanks for letting me rant and rave. I didnt' even know that I was this annoyed about that car until now! :)
Melissa Leeper
Harrisburg, PA

From: Sjpreciousmetal@aol.com
I purchased a 1999 Kia Sportage 10 months ago. It has been back in for warranty service at least 10 times. It has been out of service at least 21 days. I want Kia to buy it back!!!! I have purchased several new cars in my life time, and never have gone thru any thing like this before.
hub seals have been replaced (recall)
wiring harness has been redone (recall)
muffler has been replaced
brakes and rotors have been replaced
rear reflectors have been replaced
fender moldings have been replaced
transfer case continues to leak
just to mention a few!!!!
Let all us unhappy customers ban together and get Kia!!!!
Debra Thomas

From: Obrey01@aol.com
I think youre doing a great service, by letting people know about these cars. And I agree they are the worst cars on the road and shouldnt be even sold here in the U.S. I bought a kia sephia in sept of 98. And had nothing but problems with it. I had the car for 9mos and for at least once a month it was in the shop for something ranging from the scratches in the dashboard to a replacement of a throwout bearing in the transmisson. I was lucky that i was able to trade the car in but I took a huge loss and now my payments are higher but its worth it knowing that i got a better car and that it wont leave me stranded. Whenever my friends or coworkers ask me if they should by a kia I tell them no and give them your website they cant belive what kind of troubles these cars are and thanks to your website i saved about 6 people the trouble and heartache of my experince. Once again keep up the good work and keep this website going and you can bet i will send people here to read the horror stories of these cars........

From: PWCorgi1234@aol.com
I lease a 1998 Sportage and have had numerous problems, with the most serious being the right front hub blowing out on the interstate. Prior to this incident, I've had to pay for new brakes, starter and front struts had to be replaced by the dealership. All this occurring before 23,000 miles were on the car. One of the 3 recalls was to fix the hub, which they obviously did not repair. I also believe the hubs prematurely wore down the brakes and the fronts tires are worn from inside out. The steering column and fuel injector were also recalled on this vehicle. The recent incident I had experienced on the highway has caused me to feel very unsafe driving this vehicle and I feel that Kia and the dealership has turned a deaf ear to my concerns about continuing to lease this car. I am in the beginning stages of mediating with the BBB to remove me from the lease obligation, I would appreciate any advice or info you can give to help me in this matter. You can reach me a Z24RED@aol.com. Sincerly, Mike

From: Gopigletgo@aol.com
My husband and I are shopping for a new car since the birth of our daughter in February. We are looking for a safe affordable car. Thanks to your site you helped us eliminate the KIA Sportage. Best of luck with retaliation.
K Hall

From: Halnych@aol.com
I too had the misfortune of buying a New 1998 Kia Sportage. (I should have guessed it to be a lemon when in the first 2 hours of driving it the inside door handle broke ) I have a rap sheet a mile long of repairs, minor to major. My car was in the shop so much ( from the very begining) the company actually GAVE me the 8 year 80,000 mile extended warranty (with a little bitching you can at least get something). Which really doesnt make you feel any better about being in the shop for repairs once a month. I tried getting lawyers to help me, The State Attourney Generals Office, and The Better Business Bureau. Everyone said the same thing "well as long as they keep fixing the problems...." And the Lemon Law, what a joke, Because I never had the SAME three problems it didn't apply, It doesnt matter that it had alot of Major problems as long as they were just different. I have since bitten the bullet, lost $5000, and just traded it in. I Couldn't take it anymore, I have 2 small children to worry about. But I would love to join the quest and help bring the company down any way I can. I have a long list of repairs on that vehicle to support the fact they are nothing more than expensive pieces of junk.

From: "Apryl L. Bellman" (Apryl_L._Bellman@hud.gov)
I purchased a 1998 demo Kia Sephia in August of 1998 and have had nothing but problems with it.
Brakes/Rotars replaced 3 times
Blinker Problems had in the shop at least 1/2 dozen times
Check engine light stayed on
Clear Coat Peeling
Door Molding Coming Off
Lock on Driver's Side replaced 2 times
Window Crank on Driver's Side Replaced
New Windshield/ Cracked when we were changing the wiper blades (fun job) when the arm flew down and hit the windshield!
New Transmission Put in it
I can go on.....
I filed a complaint with the BBB and ended up settling with Kia.
They gave me 4 new tires
Front End Alignment
Extended Warranty
New Paint Job
2 months of payments
These things have just been replaced recently and I told them that if I had any other problems with the car, they could take it and shove it were the sun don't shine!! I am over it!! Let me know if you get a Class Action Lawsuit going! As for the Kia Dealership, there Service Dept. SUCKS! They never have the parts in and always have an excuse for it!

From: Mary Gereau (mgereau@mum.neric.org)
I bought a 1998 KIA sportage. It has been in the shop 14 times and will not be years old until JUNE! The 4X4 has/will have been replaced 4x's! The catalytic converter has been replaced, the window seal was not there when purchased, the window motor was replaced, the rotors were warped beyond repair, the pull hatch for the outside tire rusted off, the fins over the tires have lost their silver paint, the cruise control has been worked on 3x's. The alarm goes off without warning. The funny thing is that the dealership and the manufacturer state that there is no alarm on this car. The doors lock without warning, stranding me 3X's. I am months pregnant and I was stranded this Sunday because the 4 wheel drive went again. Add the recalls it's unbelievable! Mary Gereau

From: Susanne Joseph (susannej@ccsfinancial.com)
Hi, my name is Susanne Joseph and I have a 98 Kia Sephia (21,800 Miles). Overall the Kia seems to be running fine, but these are the repairs that have been done so far:
brakes replaced 2 x (8,000 and 18,000 Miles)
starter replaced during the first year.
radio would stop working every couple houndred miles when I first got the car (took it to the dealer ship 5 times before a pinched wire was found)
the inside of the dashboard is turning out along the vent
I am the only one driving the car and I do take care of the Sephia. The King Dealership in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida was at first nice about the repairs, when it came to the second set of brakes which were fixed under warranty as well as the starter and the radio, the picture changed a little. In March of 2001 my warranty will expire and I am wondering what might be in store for me then - after reading some of the horror stories. A few weeks back I tried to refinance the Sephia and my credit union told me they only refinance 80% because of the low value of the car.
Is there anything I should do to protect my interests? Would like to hear from you. Thank you very much. Susanne Joseph, Coral Springs, FL at susannej@ccsfinancial.com

From: Viciouscircle51@aol.com
I purchased my 1998 Kia sportage in October of 1998 and have had nothing but problems after the odometer hit 2000 miles... They have replaced the front rotors and brake shoes 3 times so far ( At 2000 miles, 3900 miles and 6800 miles) and replaced the front axels once.. ( at 3900 miles) all because of "pulsating brakes" The battery died this past winter at a young age of 14 months. Also the starter burned out and had to be replaced, at 6900 miles. This past week the second starter burned out (8000 miles) and the car had to be flat bedded to the dealership. this is in addition to a recall for the hub seals and a recall for the fuel injection wiring harness...The brakes are no better than before and they say that "Well its the best they are going to be !!!" I wish Kia would have stuck to making bicycles..........Never again would I set foot in a Kia dealership ....
Anthony Sarli
Viciouscircle51@aol.com

From: Ken VanTassell (kenvt@mediaone.net)
I have a 1998 sportage...this weekend my wife got stuck in NJ...she is upset, and so am I.
-Ken

From: "David Stegall, Jr" (jrdavid@atlantic.net)
Hey, just found your web site based on KIA! Pretty interesting, and scary! I bought a 1999 KIA Sephia, which I have had for a little over one year. I too had to go throughout the numerous recalls based on the bad brakes, bad batteries and a faulty fuel pump connection. The recall on the fuel pump connection stated that the car could shut off at anytime and must be immediately returned to the dealership for repair. I feared this one since I had to drive forty miles to my KIA dealership. I called the dealership and asked if they would tow the car in, they just told me it was safe to drive and bring it on in! HA, safe to drive, yet a recall notice states otherwise. Thank GOD I made it safely to the dealership. My other gripes about KIA is the fuel gage. I have taken my car in twice in regards to this and they keep telling me that there is no problem. Well, at times my gage will show an accurate reading meaning that I am getting about 29 mpg. Then sometimes it will act up, and IF it is correct at that time, I am getting about 10 mpg.
My KIA has a rough idle at times to. Sometimes when you are idling and tap the accelerator the engine stutters like it is trying to stall. It will stutter like that too while I am driving, but not too often.
I could go on an d on about my dislikes about my KIA. I am sorry that I bought one, I wish I had stayed loyal to Chevrolet!!!
David S.
Starke, FL

From: Jennifer Passaretti (Rpassarett@aol.com)
I have a 1998 Kia Sephia. I tell everyone I know-DO NOT BUY A KIA !! I presently have 15, 000 miles, this July I will have had it 2yrs-I HATE IT! What a major inconvenience!!!!!! At about 4,000 miles is when the brakes first went, I thought it was me!!! Since then they have been repaired about 5 more times, pads, rotors, master cylinder, proportionate valve & the "new" pads & rotors. Also many other problems, ac, wipers, heat, stalling, & radioI am concerned because I am ready to go to court because IT IS A LEMON, on 6/15/00, and my case sounds similar to Ricard & Mary Souza's. I have been very patient & done everything properly. I do not want another Kia. Everyone I know who owns a KIA has some kind of problem. I wish I never bought this car. I am looking for any advice from anyone who has filed under the Lemon Law, What should I expect on 6/15. Please contact me. Thank you. We all do have to stick together!!!!!

From: Hondo1969@aol.com
I want to thank you for this web site. I have been thinking of buying my sister a Kia Sephia. She has never owned a new car and I thought that this would be a good, cheap alternative. Boy, was I wrong! I want no part of this thing. Thanks again and the very best of luck to you in your fight. One other thing, just for your info, stay away from Saturns also. My nephew is embroiled in a fight over a piece of junk they sold to him brand new. They brag they are a "different kind of car company". They are correct...they are WORSE than all the others.
David

From: D111DAVIS@aol.com
HELLO,
I HAVE THE KIA SPORTAGE.... BAD BAD BUY... FIRST OF ALL I LIVE IN CINCINNATI, AND I BOUGHT THE SPORTAGE IN 1998, I AM A SINGLE MOTHER WHOM TRAVELS FOR A LIVING, I NEEDED SOMETHING THAT WOULD BE RELIABLE FOR MYSELF FOR THE LONG DRIVES AND THE SAFTY OF MY 10 YEAR OLD SON. IN MY FIRST YEAR OF OWNERSHIP I TO HAD MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP OVER 5 TIMES. AT 18,000 MILES THE WHEELS ALL BUT LOCKED UP ON ME.. THE WHEEL BARRENS HAD COMPLETELY GONE OUT.. THIS WAS UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY WOULD NOT TRADE THE VEICHLE .. I DO NOT KNOW IF YOU REALIZE IT OR NOT BUT THE WHEEL BARRENS ARE A MAJOR REPAIR THAT COULD HAVE COST ME AND MY SON A MAJOR ACCIDENT IT TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I CALLED THE ARRBURTRATION IN THE OWNERS MANUAL AND EVEN WENT THREW THE B.B.B. LINE ON THIS MATTER. NO ONE COULD OR WOULD HELP ME BECAUSE EVEN ON MAJOR REPAIRS THEY MUST HAPPEN BEFORE THE 18,000 MILES, UNFORTUNATELY I WAS AT 18,350.
OTHER PROBLEMS ; HOSES EXPLODING SPRAYING COOLENT ON TO THE MOTOR CAUSING THE PLUGS TO FOAL OUT AND THE VECHILE WOULD NOT START. THIS IS THE KICKER..... MY DASH BOARD AFTER 1 YEAR RATTLED SO BADLY THAT I COULD NOT HEAR THE RADIO. I TOOK TO DEALER SHIP TWO TIMES FOR THIS MATTER. MY TURN SIGNAL COMPLETELY RATTLED OUT OF THE DASH BOARD AND NOW I HAVE ONE GREEN AND ONE WHITE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX THIS BUT NEVER DID, HOWEVER THEY DID FIX THE RATTLE. THEY TOLD ME THERE WERE SEVERAL SCREWS MISSING. TO DATE MY CAR IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRENTY . AND THESE ARE THE PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE HAD IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. THERE IS A LEAK SOME WHERE UNDER THE HOOD , MY FLOOR GETS FULL OF WATER WHEN IT RAINS AND THIS CAUSE THE MOTOR TO THE HEAT AND AIR TO BURN OUT. THE WINDSHEILD WIPERS ARE COMPLETELY STRIPPED OUT, THEY GOT KNOTTED UP IN A HARD RAIN, WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. PLEASE CONSIDER THESE COMPLAINTS FOR YOUR LAW SUIT AND GOOD LUCK WITH IT. PS. PARTS FOR KIA ARE NEVER IN STOCK SO WHEN YOU DO HAVE A PROBLEM IT IS DAYS TO GET IT FIXED, WHICH BEING A SINGLE MOTHER I CAN NOT AFFORD..... VERY DISSATISFIED, AND FRUSTRATED...
MISS SONYA DAVIS
CINCINNATI OHIO

From: Hunypooh777@aol.com
i bought my 98 kia in august of 98...it is now april of 2000 and i havent driven the car in over a year. it sits in my yard. kia had signed a contract agreeing to a full repurchase within 45 days and never stuck to it. that was in feb of 99. the car only has 6000 miles on it and im afraid to drive it. 3 days after i bought it....would have been the same day!!!!!.....but i got it on a friday...it went in for 2 weeks worth of work....and i had a rental from the dealer. it had to go in again a month later for another 3 weeks. and numerous other times for a day here and there. i only drove it for about 6 months....too long if ya ask me. the fuel guage was replaced 3 times and still doesnt work...the clutch was adjusted 3 times and then a new one was ordered and never put in...the brakes are a mess dont even work sometimes...it pulls left pretty hard...dash lights go on and off sometimes...it jerks and sometimes shuts off and then back on while on the highway...as of right now kia refuses to take the car or pay me but they did pay off the loan...im also suing under the vehicle abandonment law for the rights to sell the car....god knows i dont want it..

From: Sincere21000@aol.com
I HAVE A 99 KIA SPORTAGE TWO DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT IT BROKE DOWN. THEY ENDED UP HAVING TO DO $3,000 OF WORK ON THE ALTERNATOR AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SINCE THEN ITS BEEN IN THE SHOP ATLEAST 3 TIMES A MONTH EVERY MONTH. WITH PROBLEMS RANGING FROM THE BATTERY DIEING TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BREAKING.

From: BoUnCiNAgAiN00@aol.com
Hello my name is Robert Levantin and I live in ocala ,Florida, I own a 1997 Kia sephia Rs , I bought it in dec 18.1998 with 10,000 miles , about 3 weeks after i bought it ( i bought it with bumper to bumpber warranty, ) I had major trouble with the transmisson and the brakes, everything has went wrong, today my kia has 62,000 miles on it I am plaining on trading it in , the brakes are bad to on these cars, I think kia should replace our cars with the new ones, well pleae e-mail me back
thanks robert

From: Dennis Hovey (HoveyDN@mindspring.com)
Yes I too owned a 1997 Kia Sephia. Bought it in September 1997 brand new. I had the same problems with it that you described. Many times in the shop, warning light comes on a lot, didn't want to start sometimes. Finally I had enough so when 36,000 miles came up and the warranty expired I bought a new battery so it would start alright took it to the Ford dealership and traded it on another car which I am much happier with. I'm just glad to be rid of it. I think all the 97's might have problems. Best of luck getting your problems fixed with your car

From: Stephnickbrijake@aol.com
Hi, My name is Stephanie Smith. I also own a junk Kia, 1998. I have heard from a few people here in Vermont that they were offering upgrades for people who were having lots of problems. I can't get the service person to ever call me back. I have been in about 10 times with different problems. I am interested in the class action Lawsuit. Please e-mail me at Stephnickbrijake@aol.com Thank You, I am so glad someone is trying to do something about this. We can make this work!!!

From: Griffy7461@aol.com
Hi. I just came across your web site by accident but I wanted to give you some hope. I had a Kia Sportage. It was in the shop over 120 days all together when I had it and I had tons and tons of work orders. I went to arbitration and did not win there. Next I went to the state of Florida and before the trial day came Kia offered me a settlement. I got almost all my money back! I was determined to fight them tooth and nail till the end! And I won! You have got to be persistent! Use that lemon law. We would take it in and they would say.... we can't seem to find what is wrong. Or something with the computer board or whatever whatever. The car was a danger to me and my family. Finally it settled. So don't give up. fight fight fight!!!! and if there is any information I can help you with I would be more than happy to do so.
Gosh I just read your letters from others. I would really be more than happy to tell people how to do this if you'd like me too. Let me know!

From: SqueekerM2@aol.com
Hello we are the McIntyres, and I Have to say THANK GOD for computers! Today I saw a Kia Sportage, And I though to my self , "What a cute car!". So I started to serch the web, when I came across your site. Well I have to say thank you I am not going to buy one now . THANKS AGAIN! Mia & Jon

From: Stellab67@aol.com
I'm so glad I found your site about Kia. I have a 1998 Kia Sportage that has been nothing but a heartache since I got it. I made a complaint to the Better Business Bureau's Auto Line, and was told that I had no recourse because I had more than the 18,000 miles required for the Lemon Law. These are the problems that I have had with the Sportage: Check engine light comes on - 5 times in the shop. Automatic door locks unlock by themselves - 4 times in the shop. Smell of antifreeze everytime the heater is turned on (still not fixed) - 3 times in the shop. Radio/CD player locks up/malfunctions - 2 times(radio replaced twice) in the shop. Rear hatch wouldn't open/latch jammed - 3 times in the shop. Bad smell inside & outside the car (catalytic converter replaced twice) - 3 times in the shop. 4 wheel drive inoperable in cold weather - 2 times in the shop. bucked & stalled when coming to a stop - 1 time in the shop. Temperature sensor malfunctioning - 2 times in the shop. Dome light inoperable - 2 times in the shop.
Buying a Kia Sportage was the worst mistake of my life. I thought it was so adorable when I bought it. I never thought that I would have my brand new car in the shop more than I had ever had my old used cars in for repairs! Please include me in your class action suit, and feel free to post my complaint to your web-site.
Thanks,
Lisa, Putnam Valley, NY

From: EBBURLESON@aol.com
To whom it may concern,
My husband and I purchased a 1997 Kia Sportage and at first we loved our car to. But now, forget it, I have taken good care of my car, all the proper oil changes etc.and now with just 42,000 miles later my lifters are gone!!!! That means you might as well say my MOTOR!!!! I am very upset and understand your pain. I have had battery problems as well as tire replacement in the first year of ownership. And you might as well forget TRADE IN value there is NONE!!! I feel we were ripped off with the price as well, but that is a whole other issue in itself.
Hey, if you file a suit I will be willing to join in. It is about time we stand up for getting ripped off!! We have to pay a $456.00 per month payment on a piece of junk that I do not feel secure in anymore and it looks like there is no means of escaping the KIA nightmares!!!!
If you have any suggestions, feel free to e-mail me back!!
Thanks and I feel your pain
eb

From: STOLENBLKLEGACY@aol.com
I just had to write to tell you my horror story of Kia:
I bought a 1999 sephia Kia in June brand New, since I had this car the brakes had went out on me 5 time, the service manger at the kia dealer keep telling me nothing is wrong . I would not tell anyone to buy a Kia --Its the worst car I had every had to be a new car. I had finally put in a report Lemon Law..I am gone though the finally stage for them to purchase this car back I refuse to continue on paying on a car that is not safe for mine family.
UNHAPPY KIA OWNER

From: Arnold Steiner (ars1440ars@email.msn.com)
Well, my friends, consider yourself lucky you live in the US and bought the Car there. When I was in Malaysia, I bought a brand new KIA Sephia and as i can see, the problems I have had are not isolated to the US, they seem to sell crap cars all over the Globe and get away with it. 1. at 12,000KM = 7,000miles the breaks went bad, had to replace the rotors and pads, which I paid for 2. at 13,000 KM the break system started to leak and has yet to be fixed 3. at the same milage the transmission jerks between the 1st and 2nd. gear. nothing was fixed.
Down there, in Malaysia the consumer laws are nowhere as strong as in the US. Was told by the dealer, just keep putting in break fluid, never mind that they could fail anytime. Also was told, they would notify me when the part arrive(none in stock) which should take about 2 MONTHS.
This car was sold with a 2 year, 50,000KM warranty. What good is a warranty if they can't fix it. The upshot of all is the Car was sold for over $20,000 (high import taxes, ok) I really think they are the equivalent of the YUGO start up. I guess everybody knows what happened there. I REALLY WISH SOMBODY WOULD START A GLOBAL BOYCOTT OF THIS COMPANY, BECAUSE THEY ARE UNSAFE AND SHOULD NOT BE IN THE AUTO BUSINESS.

From: William Arnold (wildbill@corecom.net)
Surfing in from Sterling, Alaska. The Kia dealer in Anchorage shipped 25-30 Kia Lemons 180 miles to Kenai on the Kenai Peninsula and held a blowout sale at a shopping mall parking lot, the fall of 1999. My wife and I went to see the offering knowing the horror stories about Kia. We watched the public snap the Kia's and Sephia's up quickly. Months later the same vehicles are on local car lots for sale. When you see '99 Kia Sporatge and Sephia vehicles in numbers at used car lots it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out something is radically wrong. Maybe the Federal Government should ban the import of foreign vehicles like these like they interdict the drug trade. After all both are killers. Bill and Samon

From: Nicruff777@aol.com
Hi, I just read your kia page in part. I am having of these same problems happening with my kia. I bought a new 96 in may of 97. Since then I have had my car in the shop an average of every 1 to 2 months. I contacted better buisiness beuro who denied our case because our car is just under the fifty-thousand mile mark. We have had problems with the entire car needing to be straightened on our second day of ownership to transmission problems repeatedly ignored, brakes replaced 3 times within a year and a half. Check engine light many times. problem with not being able to get it out of park and being stranded also being stranded due to not being able to turn the key. My rt. dr. side window was would not roll up unless I manually pulled it up for two years this problem this prob was ignored by the dealership. we have had many electrical problems the list goes on. I stomped my feet and kicked up the dust at our dealership so now while our car is in the service center we are getting a loaner to use. I suggest other people do the same.
N.Ruff

From: Denise E Smith (vinceanddenise@juno.com)
My husband and I purchased a 1995 kia in June of 1998. We had problems with this car from the first week that we brought it home. We had the car about three months, that is that we paied the payment for it for three months , but we only had the car in our possesion for about 1 week. We then agreed that they would traid the car in for a nother car that we would be happier in, mind you that we also had to pay for a rental car in addition to the car payment. So we picked out a nother car, it happened to be a mazda protigie (how ever you spell it). After the financing and all the paper work was done, we thought, we went back to pick up the car and they had sold it. Our salesman then said he picked out a great car for us, another KIA, but this was a 1998 KIA. My husband and I agred that we didnt want this car, first because it was a nother KIA, and second that it was red. The salesperson said it was this or the older KIA, that was our only opption. We had more problems with the newer KIA that the older one. It worked well for a while and then it was in the shop all the time. The people at the car rental place knew us by first names. We finally got tired of all of the problems, also I had a baby and needed a dependable car, and gave it to the finance company. We were paying for a piece of shit. Also I would like to add that we filed complaints with consumer affairs. Please contact me if you are serious about a class action law suit, I am especially interested if you have already spoken to a lawyer.
Please keep me posted,
Denise Smith
vinceanddenise@juno.com

From: Cares636@aol.com
Hello there, my name is Carrie. I have purchased one of the Kia Lemons. Car has been in shop and said to have been repaired at least 6 times. I have filed the Lemon Law paperwork and now have an arbitration hearing set for 5/12/2000 in Pembroke Pines, FL. The reason for these actions are for several occasions the engine suddenly stalls in traffic, narrowly avoiding accidents. Do innocent people have to risk their lives due to the very poor craftsmanship of all KIAs. Would you possibly have any information that could further help me in my case with a 1998 KIA Sportage? Please Email at CARES636@AOL.COM Thank you ......

From: LRob692057@aol.com
My name is Christy I had a 1998 Kia Sephia . When I oick my car up for the first time the brakes where gone and had to be replaced the next week. After that the brakes have been done 6 times. I had a oil change at a Kia dealership and about 6000 miles later the engine blow. They had put two seals on the oil filter which caused the engine to blow. Now the car has been sitting at a dealership for 4 months. They want me to buy the engine I wont! I have already bought a new car and I am not going to pay on this car anymore they can have it.

From: Sgellietots@aol.com
we brought a kis sportage in 98 and to date have only 23 thousand miles on it well where can i start problems problems ! first off the electrics messed up from the start we have no dashboard light and we can no longer use the indicators the brakes r really dodgy at best the alignment went on the get go we had to buy a new battery and now have to by new tires! while washing he heap of metal a few weeks ago the hubcap cracked and feel off right before my very eyes what else oh yea the seals around the door are totally messed up and the cup holder feel offwhen we purchased the car it needed some repair on the paint job i have yet to see it oh and for good measure the belt is bad and the bracket
i brought the car in orlando but another car dealership toook it over i sent the car in and they did absoutly nothing i called both kia dealers in my area and they really dont want to deal with it and as i cant drive and it is hard for my husandto get time off to take it up there though doubtfully they would even know what to do
just to let u know the battery thing was that the battery was to bloody small for the car !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i would like ot keep in touch ot find out the out come i am only on aol for a trail period but u can reach me at
gellietots@cs.com
hope to hear from u soon

From: "THOMAS L. MARTIN" (bigballer@wnonline.net)
YES, ME AND MY WIFE WOULD LOVE TO BE APART OF YOUR LAWSUIT,WE HAVE A 99 KIA SPORTAGE, WITH ALL THE RECALLS AND REPAIRS THERE IS NO TIME FOR DRIVING. I WOULD'NT WISH THIS CAR ON MY WORST ENEMY,WE WISH WE WOULD OF KNOWN ABOUT YOUR SITE A YEAR AGO
THOMAS AND KIM MARTIN
BIGBALLER@WNONLINE.NET

From: Brijarvis@aol.com
I just bought a Kia sportage red convertable I will be bringing it to the dealership to get fixed it has a lot of problems. I will let you know the outcome and I am interested in the progression of your lawsuit.
thank you, Brian Jarvis

From: Amnicden@aol.com
Thank you so much for your site. My husband and I wanted to buy a reliable car for me to use along with my 2 year old daughter. I was really interested in the Kia Sportage and after seeing your website, my mind is definitely changed. Thank you so much for steering me clear.

From: TarisaRR@aol.com
I ALSO HAVE A 99 KIA SEPHIA, WITHIN A YEAR I HAVE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACE FOUR TIMES IN LESS THAN 10,000 MILES.
NOT ONE TIME HAS A KIA REPRESENTATIVE HAVE COME OUT TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEMS ON THIS BAD PRODUCT. I WROTE TO KIA'S CONSUMER ASSISTANT CENTER AND TO THE NEW JERSEY DIVISION OF CONSUMERS AFFAIRS, LEMON LAW TO SEE IF THEY WILL IN FACT CONSIDER REPLACING THE VEHICLE OR PAYING FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCE.
COUNT ME IN ON ANY LEGAL ACTIONS THAT YOU MAY CARRY OUT.
DESPERTLY SEEKING HELP

From: Smokey The-Hamster (smokeyhamster@hotmail.com)
Dear Friend
I thank oyu greatly for you site. I am the owner of a pet store in London called Smokey hamsters. I was searching for KIA dealers in the UK as I was going to purchase a fleet of small cheap cars (KIA PRIDE) and two Sedonas for the management.
After reading your articles I have saved myself 60,000 pounds and possibly my business. I will stick with Ford.
If you are ever in the UK please contact me, I owe you a beer or maybe a 100.
Once Again
THANKS
regards
John Oakley

From: DEENASCALF@aol.com
After reading these letters it seems funny that they all sound the same. The only difference with my is it started at 350 miles with the nut of some kind coming off of my joint of some kind on the front right wheel. I tried from then on to get KIA to take my car back with no results. I am interested in lawsuit. I did get the extended waranty thank you God.
Faylene Wolcott
118 Old Rockwood
Harriman, TN 37748 fwolcott@hotmail.com

From: Hottunamanfm@cs.com
Bought a 98 Sephia. So far had to buy new battery, had the brakes worked on 6 times, had to change the belts. The engine seems pretty stable, but the rest of the car is falling apart. Already had the air conditioner repaired, luckily under warranty.
Wish kia could buy back and help move on to another vehicle. but the buy back would be too low. good luck Frank

From: SFul741471@aol.com
I wish I would have seen your website BEFORE I bought a used, 97 sephia. Mine was running fine until the dealership pressure washed the engine before I took it home. It was running "funny" after the wash. A couple of days later it died at every stop sign and red light. I took it back to the dealership and they said it was just probably wet. They took it to service. I got it back and it ran OK for a few more days. I took it back and they TRIED to tell me it was just wet. NOPE, not wet this time!!!!! After being in the shop two days, they said they had to send it to the KIA dealer because they couldn't find a problem. Kia service says the wash shorted out the electronics. Something about the CO2 sensors? At this point I was too mad to fool with so my husband started taking over. An $900 repair!!! I still don't have it back. It's been three days. It's hard to get two people to work at the same time with only one car! After reading our web site, now I think It's going to be a pain. My brother bought a 97 new and has absolutely no problems with it. ? I'll bookmark your page so keep us posted on this and thanks.
LaDonna Fulghum

From: Cat31949@aol.com
Please, where do I sign up! I am actually trying to lemon my KIA now. I am awaiting my arbitration date. I am very interested. Please keep me posted.

From: Jilldtx@aol.com
Hi,
Let me know where you are in your class action suit. My 1997 Kia Sportage is literally falling apart. The transmission has been pulled three times in the past five days. They cannot figure out what is wrong with it. The starter has been replaced twice, the fly wheel once, the clutch fork broke off in the transmission, the AC thermostat has been replaced twice, the front lock actuators have been replaced twice, the rear lock actuator has been replaced, the hydraulic lash adjuster has been replace, the pressure plate for the clutch has been replaced, the front cover of the transmission has been replaced....I only have 24,000 miles on the car. My list goes on and on. I'm currently driving a loaner car. I haven't had my car in 7 days.
Let me know where you are with the law suit.
Thanks,
Jill Darling

From: Bears1118@aol.com
Hi I just wanted to let you know that my husband bought me a sephia (1998) in October in 1998. I went to the dealer with my mother in law and was told by the salesman that the only one they could give me was the "demo" car and that noone had owned the car before. well we found out that there has been 2 previous owners. I have had to replace the battery, headlight, radio (3times) brake rodders(3times)the belts i forgot how many times, defooger vents, gear shift. This car had to be towed in to the dealer 3 times,the last being two weeks ago (my car is still at the dealer) because the trans fell out. I then had to argue with Roadside assistance to come get my car I was stranded in the middle of a busy intersection the trans fell as i was making a left turn. I was without a car for a week before they decided to get me a loaner car, I guess they gave me one to stop me from calling every hour to see if my car was done. I am getting rid of this car as soon as I get it back.
Thanks for this site, ijust wish I saw it before I got the car,but their commercial of saying they ran one for 200,000 miles made me want the car

From: RogerD8235@aol.com
i purchased the kia sportage with the deluxe package with 4 wheel drive in 1999 to help my daughter through the winter in Chicago. i almost caused her to lose her life it slides around like a roller skate. the 4 wheel drive is a joke it can not even pull its own weight up a hill. i thought she was kidding me when she told me how bad the car reacted in the snow and ice and how it could not make it up our drive in the snow. then i drove it was so bad that i immediately went to an izuzu dealer and traded it in for a 1999 izuzu trooper which we are delighted with. i took a bath on the trade in i lost over $2000.00 in the trade but now my daughter is safe. i the bought my other daughter a izuzu rodeo we are very happy with both. its a shame the sportage is a very good looking vechicle. boy can looks be deceiving

From: Dnubian1@aol.com
I appreciate the warnings that you and your emails have presented me with. I am currently a college student with piles of loans to pay back and the last thing I need is a 'new' broke-down lemon. Thanks again. My school is out of state and I need a really dependable yet inexspensive car. Do you have any suggestions on what that I should look into.

From: EvansDiante@aol.com
Hi. I own an Automatic 1998 Kia Sephia and I understand exactly what you are talking about. At the present time, the dealership that I bought my Kia from is having to put in a NEW TRANSMISSION!!!!!!!!!! My O/D light was flashing and I took it to the dealership. That's when they told me the bad news. And they would not even give me a car to get back and forth to work in and my car is still covered under warranty!!!!!!! It only has 28,000 miles on it. This makes the 5th time for me too that I have had trouble out of my car. Get this......I had to call roadside assistance because my battery would not power the car...so they came, jumped me off and I went to the dealership. They told me that my battery was fine.....the very next week I had to buy a NE W BATTERY!!!! Please keep in touch with me if there is a lawsuit because I really need to be a part of it. Thanks

From: GOSDREAMSNBEAMS@aol.com
I HAVE A 99 KIA AND AT 28492 I HAD TO DO A OIL CONSUMPUTION TEST BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT IT WAS BURNING OIL. SURE ENOUGH IT WAS. MY ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR MONTHS AND THERE IS A STRANGE NOISE WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF, LIKE A THUMPING NOISE AND IT ALSO DOES IT WHILE I'M DRIVING THE FIRST TIME I THOUGHT I'D HIT SOMETHING. I WAS JUST TERRIFIED. ANYWAY LAST WEEK THEY REALIZED I NEED A NEW MOTOR AND YES IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY DON'T GIVE OUT LOANER CARS AND I AM SO TIRED OF TAKING OFF WORK FOR THIS PIECE OF METAL. THEY DID PUT IN THE NEW MOTOR BUT WHEN I PICKED IT UP THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. THEY RIGGED IT SO THAT IT WOULD STOP JUST UNTIL I GOT OFF THE LOT. NOW THAT WAS THURSDAY 05182000 TODAY IS TUESDAY. I WAS BACK UP THERE YESTERDAY AND I WOULD NOT LEAVE MY CAR UNTIL I GOT A RENTAL CAR FROM THEM. THEY COULD NOT DO IT YESTERDAY SO AGAIN TODAY I WENT BACK AND THEY KEEP THE CAR SAYING IT WAS SOME KIND OF AV VAVLE AND IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH PRESSURE RELEASING FROM THE GAS TANK IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN SOON I WILL KNOW FOR SURE. NOW THERE ARE OTHER PROBLEMS: VERY SLOW TO ECCELERATE, I HAD TO HAVE MY BREAKS REDONE AT LIKE 11500 MILES. SINCE THEN I HAD TO SPEND $389 ON A NEW BREAK SYSTEM BY THEM. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, THE GAS TANK WOULD NOT TAKE ANY GAS THE RUBBER KEPT COMING OF THE FRONT WINDOW SHIELD, THE CONSOLE BROKE THE RADIO HAD BAD WIRING IN IT, I CAN GO ON AND ON. I WAS JUST TELLING MY HUSBAND I AM GOING TO GET A LAWSUIT WORKING BUT IF YOU ARE ALREADY WORKING ON IT I AM DOWN WITH IT ALL THE WAY. THERE WERE SIX LADIES THERE YESTERDAY AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP WITH COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO MY SELF AND I TOLD THEM TO BE LISTENING UP BECAUSE SOMETHING IS GOING TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER THINGS THAT GIVES ME VERY GOOD REASON TO FILE A CLASS ACTION. PLEASE MAIL ME BACK WITH MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SITUATION I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT THANK YOU

From: CADANDA@aol.com
I too purchased a new Kia in 1996. From week one I have had problems with this car and have had it in the shop no less than 15 times. It has been in the shop because the check engine light comes on no less than 6 times and the problem is still there. Please include me in this lawsuit!!!!!!!!!1

From: REDTAZ691@aol.com
i to have had a lot of problems with my 99 kia when i bougth it it was great but i have had the fuel line break twice in one week i have had the brakes replaced twice i have had the windshield wiper switch replace and know i to need new tires with a car with less the 25000 miles

From: Piochas2@aol.com
MY NAME IS ASUSENA SILVESTRE. I BOUGHT MY KIA SPORTAGE ALMOST A YEAR AGO AND I HAVE ONLY BEEN STRESSED OUT SINCE. I DROVE IT TO MEXICO AND IT OVERHEATED AND THE SYSTEM TURNED OFF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 60 MILES AN HOUR. STRESSED OUT IS ONLY WAY I FEEL TOWARDS MY KIA, THE DEALER WAS ALSO USELESS. PLEASE CALL ME AND LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO TO BE PART OF YOUR LAWSUIT.HOME (414) XXX-XXXX WORK (414) XXX-XXXX JUST ASK FOR SUSIE THAT'S MY NICKNAME.THANK GOD SOME ELSE IS OUT THERE.