1998 Kia Sephia: common problems and reliability
713 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about service brakes. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 Sephia?The 1998 Kia Sephia has 713 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Kia Sephia vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the Sephia?
Across the 8 Sephia model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2003) to 713 (1998). With 713 complaints, the 1998 Sephia sits above the model's median of 266.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 Sephia
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 99V318000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FOR THE FUEL PUMP IS GROUNDED AT JUNCTION CONNECTOR G300. IF THE PIN TENSION IS POOR, OR THE BOLT SECURING THE CONNECTOR TO THE VEHICLE FLOOR IS NOT TIGHTENED SUFFICIENTLY, A POOR CONNECTION IS MADE. AS THE FUEL PUMP OPERATES, THE POOR CONNECTION CAN CREATE HEAT WHICH IN TURN INCREASES RESISTANCE. EVENTUALLY THE FUEL PUMP WILL NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH CURRENT TO OPERATE.
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 99V317000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE FUEL PUMP PASSES THROUGH THE C304 AND C305 CONNECTORS. IF EXPOSED TO MOISTURE, THESE CONNECTORS COULD CORRODE. OVER TIME, THE FUEL PUMP WILL NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH CURRENT TO OPERATE.
engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control
Campaign 00V175000VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. MANUFACTURING CHANGES WERE MADE TO THE ORVR SPRING FORCE AND FLOAT WIRE LENGTH REDUCING THE VALVE ANGLE. CERTAIN VALVES CAUSED FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY.
seat belts:front:buckle assembly
Campaign 02V216000ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
Show 2 more recalls
visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkages
Campaign 99V271000VEHICLE 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. ALSO THE WIPER ARM RETAINING NUT COULD BE INADEQUATELY TIGHTENED ALLOWING THE WIPER ARM TO SLIP AND/OR STOP FUNCTIONING.
exterior lighting:hazard flashing warning lights:switch
Campaign 02V207000ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH 36,000 MILES OR LESS AS OF JULY 15, 2002, AN ELECTRICAL CONTACT PROBLEM MAY HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WHICH COULD RESULT IN INOPERATIVE HAZARD LIGHTS AND/OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNALS.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided, forming a clear dichotomy between extremely positive and extremely negative long-term ownership experiences.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Sephia. See the full Sephia owner picture and every model year.
Other Sephia model years
Compare every Sephia year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Sephia against its rivals
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