1999 Kia Sephia review from North America
"Death Trap on wheels"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
So far I had the brakes replaced 12 times in the first 6 months, once in the first 2 weeks having the car.
Had to have the Compressor replaced because it blew in the first month.
Had to have the spark plugs replaced 6 times in the first 3 monthes because they kept misfiring.
Was recalled 4 times for everything from missing parts, to thin rotors, and dangerous possible malfunction with the windshield wipers.
I have had to have the alignment corrected 7 times due to errors made by dealership mechanics while my car was being serviced.
Dealership mechanics replaced parts with used parts. I threatened to sue so they replaced with new, but then tried to charge me. In the end I was not charged.
Car won't start on cold days. Doesn't like to start on rainy days. Doesn't like to start on any days usually.
Was in accident and airbag didn't deploy.
Hood latch doesn't like to unlock or work.
Trunk refuses to unlatch at times.
Vent covers broke of their own accord due to heat.
A/C had to be replaced because it froze over. A/C also does run worth a crap. Never gets cold enough.
Timing belt snapped 3 days after I got car.
Fuel injectors had to be replaced because of factory recall.
Stereo doesn't work on hot days.
I am constantly given the run around by dealer mechanics. So I went to a family friends auto shop and found out that repairs the dealership had said they had done were done incorrectly or not done at all.
Oh and the automatic transmission does not shift until it technically red lines.
General comments?
Never buy this car, it is a death trap and the corporation is a gang of crooks. I will never buy one of their cars again.
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![]() ![]() | 1999 - Sephia 4 Dr STD Sedan 4 cylinder. 1.8 Liter Cheap and Generic - should be white with the letters 'car' on the side |
![]() ![]() | A piece of junk |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 0/10 |
| Reliability marks | 3/10 |
| Comfort marks | 2/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 10 miles |
| Most recent distance | 57000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Camry |
| Date of Entry | 25th April, 2003 |

