Mainly it has been a good running, reliable vehicle. But almost immediately the dashboard started getting discolored in the middle sort of a brown spot. Now over time, the dashboard has lifted away from the windshield significantly, and is what I would consider a safety hazard. I feel it is likely the airbags could come out of this at any time. I urge everyone who has this same problem to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety administration 1-888-327-4236.The need to hear about this so it can be recalled and fixed by Kia.
Also, in the cold weather the gear shifter (we have an automatic) is very difficult. You can't get the button to push in to unlock it from the park position and this is a pain.
Overall, the vehicle has lasted us well and we have not cared for it well, but it keeps on running. Kia's depricate in value so badly I would not purchase another one.
I have the same problem with my 97 kia sephia, at first I thought I was the only one with the dashboard issue. I contacted the Highway Safety Division so hopefully more people will do that so Kia will fix it. thanks for your info.
Michelle.
I have the same burn mark on the dashboard of my 97 KIA and know others who also have this problem. I have contacted Kia about fixing it and they do not agree that it is a defect and won't do anything about it. I have also had trouble in cold weather shifting gears.
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