Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS | |||||
| 004 | 03/01/1997 | 52442 | Sephia front brake pads - design change. *tw | 07/24/1997 | |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 05/17/2003 | 0 | 05/06/1997 | |
| Took car into dealer because brakes were pulsing. service consultant showed me a service bulletin indicating that there was a problem with the original rotors and that they needed to replace them with a newer design that was not subject to heat warping. the extra cost to me for replacement rotors $110 above the cost of replacing the pads and caliphers, which increased the total cost of the brake job to $307. | |||
| 09/08/2000 | 3 | 10/01/1997 | |
| I have had numerous problems with this. the check engine light has come on, the rotors had to be replaced twice and they still made noise but the dealer said there was nothing else they could do, the hinge on the back door failed, the left strut had to be replaced. this time the entire bottom of the car was damaged the car skipped when in drive to reverse and the breaks would not allow the car to come to a complete stop. kia needs to do something about this these cars have too many defects and i'm sure they have many mor people just don't report them all the time | |||
| 5 | 09/01/1997 | ||
| I purchased my vehicle new and almost immediately started having problems with my brakes wearing out. first they resurfaced my original rotors and put them back on. the next time i took it in for brakes they deglazed brake lining. each subsequent visit after these the rotors have had to be replaced. they keep telling me that kia is working on the problem but i'm not seeing any results. my 36000 mi bumper to bomper warranty is about to expire and i'm afraid they'll try to start charging me for these repairs. in actuality, the rotors could probably have been replaced several more times than they were, but i cannot afford to take my car to the garage everytime the brakes are bad. i have to miss work and wait for vehicle to be worked on, so i basically drive this car around knowing that my brakes could go at any time. i have no other choice--need to work. the waiting room at the garage has been full of people with 97 sephia's who are having the same problems with brakes(and other non-safety related issues) as i have. i would appreciate it if someone could take this problem seriously. the usual mileage i get from new rotors before the pedal gets soft is about 500-1000, so you can see where this would be a problem to get to the garage all of the time. thanks for your time...melissa | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - SUPPLY - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | |||
| 08/19/1998 | 2 | 05/01/1998 | |
| Seems like every 3-4 months brakes start to pulsate, 3 times so far, each time replaced, being told that wrong style being used, engine check light just started acting up for the 6th time, each time being told it is sensors or ground connections. just noticed the clutch problem of going too low to floor for the 6th time, each time being told something different. this is getting old. went to open drivers door one day an handle would not work. was leaking fluid from right front side of vehicle another time to find it was the axle seal, which was replaced 2 times. getting ready to tell dealer they can have this car. for only having less than 14,000 miles, too much is happening too often. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 02/15/2003 | 63000 | ||
| When i bought the car the brakes felt bad because i had to push the brake all the way to the floor. after having it for 2 weeks other thing started to go wrong. i had to buy a cap and rotor and get spark plug and wires. now the transmission is messing up. they are not willing to put me in something better. they want me to pay on a junk car that i will always have to be fixing day after day. | |||
| 12/01/1998 | 5 | 12/03/1997 | |
| Since consumer owned car brakes had to be changed five times. 3 batteries had to be put in. engine light came on on instrument panel, anti-freeze is leaking and the engine is running rough. *ak *slc | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| 04/01/2000 | |||
| Vehicle stalls at any speed. consumer had brakes/rotors and idle control valve replaced. *ak | |||
| 04/25/2000 | 0 | ||
| While driving at any speed and applying brakes vehicle would not stop, resulting in extended stopping distance. could hear noise from brakes. also, vehicle vibrated. *ak | |||
| 01/27/2000 | 3 | 08/01/1999 | |
| Kia motors needs to recall the brake system on the sephia. there are way too many people haveing problems with thier brakes. my rotors should not be worn out at 29,000 miles, none the less have to be replaced agian at 36,000. please contact kia about this annoying and dangerous problem. *ak | |||
| 09/12/1997 | 6 | 08/12/1997 | |
| Brake system continually makes noise, several replacements and repairs however continues to experience noise, unable to rectify. mjs | |||
| 02/15/1997 | |||
| When applying the brakes heard a loud noise, pedal felt spongy, and vehicle experienced extended stopping distance. contacted the dealer. *ak | |||
| 03/14/1998 | |||
| The brakes and rotors were excessively worn outand replaced twice. tansmission faild causing, loud knocking noise and new transmission was replaced. left axle failed and replaced. the battery went out. the vehicle failed to start.*ak | |||
| 04/15/1998 | |||
| Vehicle has been expeiencing on-going problem with brake system; been in dealer shop on three occasions before correction was made. and engine check light was intermittently coming on until correction was made concerning the clutch.. can nhtsa provide further detail in this matter. *ak | |||
| 07/04/1997 | 3 | ||
| Brakes make noise. took vehicle to another city for repairs. brake system needed replacing in sep. 98. grabbing & noise from brakes has reappeared. *ak | |||
| 06/22/1998 | 5 | ||
| Consumer complaining about braking system that has a manufacturing defect that cannot be corrected. vehecle been in/out of dealer shops more then a dozen times and the problem still occurs . five times the brake parts have been replaced, but nothing can be corrected. vehicle have only 21,000. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | |||
| 02/16/2001 | 5 | 08/01/1997 | |
| Consumer states brakes have been worked on 5 or 6 times in less than the first 18 months, dealer states this was normal because brakes were new. *slc | |||
| 07/01/2001 | 3 | 08/01/1997 | |
| Brakes have to be replaced for 3rd time in 3 years. *ak | |||
| 07/01/2000 | 0 | ||
| When applying brakes, holds slowly and pedal goes all way down to floor . dealership is aware of problem.*ak | |||
| 3 | |||
| The brakes have been replaced two times while the vehicle was under warranty, the brakes are again shaking and the dealer has odviously not solved the problem .*et | |||
| 1 | |||
| The braking system has no adjustment. also, there is no test on the master cylinder for presure. quote(the pedal touching the floor is normal for car to do). *et | |||
| 10/21/1998 | 4 | 03/05/1998 | |
| Brakes continually vibrating and require repair. *mjs | |||
| Brakes gave way while parallel parking. hit another vehicle. the brakes made noises when applied. then would fade out. taken vehicle to dealer & was informed by mechanic the brakes were fine & did not need repairing. *ak | |||
| 09/12/1997 | 6 | 08/12/1997 | |
| Brake system continually makes noise, several replacements and repairs however continues to experience noise, unable to rectify. mjs | |||
| 05/12/1999 | |||
| While driving at any speed and applying brakes, brakes are soft and go half way to the floorboard. also, there is a squeaking noise coming from the brakes. *ak | |||
| 04/21/1998 | 4 | 12/31/1998 | |
| Vehicle continually experiences brake rotor and pad replacement due to vibration/pulsation. mjs | |||
| Intermittently the vehicle would not start. also, dealer has replaced transmission and brake system. the manufacturer has been notified. *ak | |||
| 05/18/1998 | 1 | 01/01/1998 | |
| Brakes failed causing pulsating and extended stopping distances, brakes replaced however still experience extended stopping distances. | |||
| 05/23/1998 | 1 | 05/23/1998 | |
| Brakes making noise. | |||
| 10/23/1997 | |||
| When traveling at 45 mph pushed the brake pedal and nothing happened. the emergency brake stopped the vehicle. dealer contacted, and has no solution to the problem. *ak | |||
| 03/23/1998 | |||
| While drving the vehicle stalls without warning. also, the braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance , and outside door handles broke off. cause unknown. dealer cannot determine problem. please provide details. *ak | |||
| 10/08/1997 | |||
| Brakes, vibrate and cause the car to swerve. taken in to fix the problem is still their. other note, my sister has the same type car and this problem occurs with her car aslo. | |||
| 02/03/1998 | 4 | 05/02/1998 | |
| Front suspension/brakes and steering failed. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DIFFERENTIAL PROPORTIONAL VALVE | |||
| 11/01/1998 | 1 | 03/05/1998 | |
| Proportioning valve failed causing leakage and brake light on. *mjs | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC | |||
| 1 | |||
| Brakes failed. *jb | |||
| 10/19/2000 | 3 | 07/01/1998 | |
| This vehicle is a death trap..ford dealer not very helpful.last incident almost caused serious accident. no safety defect mentioned in summary. *ak | |||
| 08/26/2000 | 2 | 07/01/2000 | |
| I have only had this car for 1 month. it had been in the shop 3 times. it has never been fixed to my satisfaction. the battery died the day after i brought it home. the brakes had to be completely replaced. that cost ~$200. i have a small infant and bought this car for safety (dual airbags) the dealer won't buy the car back and the service department can't seem to fix the car. help!!! | |||
| Brake pads and rotors have been replaced four times within a 28,000 mile period due to premature wearing, cause unknown. please give any further details.*ak | |||
| 3 | |||
| While driving differential went out/ digital laser failed to work on cd panel/ power window electrical switch stopped working, and engine check light came on & did not go off. dashboard covering was separating from window. there was water in the headlights, and battery would go dead. took vehicle to dealer. vehicle needed alignment due to problem with transmission & the brake assembly needed replacing due to excessive wear.*ak | |||
| 06/20/2000 | 2 | 08/01/1997 | |
| This is the second time in one year period that i have to have the rotors and brake pads replaced. this is a definite defect in kia sephia's from the factory, and the replacement parts are just as bad. *ak | |||
| 02/24/1997 | 3 | 01/01/1997 | |
| Extended stopping distance when brakes are applied. *ak | |||
| 04/25/2000 | 0 | ||
| While driving at any speed and applying brakes vehicle would not stop, resulting in extended stopping distance. could hear noise from brakes. also, vehicle vibrated. *ak | |||
| 01/08/1999 | 20 | 01/01/1999 | |
| I started having brake failure and grinding from the rear after 5 days of purchasing the car.i was coming up to a stop sign and the car would not stop after applying the brakes.when backing up or coming to a stop i had a grinding sound and sounded like a liquid was splashing around at the same time.i took the car back to southlake kia and told the service rep about the problems.before that i was checking the spark plugs and when they were pulled out one by one they were burned out and the air filter was almost as black as tar.i told the service rep about plugs and air filter.the spark plugs was changed but i was told that the filter was not going to be replaced.i talked to darryl harris/sealer/and he had to talk to his boss in order to get the filter replaced.darryl's boss told me that air filters was not going to be replaced,so i spoke with darryl again and he finally got them to change the air filter as well.after telling darryl why i was back so soon he called where the cars are taken to be serviced and was told that the car had never been serviced,and that's when the air filter was replaced.after explaining about my brakes and advising the service department that it was my back brakes that failing the most i was told by tom and the mechanic/i believe his name is george,i not really sure/that cars do not have back brakes.i was told by tom in so many words that a car does not have to be serviced and that a car can be sold even if it is know that it has brake or any other type of problems.i spoke with tony at 800 333 4542 ext 35014 who said that he would get someone from dps who could authorize the repairs.to date i still have not heard from anyone who can assist me with my problems.on 7/26/99 tom had the mechanic to replace front pads and rotors with updated pars,cleaned and adjusted rear barkes.the front pads had uneven wear as well.after the repairs tom told me that he had the front and back brakes replaced and replaced the pads. *ak | |||
| At approximately every 3,000 miles brake rotors are prematurely warping, cause unknown. dealer replaced the brake pads which did not correct the problem. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 08/19/1998 | 2 | 05/01/1998 | |
| Seems like every 3-4 months brakes start to pulsate, 3 times so far, each time replaced, being told that wrong style being used, engine check light just started acting up for the 6th time, each time being told it is sensors or ground connections. just noticed the clutch problem of going too low to floor for the 6th time, each time being told something different. this is getting old. went to open drivers door one day an handle would not work. was leaking fluid from right front side of vehicle another time to find it was the axle seal, which was replaced 2 times. getting ready to tell dealer they can have this car. for only having less than 14,000 miles, too much is happening too often. *ak | |||
| 3 | |||
| Brake disc warpage was reported. *ak | |||
| 09/17/1999 | 11/01/1997 | ||
| While driving car on to a highway applied brakes and had lt front wheel lock up and lost controll of steering and hit curb doing damage to lt control arm and rim had to have vehicle towed home car was diabled for 2wks | |||
| 08/21/1999 | 2 | ||
| Front brake rotors and pads have been replaced twice because of premature warping. the first time with 14, 000 miles and the second time with 24,000 miles.*ak | |||
| 02/09/1999 | 4 | ||
| Brake rotors and brake pads warped and wore out. this caused extended stopping distance, and could resultin a crash. front braking system has been replaced 4 times. delaer cannot determine the problem. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| When brakes are applied pedal goes to the floor and the front end shimmies. dealer replaced the brakes several times and the problem still exists. manufacturer has not been notified. *ak | |||
| 04/02/1999 | 5 | 09/01/1997 | |
| Rotors and brake pads replaced twice. rotors warped and pads glazing. complained thats brakes were not working right, and not stopping right. started to file lemon law, and went to informal arbitration. kia motors refused to do anything. was going to file with the state when the brakes failed and resulted in an accident. i have noticed many of the same complaints about the brakes with kia motors, on nhtsa web site. does someone have to get hurt or die in a car crash before kia will address the problem with their brake systems being placed on these cars, which has a major defect in them, causing accidents. thank god my daughter was wearing her seat belt when the accident occured. the insurance company has totaled the car!!!!!! i will procide to sue kia motors for their failure to address such a serious problem | |||
| 5 | |||
| No summary | |||
| At 22,000 miles the brake rotors and pads are prematurely wearing. the brake rotors had to be replaced due to corrosion. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 02/09/1999 | 11/01/1997 | ||
| Brakes failed causing major pulsating and extended stopping distances. front brake pads replaced twice before. on october '98 replaced with new design shoe pad. front rotors also replaced on october '98. now once again experiencing extended stopping distances - major pulsating of brakes has returned for a third time. previous repairs have shown there is a problem which causes the front disc pads to warp and wear out rotor. | |||
| 08/06/1998 | 2 | 10/20/1997 | |
| The braking systems malfucntioned, causing the front brake rotors to be warped and pads to wear out, resulting in extended stopping distance and almost an accident. been to dlr 2 times. dealer cannot determine problem. please provide details. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS | |||
| 01/29/1999 | 3 | ||
| Rotors warped on three occasions, pad replaced on two occasions, failures causing pulsation. mjs | |||
| Excessive wear of the front brake pads and drums. consumer has contacted the dealer on several occasions, and the front brakes were replaced. please provide any further details. *ak | |||
| 2 | 09/30/1997 | ||
| Brake pads failed resulting in uncontrolable shaking of vehicle, replaced on two occasions. mjs | |||
| 12/11/1997 | 3 | 10/13/1997 | |
| Brake rotors, pads and drums failed. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 10/31/2000 | 3 | 09/01/1997 | |
| 3rd time problem with rotors.turned 1x,replaced 1x.check engine light came on and they're claiming that the wiring is corroded all over the car.admits kia has problem with rotors,but won't fix it because i haven't used dealership for routine and maintenance (too expensive and bad hours...they charged $200 more than any other place for 30k service!same work involved! | |||
| 5 | 11/01/1998 | ||
| The last time my rotors warped for the fifth time, my dealer wasn't going to replaced them until i had a lengthy discussion with him and he called the manufacturer. he did not replace the brake pads this time because kia would not authorize that expense. they are warping again for the sixth time. i have never had a car with as many problems as this car(some are not listed). i don't feel safe in it at all. | |||
| 01/25/2001 | 8 | 07/22/1998 | |
| While driving about any mph vehicle will suddenly accelerate without a prior warning.consumer will step on brakes pedal to stop acceleration, but vehicle will not stop, and concerned about fact of an accident.*ak transmission failed. brakes make noise due to rotor failure. wiper blades failed. battery failed. *yh | |||
| 04/01/2000 | |||
| Vehicle stalls at any speed. consumer had brakes/rotors and idle control valve replaced. *ak | |||
| 2 | |||
| Brakes rotors are prematurely wearing, cause unknown. *ak engine surges when stopping and some time shut down when starting. *yh | |||
| 4 | |||
| Brake vibration, replace both front brake disk and rotors, due to brake disk out of round | |||
| 05/02/2000 | 1 | 01/01/1998 | |
| Transmission was replaced twice/ the engine seized at 30000 miles/ the brakes warped three times and were replaced 3 times/ the windows are hard to open and close/ the brake pedal is extremely low. *ak | |||
| 01/29/1999 | 3 | ||
| Rotors warped on three occasions, pad replaced on two occasions, failures causing pulsation. mjs | |||
| 02/01/2000 | |||
| Front brake rotors malfunctioned, causing uneven wear and tear which resulted in extended stopping distance, and could cause a crash. dealer was aware of the problem. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| 01/27/2000 | 3 | 08/01/1999 | |
| Kia motors needs to recall the brake system on the sephia. there are way too many people haveing problems with thier brakes. my rotors should not be worn out at 29,000 miles, none the less have to be replaced agian at 36,000. please contact kia about this annoying and dangerous problem. *ak | |||
| 12/01/1999 | 3 | 05/01/1998 | |
| I have had the brake rotors replaced 3 times due to warpage, this causes vibration. *ak | |||
| Whenever brakes were applied, they would feel mushy & make loud noises. been to dealer & informed by mechanic the rotors needed changing. had rotors changed 6 times & still problem exists. *ak | |||
| 03/14/1998 | |||
| The brakes and rotors were excessively worn outand replaced twice. tansmission faild causing, loud knocking noise and new transmission was replaced. left axle failed and replaced. the battery went out. the vehicle failed to start.*ak | |||
| 04/15/1998 | |||
| Vehicle has been expeiencing on-going problem with brake system; been in dealer shop on three occasions before correction was made. and engine check light was intermittently coming on until correction was made concerning the clutch.. can nhtsa provide further detail in this matter. *ak | |||
| 3 | |||
| Brake rotors replaced several times due to extreme pulsation and extended stopping distances. mjs | |||
| 12/05/1997 | 1 | 10/01/1997 | |
| Brakes malfunctioned; warped front brake rotors, causing extented stopping distance, resulting in loss of control/crash. upon impact, airbags did not deploy. *ak | |||
| When traveling at normal highway speed and when aapplying brakes, front brake rotors vibrate very hard. they feel like they are going to collapse, and they make a grinding sound. dealer has been contacted. *ak | |||
| 3 | 10/25/1997 | ||
| Rotors failed several times. | |||
| 03/24/1998 | 3 | 08/21/1997 | |
| Within 6,000 miles the front brake rotors have been cut down on two occasions, and currently needs to be replaced. *akfront rotors cut down 2 times within 6500 miles, then replaced the third time at 6500, rotors were replaced with new slighly thicker rotors. *nlm | |||
| 08/07/1998 | 04/20/1997 | ||
| Warped front and rear rotors/ intermittent stalling. replaced starter/battery/throttle body/starter motor and adjusted timing gear and chain. *ak | |||
| 12/11/1997 | 3 | 10/13/1997 | |
| Brake rotors, pads and drums failed. | |||
| 07/15/1997 | 5 | 02/01/1997 | |
| Brake rotors failed several times. | |||
| 04/23/1996 | 6 | 05/30/1997 | |
| Synchronizer for transmission failed. also, wiring harness/vapor hose/air bag light malfunctioned. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM | |||
| 05/19/1999 | 6 | 01/01/1998 | |
| I contact kia rep. several times they even told me they was sending someone to look at my car. i promised this five to six times. before purchasing this kia i the salesman if this car was very safe he said, yes. but, when i started all of the brakes and belts squeeling noise. no one would talk to me about taking this car back. kia even told me no. palmetto told me i need at least $3 to $4 thousand more to put down towards another car. i am very stress out over this car. i am going in for another brakes replacement soon its hard for me to not to be safe in this car. we have had very close calls. please help. i even the consumer board and a lawyer got no responses. they replace my dash , but my deforst doesn't work. last promised that someone from kia will be in to talk to me in june,1999 but it never happen. i met several customer there with the same prolems. if you can, just asked to see all repair that were done on kia's from them you would see a lot of brakes, rotor's and even some dashies repair done. some people whom work there told me that they change brakes and rotors every day on kia's some more times you can't beleive. i can give you these person name if wanted. i want them to take this car back or give me some money off on this car. thank you so much. i didn't have acess to the internet before now. | |||
| 01/20/1998 | 3 | 04/01/1997 | |
| No summary included. | |||
| 10/07/1998 | 1 | 02/01/1998 | |
| No summary provided from consumer | |||
| Rear brake adjusters do not work, causing warping of front brakes. also resulting in an accident. *ak | |||
| 12/11/1997 | 3 | 10/13/1997 | |
| Brake rotors, pads and drums failed. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - DRUM | |||
| Excessive wear of the front brake pads and drums. consumer has contacted the dealer on several occasions, and the front brakes were replaced. please provide any further details. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - PEDALS AND LINKAGES | |||
| 05/02/2000 | 1 | 01/01/1998 | |
| Transmission was replaced twice/ the engine seized at 30000 miles/ the brakes warped three times and were replaced 3 times/ the windows are hard to open and close/ the brake pedal is extremely low. *ak | |||