1998 Kia Sephia: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1998 Kia Sephia: 6 recalls, 491 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #99V271000 · 1999 · 90,054 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition could cause impairment of visibility in inclement weather increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper link and also properly tighten the wiper arm retaining nuts.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #99V318000 · 1999 · 102,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition could cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: This corrective action is being performed in conjunction with recall no. 99v317.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #99V317000 · 1999 · 102,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This condition could cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the existing connectors and reposition those connectors to an area where the placement is designed to prevent contact with moisture.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #00V175000 · 2000 · 100,137 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This would cause customers to add more fuel to the tank causing fuel spillback or spitback from the fuel filler neck.
The fix: Dealers will replace the orvr valve. Owner notification began November 13, 2000.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #02V207000 · 2002 · 25,000 vehicles
What's wrong: On 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.
Why it matters: The loss of turn signals or rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is turning and/or is stopped and could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hazard switch. Owner notification began September 6, 2002.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #02V216000 · 2002 · 189,706 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles, the safety belt buckle May "false latch" and expose the driver to unrestrained movement during a crash.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the seat occupant May not be properly restrained, increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Owner notification began December 20, 2002.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 16 mention a fire, 19 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (250): the most common themes are noise or vibration (67), brake failure / soft pedal (26).
- Engine & cooling (108): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (34), warning light on (23), noise or vibration (14).
- Electrical (104): the most common themes are electrical failure (37), won't start (24), stalls / loses power (11).
- Transmission & drivetrain (68): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (29), stalls / loses power (10).
The 1998 Kia Sephia has 491 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 10 Sephia model years for complaints (2.9× the average Sephia year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (180 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 57,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1997 (205 complaints, 1 recalls), 1999 (428 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Regular |
| 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1998 Kia Sephia.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1998 Kia Sephia have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 1998 Kia Sephia. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1998 Kia Sephia problems?
Owners have filed 491 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (250), engine & cooling (108), electrical (104).
What gas mileage does the 1998 Kia Sephia get?
EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (1.8 L, Manual 5-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1998 Kia Sephia repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.