Four problems related to axle assembly have been reported for the 1997 Kia Motor Sephia. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving vehicle had a leaking problem from rear. Took vehicle to dealership, and mechanic indicated that brakes had only dust on them, and it was okay to drive. Drove vehicle on freeway and right rear axle broke, causing tire to roll down interstate. Vehicle was towed back to dealership.
Ongoing problem with battery failure; dealer notified, and replaced faulty battery on two occasions, and problem reoccurred. Also, and problem engine hesitation. Dealer notified. The consumer found out right after leasing the vehicle, that the radio was inoperable. The vehicle began squeeking in the rear end when turning. The heater malfunctioned. The left rear strut assembly failed causing knocking noise at right rear. The o-ring failed causeing the distributor leak and there was loss of power while driving.
Transmission- drove car to dealer because of suspected axel problem(reacurring), was unable to drive it out of dealership, they replaced axel (3rd time) then said it was transmission problem. I told them not to do transmission work, they removed new axel( said it wasn't defective after all) had car towed at my expense from dealership. Axel was replaced 1st time, broke within 30 days, repaired again. 11 months later started having same problem. Brakes replaced 3 times. Tires replaced 3 times in 3 years.
Axle failed.