Six problems related to battery have been reported for the 1997 Kia Motor Sephia. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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!!!.
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.
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.
Warped front and rear rotors/ intermittent stalling. Replaced starter/battery/throttle body/starter motor and adjusted timing gear and chain.
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.
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.