Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problems of the 1998 Kia Motor Sephia

Two problems related to hydraulic power assist steering system have been reported for the 1998 Kia Motor Sephia. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problem

Failure Date: 08/03/1999

Since purchased the mv has been in shop for numerous (13+) problems and defects. My concern over safety issues has been dismissed or given many different answers. Dealership does not always gives repair order slips whenever the car is looked at or serviced. The safety and dependability of this mv is questionnable given the number of times in the repair shop. Dealership/manufacturer's representative claims nothing wrong, although manufacuter's representative did offer reimbursement of 3 car payments. The issue of the lack of deceleration has still to be resolved. As a female consumer, I feel that I am being taken advantage of by both the dealer and manufacturer. I believe that this particular vehicle is a "lemon" and in all likelihood will continue to problems in the future.

2 Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problem

While driving approximately 65 mph, hood released and smashed into windshield which blocked vision of driver, consumer felt problem was due to brake pads and rotors that cause severe vibration and had to be replaced frequently, there was no crash or injury to report when this incident occurred. Brakes would vibrate and were noisy, requested rear brakes be cleaned lubed, dealer found rotors warped and pads worn and excessive dust in rear brakes, numerous engine problems such as cooling fan rumble, check engine light on, engine stall, burning smell, belt squeaks, electric cooling fan inoperative, fan blade, plug wires and coil boots, valve cover gasket were replaced, evaporator was replaced and recharged, many electrical problems including ignition switch, starter, alternator, multifunction switch, battery terminal, and bulb failure, dealer has also found corrosion, poor connections and low voltage, consumer states numerous problems with shifter, harsh shifts and clunks, dealer replaced old style flex plate, binding shifter which was cleaned and lubed, fluid leaks, dealer replaced leaking power steering hose, multiple structural problems such as missing wiper arm cap, key will not open trunk, trunk lever does not release, broken trunk release handle, left rear door molding coming off, dealer replaced trunk release, reinstalled door weatherstrip, found oil leaks, and undercarriage showing signs of damage, bubbles in dash pad, sunvisor coming loose, dealer replaced dash pad, dealer found tail pipe damaged, both front aftermarket tires (no tire information) worn, left rear rim bent, rear tires (no tire information) cupped and feathered due to lack of rotation and alignment problems, consumer also requested dealer to check cv boots for grease leak, dealer found no problem.


Other Steering related problems of the 1998 Kia Motor Sephia



Safety Ratings of Sephia Cars
Fuel Economy of Sephia Vehicles
Sephia Defect Investigations