Gasoline Engine problems of the 1999 Kia Motor Sephia

Repeated problem with battery. Replaced 3 times. Never liked to start, always shimmied. Returned to dealer for tune up. Car was returned with more problems that turned in with. Car wouldn't keep a constant gas flow. Traded it in and the dealer said the motor was bad and headed for a total break down. When it died - it was three years old with 60,000 miles.

While driving at approximately 25 mph, an electrical fire started in steering column and flames were coming from underneath the hood. Consumer was unable to turn engine off by turning the key in the ignition. Insurance company is in possession of vehicle, but has not informed consumer as to what caused the fire to occur. Consumer was unable to turn engine off, but was able to jump out of vehicle while moving, three recalls were performed on this vehicle and consumer believes that recall should have been performed prior to purchase, consumer also complains that the vehicle is noisy, exhibits hard start condition, sluggish acceleration, and inoperative fuel gauge.

While the insured was driving, the vehicle caught on fire. Vehicle was a total loss due to fire. Claim number 59-v905-624.

While driving, another motorist advised consumer to pull over as the vehicle was on fire, black smoke was coming out of the vehicle, vehicle was a total loss due to fire in engine compartment, claim 59-v905-624.

The vehicle caught on fire in engine the compartment. Claim number 18-0585-289.

Vehicle experienced fire in the engine compartment, claim 18-0585-289.

Vehicle experienced fire in the engine compartment, claim 20-5359-685.

Insured states that the engine caught on fire. Claim number 20-5359-665.

While insured was driving down the road, the engine caught on fire, also the fire spread to passenger compartment. Claim number 40-2480-791.

While driving, engine started in engine compartment and spread to passenger compartment, claim 40-2480-791.

While driving, engine started in engine compartment and spread to passenger compartment, claim 40-2480-791.

Vehilce caught on fire, the investigator thinks it was an electrical problem. Claim number 59-v593-419.

While driving on a busy highway car suddenly shut off. Consumer had to pull over to avoid being hit. Also, gas was leaking everywhere.

Consumer was traveling 55mph, and upon approaching the toll booth, vehicle just cut off. Vehicle had to be towed. Dealership stated that the engine parts were no good, and the engine caught on fire.

Insured had just fueled up and started the vehicle, when smoke starting coming from under the hood, the gas attendant came out and lifted up the hood and engine was on fire. Claim number 02-0422-914.

This car is clearly a lemon. No safety defect listed.

Received notice #99v31800. Contacted dealership. Day before appointment was informed by dealer no parts available. Do not know when parts would become available. Contacted mfg & given same information as dealership.

The car gave me trouble they day I brought it!!!!! every month or every two months something goes wrong in it. No safety defect listed in summary.

Engine was replaced at 3062 brakes have been checked by a kia rep and I was told "breaks are not ment to stop the car only slow it down ".

This car has been, nonstop, 1 mech problem after another with kia CO & manuf claiming 'normal wear/tear or first heard of problems. ' your site shows that other consumers of same vehicle have all experienced same problems (esp brakes, battery, tires, steering column, fuel assembly). Kia & dealership unresponsive and unaccountable for products sold and represented- esp. Highly dangerous vehicle problems/defects. (dot number: 96737 tiresize: p185/65r14).

Fuel gauge was not working properly (reporting empty when ther was still about 5 gallons in tank) - dealer supposedly replaced gauge, but it is still not accurate - also, engine makes awful "squealing" sound when first started in the morning - dealer cannot identify problem ???.

Consumer contacted dealer in reference to recall number 99v318000 on several occasions. Dealer stated no parts were available. Please provide any further details.

On several occasions, vehicle has lost power while pulling out of roadway, consumer has mentioned this problem to the dealer, however nothing has been done to remedy the problem.

Engine has locked up on two occasions. Please provide further information.

Vehicle has a problem accelerating, when exiting on to a highway ramp, the only way the vehicle will pick up speed is on a decline. Vehicle has no power at all. The dealer has been contacted.