KIA Sephia Visibility Problems
Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA about visibility problems on the KIA Sephia across 7 model years. The 1998 model year has the most (43). The words owners use most often: “windshield wiper” (10% of reports).
- 109visibility complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 4mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 42%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Windshield wiper: mentioned in 11 of 109 complaints (10%)
At what mileage do visibility problems happen?
Based on 15 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 109 complaints, 4 mention a crash, 2 an injury.
KIA Sephia visibility complaints by model year
| Model year | Visibility complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Sephia | 5 | 5% | 24,500 |
| 2000 Sephia | 19 | 7% | 67,500 |
| 1999 Sephia | 18 | 4% | 38,250 |
| 1998 Sephia | 43 | 9% | 19,830 |
| 1997 Sephia | 14 | 7% | 59,000 |
| 1996 Sephia | 7 | 6% | 17,000 |
| 1995 Sephia | 3 | 5% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkages
Model years: 1998, 1999
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. 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.
Risk: This condition could cause impairment of visibility in inclement weather increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the windshield wiper link and also properly tighten the wiper arm retaining nuts.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Having trouble with drivers side window. It will work then the motor/regulator gets stuck and won't function. Then all of a sudden it will work then not work. I just want to find out what's causing problem. All wires to switch tested positive power is going to and from motor/regulator to all…
In apr 2005, while driving in my 2001 kia sephia ls, my children complained that it was too cold in the back seat, so i attempted to close the driver's window. As i did, i heard a loud bang that sounded like a gun-shot. The window began to work opposite of what i chose (i.e. If i pushed up, it went…
Tl*the contact owns a 2000 kia sephia. While driving less than 60 mph, the windshield wipers stopped working. The failure occurred during heavy rain conditions and the wiper motor continued to activate; however, the wipers went into a vertical position and would no longer operate. The failure and…
Dashboard warped and coming up and touching windshield. It is breaking or blocking the vent/defroster/defogger system. Therefore the windows barely defrost and this is a safety hazard. I know of two other people having the same problem with the dashboard. Also "door open" light remains on and…
1. Rear window tint damaged by defoster wires causing the tint to bubble and obstruct rear view. 2. Heat damage to front dash results in an adjustment or movement to the fromt windsheild creating cracks in windshiled to large to repair. Occurs with both factory and commercially installed glass. 3…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Sephias have visibility problems?
No. NHTSA has 109 owner complaints about visibility for the KIA Sephia. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Sephia visibility?
Yes: 1 safety recall list visibility. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about visibility problems on the KIA Sephia?
The most frequent phrase is “windshield wiper”, in 11 of 109 complaints.
Other KIA Sephia problems
See all KIA Sephia problems.