Kia Buyers Guide

 

 1998 Kia Sephia 4dr Sdn Manual

*
MSRP: $9,995
Invoice: $8,996

Gas Mileage:
CTY: N/A    HWY: N/A    CMB: N/A
Engine/Fuel: Gas I4 /1.8L/109
Transmission: Manual w/OD
Door/Body Style: /4 Door Sedan
Drive Type:

Prices/Warranty

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  • General
  • MSRP: $9,995
  • Invoice Price: $8,996
  • Destination Charge: $0
  • Warranty
  • Basic (Month):  
  • Basic (Mileage):  
  • Powertrain (Month):  
  • Powertrain (Mileage):  
  • Rust (Month):  
  • Rust (Mileage):  

Engine & Emissions

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  • Engines & Emissions
  • 1.8L (109) DOHC MPFI 16-valve inline 4-cyl engine
  • Engine
  • Type of Engine: Gas I4
  • Displacement (CC): 1.8L/109
  • Fuel System: MPFI
  • Horsepower @ RPM: 125 @ 6000
  • Torque @ RPM: 108 @ 4500

Dimensions

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  • Exterior Dimensions
  • Track Front: 57.7
  • Track Rear: 57.3
  • Ground Clearance (in): 6.1
  • Overall Length (in): 174.4
  • Overall Width (in): 55.5
  • Wheelbase (in): 100.8
  • Interior Dimensions
  • Seating capacity - Standard: 5
  • Headroom front (in): 39.6
  • Hip room front (in): 52.1
  • Leg room front (in): 43.3
  • Shoulder room front (in): 53.8

Features

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  • Exterior
    • Clear lens halogen headlights
  • Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
    • Rear window defroster
  • Wheels & Tires
    • 14" steel wheels
    • Front wheel drive
    • P185/65R14 SBR tires
  • Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
    • 2-speed intermittent windshield wipers
    • Dual body-color manual remote mirrors
    • Dual sunvisors
    • Tinted glass

Safety Features

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  • Safety Features
  • Driver & front passenger airbags
  • Height-adjustable front shoulder belt anchors
  • Steel side-door impact beams
  • Braking & Traction
  • Pwr-assisted front disc/rear drum brakes

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*Fuel Economy Guide

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  • The fuel economy calculations assume annual mileage of 15,000 miles, 45% of which is highway miles and 55% city miles and fuel costs of $2.79 per gallon. These figures can be adjusted to more accurately reflect your driving style and fuel costs in your area:

     






 

*NHTSA Test Results

Get crash test results, service bulletins, and product recalls for every Kia model.

  • Click a car name to see the crash test details for that model.

     

     

    Crash Test Data for 1998 Kia

    No crash test data exists.

     

    Service Bulletins for 1998 Kia

    1998 KIA CARNIVAL
    Bulletin Number: KT-2008082201
    KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE
    1998 KIA KIA
    Bulletin Number: KT-2008082201
    KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE
    1998 KIA SEPHIA
    Bulletin Number: 001
    THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE TURN SIGNAL CIRCUIT IN CERTAIN VEHICLES. IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE CIRCUIT WHEN DIAGNOSING A TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION. *TT
    Bulletin Number: 003
    THIS TECHINICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUTLINES THE NEW SEPHIA REMANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROGRAM. *TT
    Bulletin Number: 007
    A LOGIC CHANGE IN THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM). *TT
    Bulletin Number: 008
    AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSIS. CERTAIN MODELS INCLUDING ALL RIOS. *SLC
    Bulletin Number: 017
    CHARGING SYSTEM UPGRADE. *TT
    Bulletin Number: 020
    SUBJECT ON FRONT DOOR LATCH. *ET
    Bulletin Number: 025
    THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO INSPECT POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK. *TT
    Bulletin Number: 027
    RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. NOTIFICATION LETTER TO DEALERS. *TT
    Bulletin Number: 027
    THIS BULLETIN PROVIDED INFORMATION RELATED TO RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. *TT
    Bulletin Number: 035
    BATTERY CABLE CHAFING INSPECTION, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, LETTERS TO SERVICE MANAGERS AND DEALERS AND OWNERS. *TT
    Bulletin Number: 035R
    BATTERY CABLE CHAFING INSPECTION, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT. REVISED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. *TT
    Bulletin Number: 98002
    PROVIDED INFORMATION ON THE SEPHIA STARTER CIRCUIT. *YC
    Bulletin Number: 98020100498
    PROVIDED INFORMATION RELATED TO THE KIA MOTORS AMERICA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER AND THE TECH LINE WORKSHEET. *YC
    Bulletin Number: KT-2008082201
    KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE
    Bulletin Number: PS539
    PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
    Bulletin Number: TSB-GEN085
    TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with sta
    Bulletin Number: TSB-GEN085R1
    TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some example
    Bulletin Number: TSBTRA046
    TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL
    1998 KIA SPECTRA
    Bulletin Number: TSBTRA046
    TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL
    1998 KIA SPORTAGE
    Bulletin Number: 007R
    THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON A CHANGE TO THE SPORTAGE 4WD HUB SEALS. *TT
    Bulletin Number: 014
    FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT UNDER REPAIR BENEFIT PROGRAM. ON CERTAIN 1997-2000 SPORTAGES. *NJ
    Bulletin Number: 016
    EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN: MANIFOLD CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACEMENT. *TT
    Bulletin Number: 027
    RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. NOTIFICATION LETTER TO DEALERS. *TT
    Bulletin Number: 027
    THIS BULLETIN PROVIDED INFORMATION RELATED TO RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. *TT
    Bulletin Number: 76
    FUEL PUMP RELAYS & EMISSIONS FAILURES. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. *TT
    Bulletin Number: 98020100498
    PROVIDED INFORMATION RELATED TO THE KIA MOTORS AMERICA TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER AND THE TECH LINE WORKSHEET. *YC
    Bulletin Number: KT-2008082201
    KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE
    Bulletin Number: PS539
    PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
    Bulletin Number: TSB-GEN085
    TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with sta
    Bulletin Number: TSB-GEN085R1
    TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some example

     

    Recalls for 1998 Kia

    1998 KIA SEPHIA
    NHTSA Campaign ID:VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
    Manufacturer:KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    Manufacture Dates:09/03/1997 - 01/29/1999
    Potential Units Affected:90054

    Defect Description:

    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.

    Consequence:

    THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE IMPAIRMENT OF VISIBILITY IN INCLEMENT WEATHER INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    Action:

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER LINK AND ALSO PROPERLY TIGHTEN THE WIPER ARM RETAINING NUTS.
    1998 KIA SEPHIA
    NHTSA Campaign ID:ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL
    Manufacturer:KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    Manufacture Dates:10/17/1997 - 05/16/1999
    Potential Units Affected:100137

    Defect Description:

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. MANUFACTURING CHANGES WERE MADE TO THE ORVR SPRING FORCE AND FLOAT WIRE LENGTH REDUCING THE VALVE ANGLE. CERTAIN VALVES CAUSED FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY.

    Consequence:

    THIS WOULD CAUSE CUSTOMERS TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK CAUSING FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK.

    Action:

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ORVR VALVE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 13, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
    1998 KIA SEPHIA
    NHTSA Campaign ID:EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH
    Manufacturer:KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    Manufacture Dates:09/01/1997 - 04/30/1998
    Potential Units Affected:25000

    Defect Description:

    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH 36,000 MILES OR LESS AS OF JULY 15, 2002, AN ELECTRICAL CONTACT PROBLEM MAY HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE HAZARD SWITCH WHICH COULD RESULT IN INOPERATIVE HAZARD LIGHTS AND/OR INOPERATIVE TURN SIGNALS.

    Consequence:

    THE LOSS OF TURN SIGNALS OR REAR HAZARD LAMPS COULD FAIL TO WARN A FOLLOWING DRIVER THAT THE VEHICLE IS TURNING AND/OR IS STOPPED AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

    Action:

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 6, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
    1998 KIA SEPHIA
    NHTSA Campaign ID:SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
    Manufacturer:KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    Manufacture Dates:06/06/1994 - 05/15/1998
    Potential Units Affected:189706

    Defect Description:

    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.

    Consequence:

    IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

    Action:

    OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
    1998 KIA SEPHIA
    NHTSA Campaign ID:FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
    Manufacturer:KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    Manufacture Dates:09/03/1997 - 05/16/1999
    Potential Units Affected:102944

    Defect Description:

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO THE FUEL PUMP PASSES THROUGH THE C304 AND C305 CONNECTORS. IF EXPOSED TO MOISTURE, THESE CONNECTORS COULD CORRODE. OVER TIME, THE FUEL PUMP WILL NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH CURRENT TO OPERATE.

    Consequence:

    THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    Action:

    DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING CONNECTORS AND REPOSITION THOSE CONNECTORS TO AN AREA WHERE THE PLACEMENT IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH MOISTURE.
    1998 KIA SEPHIA
    NHTSA Campaign ID:FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
    Manufacturer:KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    Manufacture Dates:09/03/1997 - 05/16/1999
    Potential Units Affected:102944

    Defect Description:

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT FOR THE FUEL PUMP IS GROUNDED AT JUNCTION CONNECTOR G300. IF THE PIN TENSION IS POOR, OR THE BOLT SECURING THE CONNECTOR TO THE VEHICLE FLOOR IS NOT TIGHTENED SUFFICIENTLY, A POOR CONNECTION IS MADE. AS THE FUEL PUMP OPERATES, THE POOR CONNECTION CAN CREATE HEAT WHICH IN TURN INCREASES RESISTANCE. EVENTUALLY THE FUEL PUMP WILL NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH CURRENT TO OPERATE.

    Consequence:

    THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    Action:

    THIS CORRECTIVE ACTION IS BEING PERFORMED IN CONJUNCTION WITH RECALL NO. 99V317.
    1998 KIA SPORTAGE
    NHTSA Campaign ID:SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
    Manufacturer:KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    Manufacture Dates:09/19/1997 - 05/02/1998
    Potential Units Affected:39656

    Defect Description:

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITHOUT AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS). THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING CAN CONTACT A HYDRAULIC BRAKE PIPE CAUSING FLUID LEAKAGE.

    Consequence:

    THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    Action:

    DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, INCREASE THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE PIPE AND STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COUPLING.
    1998 KIA SPORTAGE
    NHTSA Campaign ID:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
    Manufacturer:KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    Manufacture Dates:08/29/1996 - 02/01/1999
    Potential Units Affected:76986

    Defect Description:

    VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE WIRES CONNECTED TO THE C123 AND C124 CONNECTORS CAN BE PUT UNDER TENSION BY MOVEMENT OF THE ENGINE, THUS PULLING THE WIRES AND CONNECTORS, LOOSENING THEM AND RESULTING IN A LOSS OF CIRCUIT CONTINUITY.

    Consequence:

    THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE ENGINE STALLING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

    Action:

    DEALERS WILL INSTALL SPRING CLIPS TO LOCK THE CONNECTORS TOGETHER. IN ADDITION, THE DEALERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO SOLDER A SPLICE IN THE WIRE HARNESS.
    1998 KIA SPORTAGE
    NHTSA Campaign ID:SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
    Manufacturer:KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
    Manufacture Dates:10/20/1994 - 06/24/1998
    Potential Units Affected:189706

    Defect Description:

    ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.

    Consequence:

    IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

    Action:

    OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

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