1995 KIA SEPHIA

1 recalls, 104 complaints - 13 TSBs

02V216000 Aug 16, 2002
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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.
Remedy
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.
189,706 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Complaint Statistics

104 total complaints 18 crashes 1 fires 28 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
UNKNOWN OR OTHER9
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE6
STRUCTURE5
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP4
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL4
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS4
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 24, 2008
Incident date: Feb 29, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 KIA SEPHIA. AFTER RECEIVING AN OIL AND FILTER CHANGE, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND CALLED 911. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE ... Read more
Fire
STRUCTURE Jan 5, 2005
Incident date: Mar 3, 2003
TECHNICAL DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING. MR THE CONSUMER STATED EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE VEHICLE MADE ALL KINDS OF NOISES. *JB
STRUCTURE Mar 18, 2004
Incident date: Mar 18, 2004
DASHBOARD IS ROLLING BACK FROM THE WINDSHIELD ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SID EOF THE CAR. UNABLE TO SECURE THE DASHBOARD.*AK
STRUCTURE Nov 29, 2003
Incident date: Jun 9, 2002
THE DASH HAS SEVERAL DISCOLORED BROWN.. LOOKING LIKE BURNT SPOTS ON IT AND HAS COMPLETELEY COME UNGLUED NEAREAST THE WINDSHIELD. THE DEFROSTERS ARE RENDERED USELESS BY THIS. I COMPLAINED TO A KIA DEALER AND HE SAID I COULD HAVE A NEW ONE PUT ON. BUT ONLY COMPLETELY AT MY EXPENSE.*AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Sep 25, 2003
Incident date: Jan 7, 2002
RECALL CAMPAIGN ON SEAT BELT BUCKLE. *TS REQUESTING INFORMATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECALL CAMPAIGN #(02V-216) OF SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES 1995-98 KIA SEPHIS AND SPORTAGE VEHICLES.
STRUCTURE Mar 27, 2003
THE DASHBOARD CURLED AND LIFTED FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION AS A RESULT OF EXPOSURE TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT. *NLM *NLM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 1, 2002
Incident date: Feb 15, 2002
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD IS FALLING APART, THE GLUE, BOLTS AND PLASTIC COVER ARE ALL COMING APART. NLM *YH
STRUCTURE Oct 1, 2002
Incident date: Feb 15, 2002
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD IS FALLING APART, THE GLUE, BOLTS AND PLASTIC COVER ARE ALL COMING APART. NLM *YH
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Mar 20, 2002
Incident date: Mar 15, 2002
DRIVER WAS NOT WEARING LAP PORTION OF SAFETY RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FORCES THROUGH ROLL OVER COLLISION SEQUENCE CAUSED MOUNTING BRACKET FOR PASSIVE RESTRAINT LATCH TO FAIL. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT OFFICER SEDAM, CHP MAIT, 559-444-2538, REPORT CL-026-02. *AK
Crash
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY Nov 14, 2000
Incident date: Sep 8, 2000
GEAR SHIFT LEVER CAME OFF IN CONSUMERS HAND AS SHE WAS SHIFTING FROM SECOND TO FIRST GEAR, UPON EXAMINATION OF THE LEVER, IT LITERALLY SNAPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE METAL, CONSUMER BELIEVES THE METAL USED WAS FAULTY, CONSUMER REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT. NLM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 25, 2000
Incident date: Dec 1, 1997
DASHBOARD FAILED.* ET
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY Oct 25, 2000
THE CV JOINTS REPLACED TWICE BY THE DEALER AND NOW THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN, FRONT AXLE FAILED.* ET
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT Oct 25, 2000
THE CV JOINTS REPLACED TWICE BY THE DEALER AND NOW THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN, FRONT AXLE FAILED.* ET
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY Oct 24, 2000
THE CV JOINTS REPLACED TWICE BY THE DEALER AND NOW THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN, FRONT AXLE FAILED.* ET
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 24, 2000
Incident date: Dec 1, 1997
DASHBOARD FAILED.* ET
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT Oct 24, 2000
THE CV JOINTS REPLACED TWICE BY THE DEALER AND NOW THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN, FRONT AXLE FAILED.* ET
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 18, 2000
DASHBOARD IS STARTING TO ROLL BACK AWAY FROM WINDSHIELD TOWARDS THE DRIVER. IF STANDING IN FRONT OF THIS VEHICLE ONE CAN SEE INTO THE CONTROL PANEL. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD Sep 27, 2000
Incident date: Jun 1, 2000
THERE ARE BROWN SPOTS, IN AN OTHERWISE NAVY BLUE COLORED DASH, THAT APPEAR TO BE BURNED AREAS. ALSO, THE PART OF THE DASH CONNECTED CLOSEST TO THE WIND SHIELD HAS BECOME COMPLETELY UNGLUED. UPON CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER, WE WERE TOLD THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE DASH ITSELF BUT WE WOULD HAVE TO ... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY Sep 12, 2000
RADIATOR HAS OVERHEATED AND CRACKED, CAUSING FLUID TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, DAMAGING THE ENGINE. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN Aug 2, 2000
Incident date: Apr 1, 1999
CONSUMER DIDN'T KNOW THAT HORN NEVER WORKED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AFTER REALIZING IT DIDN'T WORK. DEALER REPLACED IT ONCE BEFORE. HORN STILL HAS A PROBLEM. *AK
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM Jul 25, 2000
Incident date: Jun 4, 2000
VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, AND THEN ROLLED OVER A COUPLE TIMES, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
Crash 3 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Jul 25, 2000
Incident date: Jun 4, 2000
VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, AND THEN ROLLED OVER A COUPLE TIMES, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK
Crash 3 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH Dec 8, 1999
Incident date: Jun 1, 1997
SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH DOOR LATCH, DASH, INTERIOR LIGHTING AND DRIVER SEAT. *AK
INTERIOR LIGHTING Dec 8, 1999
Incident date: Jun 1, 1997
SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH DOOR LATCH, DASH, INTERIOR LIGHTING AND DRIVER SEAT. *AK
SEATS Dec 8, 1999
Incident date: Jun 1, 1997
SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH DOOR LATCH, DASH, INTERIOR LIGHTING AND DRIVER SEAT. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS Dec 2, 1999
Incident date: Nov 24, 1999
WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, CAUSING A COLLISION. DEALER HAS REPLACED THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES PRIOR TO THE COLLISION. *AK
Crash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Sep 8, 1999
DRIVER WAS INVOLVED IN 4 CAR COLLISION WHERE THERE WAS FRONTAL AND REAR IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND SEATBELTS UNLATCHED BY THEMSELVES, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES. VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. *AK
Crash 2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL Sep 8, 1999
DRIVER WAS INVOLVED IN 4 CAR COLLISION WHERE THERE WAS FRONTAL AND REAR IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND SEATBELTS UNLATCHED BY THEMSELVES, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES. VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. *AK
Crash 2 injured
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY Sep 2, 1999
Incident date: Apr 1, 1999
THE ORIGINAL CLUTCH WAS REPLACED AT 20000 MILES, THEN THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT 60000 MILES. NOW AT 72500 MILES BOTH THE CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION ARE BEING REPLACED AGAIN, AFTER A TOTAL FAILURE.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION Sep 2, 1999
Incident date: Apr 1, 1999
THE ORIGINAL CLUTCH WAS REPLACED AT 20000 MILES, THEN THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AT 60000 MILES. NOW AT 72500 MILES BOTH THE CLUTCH AND TRANSMISSION ARE BEING REPLACED AGAIN, AFTER A TOTAL FAILURE.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Jul 23, 1999
Incident date: Nov 15, 1996
BRAKES WOULD SQUEAL. HAD TROUBLE STOPPING/EAR WINDSHIELD KEEPS POPPING OUT BENT FRAME, AND TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE BECAUSE SHAFT IS CROOKED.CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS Jul 23, 1999
Incident date: Nov 15, 1996
BRAKES WOULD SQUEAL. HAD TROUBLE STOPPING/EAR WINDSHIELD KEEPS POPPING OUT BENT FRAME, AND TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE BECAUSE SHAFT IS CROOKED.CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Jul 23, 1999
Incident date: Nov 15, 1996
BRAKES WOULD SQUEAL. HAD TROUBLE STOPPING/EAR WINDSHIELD KEEPS POPPING OUT BENT FRAME, AND TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE BECAUSE SHAFT IS CROOKED.CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER. *AK
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SHIFT PATTERN INDICATOR Jun 3, 1999
Incident date: Jul 12, 1998
WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE SHIFT PATTERN INDICATOR WHICH IS SITTING ON THE TAIL PIPE KEEPS LOOSENING. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR Nov 27, 1998
SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILED CAUSING IT TO BE EITHER TOO TIGHT OR NOT TO RETRACT PROPERLY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Nov 13, 1998
WHEN DRIVING AT AN HIGH SPEED AND WHEN SLOWING DOWN THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY. WHILE AT HIGH SPEEDS IT STARTS TO STALL AND WILL ALSO SHUT OFF AT AN HIGH SPEED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Aug 3, 1998
THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SYSTEM. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jul 21, 1998
Incident date: Jun 10, 1998
DASHBOARD SEPARATING ON DRIVER'S SIDE. DRIVER'S VIEW IS OBSCURED. TOOK TO DEALER & INFORMED TO CALL "800" NUMBER IN OWNER'S MANUAL. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Jul 10, 1998
Incident date: Feb 1, 1998
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION STUCK IN THE PARK POSITION.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC Jun 23, 1998
FRONT BRAKES HAVE EXCESSIVE WEAR. ROTORS/PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, BUT PROBLEM CONTINUES. DEALERS NOTED CONSUMER'S NELIGENCE. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH May 5, 1998
Incident date: Sep 9, 1997
THE KEY WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK ON THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S SIDE DOORS. THE DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC Feb 11, 1998
WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED INTERMITTENTLY THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE ROTORS AND THE BRAKE PADS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS Jan 29, 1998
Incident date: Sep 24, 1997
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE SPED FORWARD, CAUSING A COLLISION. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED .*AK
Crash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Jan 26, 1998
Incident date: Aug 27, 1997
ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED WIRING HARNESS TO MELT /OVERHEAT. IN ADDITION, TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURIES. ALSO, INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AK
Crash 4 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Jan 26, 1998
Incident date: Aug 27, 1997
ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED WIRING HARNESS TO MELT /OVERHEAT. IN ADDITION, TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURIES. ALSO, INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AK
Crash 4 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING Jan 26, 1998
Incident date: Aug 27, 1997
ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSED WIRING HARNESS TO MELT /OVERHEAT. IN ADDITION, TRANSMISSION SLIPPED OUT OF GEAR, VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURIES. ALSO, INTERMITTENT STALLING. *AK
Crash 4 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH Dec 4, 1997
DOOR LOCKS BROKE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) Dec 4, 1997
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE FAILED.
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT Dec 4, 1997
HEATER CONTROL ASSEMBLY BROKE.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE Dec 4, 1997
LEFT FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH STICKS.

Showing 50 of 104 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1995 KIA SEPHIA

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 22.0 31.0 25.0 Regular $2,500
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 22.0 30.0 25.0 Regular $2,500
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 25.0 32.0 28.0 Regular $2,200
1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 20.0 26.0 22.0 Regular $2,850
1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 21.0 26.0 23.0 Regular $2,700
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 21.0 30.0 24.0 Regular $2,600

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Compact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1995 KIA SEPHIA

13 manufacturer communications from 8 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
151400 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY2
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY2
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER1
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
053000 PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT1
123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS1
125000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS1
100000 POWER TRAIN1
PS539 Mar 2, 2018
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
TSB-GEN085R1 Jan 18, 2017
354000 EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL
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
TSB-GEN085R1 Jan 18, 2017
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
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
TSB-GEN085 Nov 4, 2016
170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
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
TSB-GEN085 Nov 4, 2016
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
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
TSBTRA046 Dec 6, 2013
100000 POWER TRAIN
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
KT-2008082201 Aug 28, 2008
053000 PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT
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
KT-2008082201 Aug 28, 2008
123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
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
KT-2008082201 Aug 28, 2008
125000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
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
027 Dec 6, 2002
151400 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. NOTIFICATION LETTER TO DEALERS. *TT
027 Dec 1, 2002
151400 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
THIS BULLETIN PROVIDED INFORMATION RELATED TO RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. *TT
003 Oct 1, 1999
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THIS TECHINICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUTLINES THE NEW SEPHIA REMANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROGRAM. *TT
002 Feb 1, 1997
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
A/C SUCTION HOSE. *JD

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SEPHIA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA04007 Opened: Feb 27, 2004 , Closed: Jul 26, 2004
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1999
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION
THE MANUFACTURER HAS INITIATED A SAFETY RELATED CAMPAIGN TO RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR CORRECTION OF THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE DEFECT.THE CORRECTIVE ACTION IS TO REPLACE THE SEAT BELTS/BUCKLES.THIS SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM HAS BEEN ASSIGNED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NO. 04V305.
EA04004 Opened: Feb 3, 2004 , Closed: Jul 29, 2004
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1998
REFUELING SPIT BACK
BASED ON THE LOW RATE OF FUEL SPIT-BACK INCEDENTS (14.3 INCIDENTS PER 100,000 VEHICLES SOLD), A LOW WARRANTY CLAIMS RATE OF 0.02 PERCENT, AND THE LACK OF ENGINEERING INFORMATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT THE PRESENCE OF AN ENGINEERING DEFECT, A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AND FURTHE... Read more
RQ03007 Opened: Oct 14, 2003 , Closed: Feb 27, 2004
RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1999
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTION
INFORMATION RECEIVED AND ANALYZED DURING THIS RQ DISCLOSED THAT MY 1999 AND 2000 KIA SEPHIA AND SPORTAGE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH MODIFIED VERSIONS OF THE SAME SAFETY BELT LATCH ASSEMBLY AS THOSE RECALLED IN CAMPAIGN NO. 02V-216.THESE LATCH ASSEMBLIES WERE IDENTIFIED AS TYPE A97. ODI ANALYSES IND... Read more
RQ03006 Opened: Aug 15, 2003 , Closed: Feb 3, 2004
RQ, Closed , Model Year: 1998
REFUELING SPIT BACK
IN JUNE 2000, KIA NOTIFIED ODI OF A DEFECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 100,000 MY 1998-99 SEPHIA PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 17, 1997 TO MAY 16, 1999, THAT COULD RESULT IN FUEL SPIT BACK WHILE REFUELING (EA99-034, RECALL 00V-175).ACCORDING TO KIA, MANUFACTURING CHANGES MADE TO THE ON... Read more
EA02016 Opened: Aug 6, 2002 , Closed: Oct 7, 2003
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1998
NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ODI GATHERED FIRE DATA FROM VARIOUS SOURCES AND INSPECTED SUBJECT VEHICLES TO ASSESS THE SCOPE AND FREQUENCY OF NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES CAUSED BY STARTER CABLE CHAFING.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOUND THAT MOST OF THE SUSPECT FIRES OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD RECEIVED SERVICE REPAIRS IN THE AREA O... Read more
PE02051 Opened: Jun 17, 2002 , Closed: Sep 20, 2002
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1995
SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MALFUNCTION
BY LETTER DATED AUGUST 25, 2002, KIA ADVISED NHTSA THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED.SPECIFIC CORRECTIVE ACTION TO BE TAKEN BY KIA HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED TO NHTSA AT THIS TIME.THE SAFETY RECALL PROGRAM HAS BEEN ASSIGNED CAMPAIGN NO. 02V-216.
PE02028 Opened: Mar 6, 2002 , Closed: Aug 6, 2002
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998
BATTERY CABLE CHAFING
PE00028 Opened: Jul 12, 2000 , Closed: Nov 7, 2000
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998
TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE
THE OIL COOLER LINE ALLEGEDLY DEVELOPS LEAKS AT IT'S JUNCTION TO THE RADIATOR
PE00026 Opened: Jul 10, 2000 , Closed: Jul 31, 2000
PE, Closed , Model Year: 2000
INCORRECT BATTERY JUMP-START
ALLEGE BATTETY MAY EXPLODE IF OWNER'S ATTEMPT TO JUMP-STATE THE VEHICLE BY FOLLOWING THE OWNER'S MANUAL DIAGRAM
EA00018 Opened: Jun 29, 2000 , Closed: Jul 29, 2002
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1998
TURN SIGHAL
There is no summary currently available
PE00004 Opened: Jan 13, 2000 , Closed: Jun 29, 2000
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998
TURN SIGNAL, TRAFFIC SAFETY HAZARD
ALLEGE THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE TRUN SIGNAL SWITCH FAILED.THIS FAILURE INCREASES THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH DUE TO OPERATOR DISTRACTION AND DUE TO OTHER VEHICLES BEING UNINFORMED OF THE OPERATOR'S INTENTIONS.
EA99034 Opened: Dec 16, 1999 , Closed: Jun 29, 2000
EA, Closed , Model Year: 1998
REFUELING SPIT BACK
The number and dates of complaints and warrant claims reported by Kia indicates that fuel spit-back has been a serieous ongoing problem with the Sephia models.Kia has made changes in both the ORVR valve and in the installation process on the fuel tank check valve, in an attempt to correct the proble... Read more
SQ99020 Opened: Jun 30, 1999 , Closed: Jan 12, 2000
SQ, Closed , Model Year: 1998
INTERMITTENT STALLING
Kia issued a Kia Technical Times in October 1998 stating that, due to loose connections at the fuel pump ground at G300, the fuel pump may shut off intermittently.The corrective action is to solder the fuel pump ground terminals at the terminal connec
PE99042 Opened: Jun 24, 1999 , Closed: Dec 16, 1999
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998
REFUELING SPIT- BACK
The subject vehicles are equipped with Onboard Refueling Vapor Recover Systems.Owners report that, during the refueling process, fuel sprays out of the refueling opening and soaks the person refueling the vehicle with liquid gasoline
PE99033 Opened: May 6, 1999 , Closed: Oct 21, 1999
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998
WINDSHIELD WIPER
ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPER BECOMES INOPERATIVE WHEN THE WIPER ARM AND PIVOT SEPARATE

KIA SEPHIA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA SEPHIA across all model years (1994, 2000).

16 Total Recalls
3,091 Total Complaints
15 Investigations
299 Reported Crashes
118 Reported Fires
8 Reported Deaths

KIA SEPHIA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2003 0 2 View
2002 0 6 View
2001 0 158 View
2000 1 461 View
1999 5 749 View
1998 6 994 View
1997 1 375 View
1996 1 203 View
1995 (current) 1 104
1994 1 25 View
1986 0 3 View

Other KIA Models

Model Recalls Complaints
SORENTO 188 13,593 View
SPORTAGE 165 6,601 View
SEDONA 118 3,350 View
OPTIMA 100 10,128 View
TELLURIDE 70 2,186 View
SOUL 66 7,233 View
SORENTO HYBRID 62 159 View
SOUL EV 62 50 View