1996 KIA SEPHIA

1 recalls, 203 complaints - 15 TSBs

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

203 total complaints 10 crashes 5 fires 17 injuries 1 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	18
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE	12
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS	9
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	9
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY	7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS	7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR	7
STRUCTURE	7
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	6

Incident date: Dec 1, 2003

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT ON DECEMBER 1, 2003 THE DASHBOARD LIFTED UP IN THE FRONT WHEN TURNING ON THE DEFROSTER . IT DID NOT DEFOG THE WINDOW, IT WILL WORK SOMEWHAT BUT NOT LIKE IT SHOULD. CAN SEE THE INSIDE DASHBOARD WHERE WIRING AND FOAM WAS. IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE SINCE DECEMBE... Read more

Incident date: Nov 4, 1996

I PURCHASED A 1996 KIA SEPHIA AND HAVE THE SAME PROBLAM AS ALOT OF OTHER OWNERS. THE DASHBOARD IS LIFTING AND PEELING AWAY FROM THE FRAME.*AK

Incident date: Nov 3, 2004

ABS BRAKING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER NOTICED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *AK

Incident date: Dec 10, 2002

IT IS UNBELIEVEABLE THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THE DASHBOARDS FOR KIA VEHICLES. I OWN A KIA SEPHIA AND IT SEEMS LIKE THE DASHBOARD CRACKS AND PEELS OFF. I HAVE SEEN OTHER MODELS AND IT FACES THE SAME PROBLEMS. MATTER OF FACT I VISITED KIA DEALERSHIPS AND THERE IS NO WARRANTY ON THIS ITEMS. THE DEALE... Read more

Incident date: Apr 13, 1999

DASHBOARD IS SEPARATING FROM THE FRAME OF THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER HAS EXAMINED THE VEHICLE ON FOUR OCCASIONS, AND WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

THE DASHBOARD IS RISING AND THE DEFROSTER DOESN'T WORK, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER. *AK *MR

Incident date: Aug 12, 2003

WHEN VEHICLE HAS BEEN STARTED ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND REMAIN ILLUMINATED. HAD TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP, AND MECHANIC FAILED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK

CONSUMER STATES THAT DASHBOARD IS PEELING OFF FROM THE CAR'S FOUNDATION.*AK

Incident date: Jul 8, 2003

CONSUMER STATES THAT BODY MOUNTS SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING FUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. RELATED RECALL 98V323000, CONSUMER'S VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK

THE DASH BOARD BUCKLED TO THE POINT WHERE THE CONSUMER HAD TO CUT OFF PORTIONS OF IT. THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED IT MAY AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE AIR BAG. *JB

Incident date: Jun 1, 1996

"CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE I BAUGHT THE CAR. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE IT FIXED BUT THE LIGHT STILL COMES ON. MY CAR WILL NOT PASS CALIFORNIA SMOG WITH THE LIGHT ON WHICH MEANS THAT I CANNOT RENEW MY REGISTRATION THE NEXT TIME THE DMV REQUIRES A SMOG CHECK.

Incident date: Feb 12, 2003

DASHBOARD HAS CURLED UP IN FRONT (AGAINST WINDSHIELD). BECAUSE OF THIS THE DEFROSTER WILL NOT DEFROST THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. AS A RESULT I AM UNABLE TO SEE ADEQUATELY TO DRIVE ANYTIME MY WINDSHIELD IS FOGGY. THIS MAY ALSO CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT BUT I'M NOT SURE.

Incident date: Jan 31, 2002

THE CENTER OF THE DASHBOARD NEAR THE WINDSHIELD VENTS HAS PEELED AWAY OVER THE LAST YEAR OR SO FROM THE DASH FRAME. RIGHT NOW IT IS STANDING AROUND 3" FROM THE FRAME AND I AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO TRANSGRESS INTO MY LINE OF SIGHT. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE DEFROST/DEFOGGER ON THE CAR... Read more

Incident date: Nov 30, 2002

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE WHOLE DASH BOARD CAME OFF. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS. TS

Incident date: Oct 7, 2002

CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING GOING 30MPH THE VEHICLE WAS IN A HEAD ON ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATES THE SEAT BELT NEVER LOCKED AND BOTH AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. TS

Incident date: Dec 8, 2002

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LOCK PROPERLY CAUSING THE CONSUMER NOT TO HAVE A SEAT BELT ON WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS

Incident date: Oct 14, 2002

THE FIRST WIRING HARNESS THAT WAS ORDERED FOR THIS CAR ON 10/29/02 WAS DEFECTIVE. THEY ORDERED A SECOND ONE. I WENT TO PICK UP MY CAR THEY SAY WAS READY AND EVERYTHING IS WORKING. BEFORE I DROVE OFF THE LOT I NOTICED MY DOOR AJAR LIGHT ON. HOWEVER ALL OF THE DOORS WERE CLOSED INCLUDING THE TRUNK. ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 28, 2002

THIS IS THE THIRD WIRING HARNESS THEY ARE ORDERING. DT

Incident date: Jun 11, 2002

SEAT BELTS ARE UNTREADING WITHOUT BEING USED EXCESSIVELY.*AK

Incident date: Jan 1, 2001

THE SEAMS THAT JOIN THE BODY IN THE REAR HAVE SEPARATED, THIS CAUSED A LEAK IN THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. SEPARATION IS SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH TO CAUSE FREE FLOWING WATER TO BE SEEN ENTERING THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT. SOME OF THE SEPARATION OF THE SEAM IS NOT VISIBLE DUE TO BEING LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE REAR ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2001

DASHBOARD WAS WARPING. DASHBOARD BEGAN DISCOLORING A YEAR 1/2 AGO, AND CURRENTLY WAS FALLING APART. DEALER ADVISED THAT IT WAS SIMPLY WEAR AND TEAR. CONSUMER FEELS THAT PASSENGER'S SIDE AIRBAG MAY DEPLOY. *AK *SLC

Incident date: Apr 3, 2001

ONLY 9 MONTH OLD BREAK, ROTORS HAS BECOME TOO THIN, NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *AK

THE DASHBOARD ON MY KIA IS FOLDING AND BUCKLING PREVENTING THE DEFROST SYSTEM TO BLOW CORRECTLY. THUS, MAKE IT A HAZARDOUS CONDITION WHEN IT IS RAINING AND THE WINDSHIELD FOGS UP. THE BLOWER CANNOT REACH THE WINDSHIELD DUE TO THE BUCKLING OF THE DASH.

Incident date: Feb 28, 2001

WHILE DRIVING IN DARK IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE DUE TO HEADLIGHTS LAMPS, WHERE COVER IS TURNING YELLOW, AND ISN'T ILUMINATING LIKE BEFORE.*AK

Incident date: Jan 6, 2001

BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED EVERY 8000 MILES. *AK

Incident date: Aug 5, 1999

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Incident date: Aug 5, 1999

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Incident date: Aug 5, 1999

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

AFTER AN OIL CHANGE THE MECHANIC LEFT THE OIL PLUG LOOSE AND THE PLUG FELL ON THE OPEN HIGHWAY, NOW THE VEHICLE HAS LEFT A CONSUMER STRANDED.*ET

Incident date: May 9, 2000

EVERY TIME TAKEN IN FOR REG.CHECKUP,HAD NEW BRAKES PUT ON,PUTTING 99 BRAKES ON 96 CAR. *AK

Crash 1 injured

A CONSUMER RECEIVED THE RECALL FOR HIS VEHICLE BRAKES AND ROTORS, SINCE THEN THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM CONTINUOUSLY, DEALER REPLACED ROTORS 4 TIMES BUT THE PROBLEM STILL CONTINUES. *ET

Incident date: Nov 9, 1999

EVERY 5000 MILES NEEDS BRAKES/ ROTORS, CONSUMER FEELS ROTORS ARE WARPING FAST, AND THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT.*AK

Incident date: Nov 9, 1999

EVERY 5000 MILES NEEDS BRAKES/ ROTORS, CONSUMER FEELS ROTORS ARE WARPING FAST, AND THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT.*AK

Incident date: Jul 1, 2000

THE TOP OF THE DASH ACTUALLY HAS A LARGE BURN SCORCH MARK ABOUT THE SIZE OF A GRAPEFRUIT AND THE FOAM LIKE MATERIAL IS BULGING OUT, THIS IS IN THE MIDDLE OF FLORIDA'S SUMMER HEAT AND VEHICLE HAS BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE OF MY WORK BUT A CAR ONLY 3 YEARS OLD SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE, OVER YEARS... Read more

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE SYSTEM, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

Incident date: Aug 19, 1998

STARTER FAILED. NLM

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD DUE TO WIRING HARNESSES FAILURE. YH

Fire

CONSUMER HAD THE BRAKE REPAIRED AND THEY FAILED AGAIN 6299 MILES LATER, THEY HAD THE BRAKES REMOVED AND TAKEN TO A SPECIALIST WHO INFORMED THEM THAT THE ROTORS WERE THE ORINGINALLY INSTALLED ROTORS AT THE TIME OF MANUFACTURING. CONSUMER FEELS THE THE BRAKE JOB DONE PRIOR WAS NEVER DONE OR THE NEW B... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 1996

I'VE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT RECEPTICLES DUE TO FAILURE OF LATCH. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANT EVEN AFTER IT IS RESET. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY. *AK

Incident date: Jul 4, 1996

I'VE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT RECEPTICLES DUE TO FAILURE OF LATCH. THE ENGINE CHECK LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANT EVEN AFTER IT IS RESET. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY. *AK

Incident date: Oct 1, 1999

I HAVE HAD THE BRAKES REPAIRED AT LEAST 10-12 TIMES AND THE PROBLEM STILL IS NOT FIXED. THE BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES HARD AND DOESNT DEPRESS, MAKING STOPPING SLOW. THE FRONT WHEELS OF THE CAR BECOME BLACK,COVERED WITH THE DUST FROM THE BRAKE PADS.. AND AT TIMES THE BRAKES STICK AND RESISTANCE IS FELT FRO... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 1999

Incident date: Jun 11, 2000

FUEL INJECTION WIRING CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Fire

Incident date: Mar 24, 1998

BECAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION OF BRAKE SYSTEM, I HAD AN ACCIDENT. BRAKE INSPECTION BY KIA AUTHORIZED MECHANIC REVEALED, THAT THE CAR HAD FACTORY DEFECT IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM. *AK

Crash 4 injured 1 deaths

Incident date: Mar 26, 2000

WAS DRIVING VEHICLE & NOTICED SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. PULLED OVER & SMOKE FILLED THE INTERIOR. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC CHECKED UNDER HOOD & NOTICED THE ELECTRICAL WIRES WERE FRAYED. COULD NOT LOCATE CAUSE OF THE FRAYED WIRES. *AK

Incident date: Apr 24, 1999

DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT WILL LATCH, BUT IT COMES LOOSE ON ITS OWN. *AK

Incident date: Mar 26, 1998

IN MARCH 24, 1998 BECAUSE OF THE MALFUNCTION OF BRAKE SYSTEM , I HAD AN ACCIDENT. THE BRAKE INSPECTION BY KIA AUTHOIZED MECHANIC REVEALED, THAT THE CAR HAD FACTORY DEFECT IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM. UNTIL NOW THERE HAS BEEN DONE A NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF REPAIRS AND ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE BRAKE SYSTEM, BUT WITHOUT... Read more

Crash

THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE PULLED OUT OF THE CENTER ANCHOR IN THE TRANSFER BRACKET DUE TO POSSIBLE DESIGN FLAW OF THE METAL BEING TOO SOFT (WEAK) FOR FORCE NECESSARY. MJS

IN COLD/DAMP WEATHER BRAKES WILL LOCK UP AND MAKE LOUD NOISE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SKID. *AK

Showing 50 of 203 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1996 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)	21.0	28.0	24.0	Regular	$2,600
1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	24.0	31.0	27.0	Regular	$2,300
1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	18.0	26.0	21.0	Regular	$2,950
1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	27.0	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, 1996 KIA SEPHIA

15 manufacturer communications from 9 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL	2
151400 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY	2
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	2
357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER	1
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION	1
053000 PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT	1
123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS	1
125000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS	1

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.

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

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

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

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

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

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

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

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

151400 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. NOTIFICATION LETTER TO DEALERS. *TT

151400 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDED INFORMATION RELATED TO RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. *TT

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

THIS TECHINICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUTLINES THE NEW SEPHIA REMANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROGRAM. *TT

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

RECALL CAMPAGIN ON EVAPORATIVE FUEL VAPOR HOSE REPLACEMENT FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.8 LITER BPD ENGINES. *TT

063100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

REPLACEMENT REPAIRS OF ALL EVAPORATIVE FUEL VAPOR HOSES AND PIPES AT THE FUEL TANK. *TT

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

BATTERY CABLE CHAFING

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE

THE OIL COOLER LINE ALLEGEDLY DEVELOPS LEAKS AT IT'S JUNCTION TO THE RADIATOR

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

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1998

TURN SIGHAL

There is no summary currently available

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.

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

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

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

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 (current)	1	203
1995	1	104	View
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

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1996 KIA SEPHIA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1996 KIA SEPHIA

Technical Service Bulletins, 1996 KIA SEPHIA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA SEPHIA

KIA SEPHIA - All Years Overview

KIA SEPHIA - Year by Year

Other KIA Models