2000 KIA SEPHIA
1 recalls, 461 complaints - 20 TSBs
04V305000 Jun 24, 2004
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Defect Description
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES MAY EMIT A "CLICK" SOUND DURING THE BUCKLING PROCESS THAT IS SIMILAR TO THE SOUND EMITTED WHEN A BUCKLE IS BEING LATCHED, WHEN IT IS NOT.
Consequence
THE LATCH CAN THEN PULL OUT OF THE BUCKLE WHEN TENSION IS APPLIED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. THE RECALL BEGAN AUGUST 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Complaint Statistics
461 total complaints
57 crashes 3 fires 45 injuries
Top Reported Components
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 36 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 21 |
| AIR BAGS:FRONTAL | 18 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 18 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC | 17 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 16 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 15 |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | 13 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR | 13 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 12 |
POWER TRAIN
Apr 1, 2022
Incident date: Mar 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2000 Kia Sephia. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart ... Read more
ENGINE
Apr 1, 2022
Incident date: Mar 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2000 Kia Sephia. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart ... Read more
SEAT BELTS
Apr 6, 2018
Incident date: Jun 10, 2017
THE SEATBELT PRETENSIONERS IS LOCKED UP & THEY (BOTH DRIVER/PASSENGER) SEATBELTS "DO NOT" REEL BACK 2 PROVIDE SECUREMENT OF THE PASSENGER(S). ALSO, THE ELECTRICAL ISSUE IS THE HORN DOES NOT WORK EVEN WHEN THERE'S A NEW FUSE & HORN. THERE'S A DEFECT IN THE STEERING WHEEL HORN BUTTON.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Apr 6, 2018
Incident date: Jun 10, 2017
THE SEATBELT PRETENSIONERS IS LOCKED UP & THEY (BOTH DRIVER/PASSENGER) SEATBELTS "DO NOT" REEL BACK 2 PROVIDE SECUREMENT OF THE PASSENGER(S). ALSO, THE ELECTRICAL ISSUE IS THE HORN DOES NOT WORK EVEN WHEN THERE'S A NEW FUSE & HORN. THERE'S A DEFECT IN THE STEERING WHEEL HORN BUTTON.
SEAT BELTS
Nov 12, 2017
Incident date: Jun 15, 2017
I 🅾WN A 2000 KIA SEPHIA & THE FRONT DRIVERS SEATBELT RETRACTS SLOW& DOES NOT LOCK. THE PASSENGER SEATBELT DOES NOT RETRACT @ ALL. ADDITIONALLY, THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR LOCK DOES NOT LOCK AS IF THE LOCK ACTUATOR HAS SEIZED UP.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 12, 2017
Incident date: Jun 15, 2017
I 🅾WN A 2000 KIA SEPHIA & THE FRONT DRIVERS SEATBELT RETRACTS SLOW& DOES NOT LOCK. THE PASSENGER SEATBELT DOES NOT RETRACT @ ALL. ADDITIONALLY, THE PASSENGER FRONT DOOR LOCK DOES NOT LOCK AS IF THE LOCK ACTUATOR HAS SEIZED UP.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 24, 2017
Incident date: Jul 24, 2017
THE STUPID PASSENGER DOOR WONT CLOSE THIS JUST SO DARN FRUSTRATING IT'S ALSO VERY DANGEROUS AND I AM NOT A VERY HAPPY PERSON RIGHT NOW. YOU SHOULD MAKE CARS MORE SAFE IF SOME ONE HAD BEEN HURT WITH THAT STUPID DOOR I WOULD HAVE SUED YOUI
AIR BAGS
Jun 1, 2015
Incident date: Mar 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2000 KIA SEPHIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUSING SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, HEAD, AND JAW BONE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUST... Read more
Crash
3 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Mar 21, 2015
Incident date: Mar 21, 2015
THE LOCKS FREEZE UP IN COLD TEMPS, ENOUGH TO TWIST AND BEND MY KEY. EVEN TRYING TO FORCE IT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE DOES NOT WORK. I ALMOST BROKE MY THUMB TRYING TO FORCE IT OPEN UNLESS YOU PUT A HEATER IN THE CAR FOR A LONG TIME. *TR
AIR BAGS
Oct 9, 2014
Incident date: Oct 9, 2014
NEARLY FATAL CAR ACCIDENT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THE BREAKS DID NOT LOCK UP. *TR
Crash
1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 9, 2014
Incident date: Oct 9, 2014
NEARLY FATAL CAR ACCIDENT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THE BREAKS DID NOT LOCK UP. *TR
Crash
1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 6, 2011
Incident date: Sep 6, 2008
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SEPHIA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS FAILED. THE HAZARD LIGHTS WOULD NOT FUNCTION AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING FUNCTIONED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE ... Read more
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Feb 4, 2011
Incident date: Jan 3, 2005
2000 KIA SEPHIA DOOR LATCHES DO NOT WORK WHEN WEATHER IS FREEZING AND DASHBOARD CURLED UP NOT ALLOWING DEFROST OF FRONT WINDSHIELD. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
May 26, 2010
Incident date: May 10, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SEPHIA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE ENGINE WOULD RACE FIRST AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD MOVE FORWARD. THE OVER DRIVE LIGHT STAYED ON AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD BLINK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE D... Read more
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Jan 19, 2010
Incident date: Jan 12, 2006
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SEPHIA. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED BELOW 25 DEGREES NONE OF THE DOORS LATCHES FUNCTION PROPERLY AND ITS DIFFICULT TO CLOSE THE DOOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41000. UPDATED 03/01/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN TEMPERATURE DROPPED... Read more
STRUCTURE
Jan 19, 2010
Incident date: Jan 12, 2006
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SEPHIA. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED BELOW 25 DEGREES NONE OF THE DOORS LATCHES FUNCTION PROPERLY AND ITS DIFFICULT TO CLOSE THE DOOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41000. UPDATED 03/01/10 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN TEMPERATURE DROPPED... Read more
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Mar 6, 2009
Incident date: Jan 22, 2009
IN NORMALLY OPENING THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE IN COLD WEATHER, THE PLASTIC DOOR HANDLE BROKE BECAME INOPERATIVE. THE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR WAS BY ROLLING DOWN THE WINDOW AND OPERATING THE DOOR USING THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM IF THE CAR NEEDS TO BE... Read more
AIR BAGS
Feb 28, 2009
Incident date: Feb 7, 2009
MY WIFE OWNS A 2000 KIA SEPHIA,WE WERE IN A HEAD ON COLLISION AT 40MPH AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS ASKED TO MAIL PICTURES OF THIS ACCIDENT TO KIA AND JUST RECEIVED A PHONE CALL BACK SAYING THE IMPACT WAS TOO HIGH FOR AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT,ARE YOU KIDDING ME,THE WHOLE FRONTEND OF THE CAR IS TOT... Read more
Crash
1 injured
VISIBILITY
Dec 19, 2008
Incident date: Dec 12, 2008
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... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Sep 29, 2008
Incident date: Sep 26, 2008
REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE SHOES ,BECAUSE OF A NOISE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. WHEN THE BRAKE DRUM WAS REMOVED THE ON THE RIGHT SIDE THE BRAKE LINING FELL ON THE FLOOR. IT HAD SEPARATED FROM THE BRAKE SHOE. THE BRAKE DRUM SHOWED NO SIGN OF OVER HEATING SUCH AS IF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS LEFT ON.(... Read more
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Aug 25, 2008
Incident date: Aug 16, 2008
HIT A LIGHT POLE/AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE. *TR
Crash
3 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Jan 7, 2008
Incident date: Jul 24, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SEPHIA. THE BRAKES MAKE A BANGING AND KNOCKING NOISE WHEN THEY ARE APPLIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE BRAKES WERE CHANGED, BUT THE NOISE STILL PERSISTS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 01/29/08 *BF THE CON... Read more
STRUCTURE
Nov 18, 2007
Incident date: Mar 20, 2006
I HAVE A 2000 KIA SEPHIA AND THE VENTS STARTED TO CRACK. NOW THE WHOLE DASHBOARD IS CURLING UP TO WHERE THE VENTS WON'T EVEN WORK. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE DEFROSTER WILL NOT WORK BECAUSE OF THE DEFORMATION OF THE DASH. AND WITH THIS CAR JUST BEING 6 YEARS OLD WHEN IT HAPPENED I BELIEVE IT S... Read more
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Nov 12, 2007
Incident date: Oct 21, 2006
RIGHT FRONT (PASSENGER) DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. DOOR LATCH WILL NOT UNLOCK. FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, I HAD TO CUT A HOLE IN THE INSIDE DOOR PANEL TO ACCESS THE INTERIOR OF THE DOOR. THE LOCK MECHANISM WAS RUSTED DUE TO A POORLY DESIGNED WINDOW SEAL THAT DRAINS INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE DOOR--RIGHT ONTO... Read more
STRUCTURE
Nov 12, 2007
Incident date: Oct 21, 2006
RIGHT FRONT (PASSENGER) DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. DOOR LATCH WILL NOT UNLOCK. FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, I HAD TO CUT A HOLE IN THE INSIDE DOOR PANEL TO ACCESS THE INTERIOR OF THE DOOR. THE LOCK MECHANISM WAS RUSTED DUE TO A POORLY DESIGNED WINDOW SEAL THAT DRAINS INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE DOOR--RIGHT ONTO... Read more
AIR BAGS
Oct 26, 2007
Incident date: Oct 15, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 KIA SEPHIA. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 20 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED TO THE LEFT. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NORMAL. A POLICE REPO... Read more
Crash
1 injured
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
May 17, 2007
Incident date: Jan 15, 2007
I OWN KIA-SEPHIA-2000. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS UNDER 0 DEGREES THE DOORS FREEZE SO BADLY THAT I CANNOT SHUT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OR ANY OTHER DOOR THAT I MIGHT OPEN AND THEN TRY TO CLOSE. MOST OFTEN,. AFTER I STARTED AND RAN THE HEAT AT THAT TIME THE DOOR MIGHT CLOSE SHUT. ONE EVENING IN JAN... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Jan 31, 2007
Incident date: Jan 31, 2007
TL*- THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING A 2000 KIA SPECTRUM. THE CONTACT OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE 2002 AND ALL FOUR DOORS WILL NOT SHUT WHEN IT WAS COLD OUTSIDE. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW IF THIS FAILURE OCCURRED DURING A SPECIFIC TEMPERATURE. THE CONTACTDID NOT REMEMBER WHAT THE DEALER SAID OR DO... Read more
TIRES:SIDEWALL
Oct 24, 2006
Incident date: Oct 21, 2006
PURCHASED A SET OF 4 MICHELIN X RADIAL TIRES 10/2005. IN MAY 2006 NOTICED A CRACK/CUT IN SIDEWALL OF TIRE. TIRE REPLACED AT COSTCO UNDER ROAD HAZARD WARRANTY. IN AUGUST 2006, ANOTHER TIRE SUFFERED A RUPTURE IN THE SIDEWALL CAUSING CAR TO HIT CURB. AGAIN REPLACED UNDER COSTCO ROAD HAZARD WARRANTY, D... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY
Sep 27, 2006
Incident date: Feb 28, 2002
MY KIA SEPHIA WAS PURCHASED IN 2000 AND AT APPROXIMATED 32,000 MILES THE PAINT ON THE CAR IS PEELING AND FADED AS WELL AS THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD HAS LIFTED AND IS RAISED. I SEE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH OTHER SEPHIA'S WHEN I AM IN PARKING LOTS OR ON THE ROAD. I CALLED CORAL SPRINGS KIA SEVERAL TIMES AN... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Sep 27, 2006
Incident date: Feb 28, 2002
MY KIA SEPHIA WAS PURCHASED IN 2000 AND AT APPROXIMATED 32,000 MILES THE PAINT ON THE CAR IS PEELING AND FADED AS WELL AS THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD HAS LIFTED AND IS RAISED. I SEE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH OTHER SEPHIA'S WHEN I AM IN PARKING LOTS OR ON THE ROAD. I CALLED CORAL SPRINGS KIA SEVERAL TIMES AN... Read more
STRUCTURE
Aug 3, 2006
Incident date: May 21, 2006
SEPHIA KIA DASH BOARD ....WARRANTY,IS ONLY 36,000 MILES THE SEAMS ARE TORN OUT ON THE DASH BOARD IN FRONT OF THE MILEAGE ODOMETER AND MAKING ME SICK,THE DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS BUFFED UP WITH THE AIR VENT BUFFERED UP TOWARD THE WINDOW, KEEPING ME FROM GETTING ANY AIR. I HAVE TAKEN THE C... Read more
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Jul 26, 2006
Incident date: May 12, 2006
BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS HAVE GONE AT THE SAME TIME...AT 65,000 MILES...WHICH WHEN I CHECKED WITH REPAIR SHOP IS HIGHLY UNUSUAL THAT AT THIS LOW MILES ONE WOULD GO LET ALONE BOTH...HE SAID IT IS A QUALITY ISSUE. KIA SAYS ITS NOT COVERED...WHEN WENT TO GET OUT OF DRIVERS SIDE THE DOOR HANDLE SNAPPED ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jul 26, 2006
Incident date: May 12, 2006
BOTH LOWER CONTROL ARMS HAVE GONE AT THE SAME TIME...AT 65,000 MILES...WHICH WHEN I CHECKED WITH REPAIR SHOP IS HIGHLY UNUSUAL THAT AT THIS LOW MILES ONE WOULD GO LET ALONE BOTH...HE SAID IT IS A QUALITY ISSUE. KIA SAYS ITS NOT COVERED...WHEN WENT TO GET OUT OF DRIVERS SIDE THE DOOR HANDLE SNAPPED ... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jul 8, 2006
Incident date: Jan 9, 2005
DASHBOARD WARPED AND BROKE THE DEFROSTER VENT. SAFETY HAS BEEN GREATLY COMPROMISED BECAUSE AIR IS NO LONGER ABLE TO BE DIRECTED TOWARDS THE WINDSHIELD DURING DEFOGGING/DEFROSTING. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Jun 9, 2006
Incident date: Jan 1, 2006
REGULAR DRIVING CAUSING BRAKES ON 2000 KIA SEPHIA TO REQUIRE CONSTANT MAINTENANCE ON THE FRONT ROTORS AND PADS. AT VARIED INTERVALS, THE BRAKES WOULD BEGIN TO START VIBRATING WHEN APPLIED, ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS (60 MPH) AND GOING DOWN HILLS. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENTS BUT MANY CL... Read more
EQUIPMENT
Mar 24, 2006
Incident date: May 4, 2004
THE DEFROSTER VENTS ON TOP OF THE DASHBOARD HAVE POPPED OFF. *JB
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR
Mar 20, 2006
Incident date: Mar 20, 2006
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.... Read more
VISIBILITY
Mar 20, 2006
Incident date: Mar 20, 2006
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.... Read more
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
Mar 9, 2006
Incident date: Mar 4, 2006
CONSUMER RECEIVED LETTER INFORMING HIM THAT 2000 KIA SEPHIA SEAT BELT IS UNSAFE. CONSUMER CALLED DEALER TO HAVE IT REPLACED AND WAS TOLD THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT. *TS *NM ***NAR***
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Jan 26, 2006
Incident date: Dec 15, 2005
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V305000 ON THE VEHICLE REGARDING THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY. THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THEIR VEHICLE ARE NOT AVAILABLE AT THEIR LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THE PARTS ARE NOT... Read more
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Jan 12, 2006
Incident date: Nov 24, 2005
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING A CLANKING NOISE WAS HEARD IN THE ENGINE. THEN, WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS, THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS SLUDGE IN THE OIL AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK UPDATED 03/03/06.*JB
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Dec 27, 2005
Incident date: Oct 6, 2005
OVER THE COURSE OF THE PREVIOUS FEW MONTHS, PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, I NOTICED THAT THE 2000 KIA SEPHIA WITH 80000 MILES BEGAN TO HAVE A HARD TIME WITH THE SHIFTER. IT BECAME INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT TO GET THE CAR TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE. IT CONTINUALLY FELT LIKE THE SHIFTER WAS STUCK. I ENDE... Read more
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Sep 23, 2005
Incident date: Nov 7, 2004
WHEN THE WEATHER IS COLD, THE DOORS ON MY KIA'S DON'T CLOSE. YOU HAVE TO HAVE A PERSON BUMP THE DOOR CLOSE FROM THE OUTSIDE. MY DOOR AND THE PASSENGER DOOR OPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I'M VERY FEARFUL OF DRIVING DURING IN THE WINTER, ESPECIALLY WITH MY KIDS.*JB
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Aug 22, 2005
Incident date: Aug 16, 2005
PURCHASED VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 10 DAYS BEFORE ACCIDENT AND NOTICED IMMEDIATELY THAT THE BRAKES WERE "MUSHY" AND STOPPING DISTANCE SEEMED UNUSUAL. INDIVIDUAL SELLING VEHICLE (NOT DEALER) STATED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL FOR THE VEHICLE. IT WAS HARD FOR ME TO BE CERTAIN SINCED MY PREVIOUS VEHICLE IS KNO... Read more
Crash
1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
Aug 22, 2005
Incident date: Aug 16, 2005
PURCHASED VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY 10 DAYS BEFORE ACCIDENT AND NOTICED IMMEDIATELY THAT THE BRAKES WERE "MUSHY" AND STOPPING DISTANCE SEEMED UNUSUAL. INDIVIDUAL SELLING VEHICLE (NOT DEALER) STATED THAT THIS WAS NORMAL FOR THE VEHICLE. IT WAS HARD FOR ME TO BE CERTAIN SINCED MY PREVIOUS VEHICLE IS KNO... Read more
Crash
1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Aug 5, 2005
Incident date: Jul 26, 2005
DT: 2000 KIA SEPHIA. CONSUMER'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ON JULY 26, 2005 WHEN A DEER RAN IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, SHE SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES AND SWERVED TO MISS THE DEER. SHE HIT THE METAL GUARD RAIL AND A TELEPHONE POLE HEAD ON. THIS TOTALED THE VEHICLE. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICL... Read more
Crash
1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
Jul 8, 2005
Incident date: Jul 6, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN HOT. THE COOLING SYSTEM ROCKETED TO HIGH AFTER THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE WENT DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO CHEC... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Jul 8, 2005
Incident date: Jul 6, 2005
DT: WHILE DRIVING, THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO RUN HOT. THE COOLING SYSTEM ROCKETED TO HIGH AFTER THE BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE WENT DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO CHEC... Read more
AIR BAGS
Jul 1, 2005
Incident date: Jun 29, 2005
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN A DEER CROSSED AND WAS HIT BY OUR VEHICLE. THE CAR HIT THE DEER BROADSIDE WITH THE FRONT END, THEN THE CAR WAS KNOCKED DOWN INTO THE DITCH AND HIT AN EMBANKMENT WITH THE FRONT END. BOTH IMPACTS WERE ACROSS THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE AIRBAG DID NOT D... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Showing 50 of 461 complaints.
Technical Service Bulletins, 2000 KIA SEPHIA
20 manufacturer communications from 15 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.
Most Affected Components
| Component | Bulletins |
|---|---|
| 111100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES | 3 |
| 103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 2 |
| 356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 2 |
| 126000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL | 1 |
| 171100 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | 1 |
| 103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) | 1 |
| 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
| 053000 PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT | 1 |
TSB_BOD055_R1
Sep 13, 2021
160000 STRUCTURE
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b
TSB_BOD055_R1
Sep 13, 2021
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b
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
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-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-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
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
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
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
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
017
Sep 1, 2004
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CHARGING SYSTEM UPGRADE. *TT
035R
Jan 1, 2004
111100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
BATTERY CABLE CHAFING INSPECTION, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT. REVISED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN. *TT
035
Dec 1, 2003
111100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
BATTERY CABLE CHAFING INSPECTION, REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, LETTERS TO SERVICE MANAGERS AND DEALERS AND OWNERS. *TT
025
Sep 1, 2002
111100 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO INSPECT POSSIBLE INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK. *TT
008
Mar 1, 2002
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE DIAGNOSIS. CERTAIN MODELS INCLUDING ALL RIOS. *SLC
007
Dec 1, 2001
103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
A LOGIC CHANGE IN THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM). *TT
020
Sep 1, 2001
171100 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
SUBJECT ON FRONT DOOR LATCH. *ET
001
Jun 1, 2000
126000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
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
003
Oct 1, 1999
103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THIS TECHINICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUTLINES THE NEW SEPHIA REMANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROGRAM. *TT
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
BATTERY CABLE CHAFING
PE00028
Opened: Jul 12, 2000 , Closed: Nov 7, 2000
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
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
TURN SIGHAL
There is no summary currently available
PE00004
Opened: Jan 13, 2000 , Closed: Jun 29, 2000
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
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
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
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
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.