Owners have filed 104 complaints
about the 1995 KIA Sephia with NHTSA between 1995 and 2008.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 14
Against the median year of the KIA Sephia. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
30.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 1995peak 10Apr 2008
NHTSA investigations into the 1995 KIA Sephia
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE02051Opened 17 Jun 2002Closed 20 Sep 2002SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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.
Recalls on the 1995 KIA Sephia
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
02V216000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 125,479 milesWinchester, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, BUT THE HEAT SOURCE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 125,479. UPDATED 05/19/08 *BF UPDATED 05/19/08
NHTSA complaint #10225635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CACrash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA complaint #759546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pueblo, COCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, AND THEN ROLLED OVER A COUPLE TIMES, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #865977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pueblo, COCrash3 injured
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, AND THEN ROLLED OVER A COUPLE TIMES, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #865977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
RIO Linda, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #853596 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Eugene, ORCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
NHTSA complaint #847226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 125,479 milesWinchester, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, BUT THE HEAT SOURCE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 125,479. UPDATED 05/19/08 *BF UPDATED 05/19/08
NHTSA complaint #10225635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockbridge, GA
STRUCTURE
TECHNICAL DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING. MR THE CONSUMER STATED EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THE VEHICLE MADE ALL KINDS OF NOISES.
NHTSA complaint #10015190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockbridge, GA
STRUCTURE
DASHBOARD IS ROLLING BACK FROM THE WINDSHIELD ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SID EOF THE CAR. UNABLE TO SECURE THE DASHBOARD.
NHTSA complaint #10062505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,000 milesFT. Worth, TX
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10048799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, NJ
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA complaint #10040057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Church Point, LA
STRUCTURE
THE DASHBOARD CURLED AND LIFTED FROM ITS ORIGINAL POSITION AS A RESULT OF EXPOSURE TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT. *NLM *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10011249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dundee, MS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD IS FALLING APART, THE GLUE, BOLTS AND PLASTIC COVER ARE ALL COMING APART. NLM
NHTSA complaint #8019975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dundee, MS
STRUCTURE
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD IS FALLING APART, THE GLUE, BOLTS AND PLASTIC COVER ARE ALL COMING APART. NLM
NHTSA complaint #8019975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CACrash
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA complaint #759546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aurora, CO
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:FLOOR SHIFT ASSEMBLY
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
NHTSA complaint #556170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DASHBOARD FAILED.* ET
NHTSA complaint #781264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
THE CV JOINTS REPLACED TWICE BY THE DEALER AND NOW THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN, FRONT AXLE FAILED.* ET
NHTSA complaint #781264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
THE CV JOINTS REPLACED TWICE BY THE DEALER AND NOW THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN, FRONT AXLE FAILED.* ET
NHTSA complaint #781264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DASHBOARD FAILED.* ET
NHTSA complaint #781264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
THE CV JOINTS REPLACED TWICE BY THE DEALER AND NOW THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN, FRONT AXLE FAILED.* ET
NHTSA complaint #781264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
THE CV JOINTS REPLACED TWICE BY THE DEALER AND NOW THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN, FRONT AXLE FAILED.* ET
NHTSA complaint #781264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #873267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Missoula, MT
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
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 PAY FOR THE LABOR. SINCE OUR WARRANTEE HAD EXPIRED, WE THOUGHT THAT WAS PRETTY FAIR UNTIL WE WERE INFORMED WE COULD ONLY HAVE IT REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP (WHO CHARGES $80/HOUR). OUR REGULAR AUTO BODY SPECIALIST WOULD CHARGE US HALF OF THAT AMOUNT, AND THAT WOULD INCLUDE ACTUALLY PAYING FOR THE DASH. THE MANUFACTURER AGREED TO LET US TAKE THE FREE DASH OUTSIDE THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THEN WHEN WE ASKED FOR THAT AGREEMENT IN WRITING, THEY CLAIMED THEY HAD NEVER AGREED TO ALLOW THAT. WE ASKED THEM TO REVIEW THEIR "QUALITY ASSURANCE" TAPES. WE WERE THEN TOLD THAT EVEN IF THE TAPES PROVED THE CONVERSATION OCCURED AS WE SAID, WE STILL COULD NOT TAKE THE DASH ANYWHERE OTHER THAN THE DEALERSHIP. WE DID NOT EVEN BUY THE CAR FROM THE DEALERSHIP. BY OFFERING TO GIVE US A REPLACEMENT DASH FREE OF CHARGE, THEY WERE ADMITTING THAT IT WAS A DEFECT. OF ALL THE PEOPLE THAT WE SHOWED THE DASH TO, NOT ONE PERSON HAD EVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT IN THEIR LIVES. WE FEEL THAT WE WERE DECEIVED BY THE MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #732180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gulfport, MS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
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.
NHTSA complaint #870269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vancoover, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN
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.
NHTSA complaint #866628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pueblo, COCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, AND THEN ROLLED OVER A COUPLE TIMES, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #865977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pueblo, COCrash3 injured
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, AND THEN ROLLED OVER A COUPLE TIMES, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #865977 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durango, CO
SEATS
SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH DOOR LATCH, DASH, INTERIOR LIGHTING AND DRIVER SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #715780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durango, CO
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH DOOR LATCH, DASH, INTERIOR LIGHTING AND DRIVER SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #715780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durango, CO
INTERIOR LIGHTING
SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH DOOR LATCH, DASH, INTERIOR LIGHTING AND DRIVER SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #715780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.