Owners have filed 203 complaints
about the 1996 KIA Sephia with NHTSA between 1996 and 2005.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 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 — 26
Against the median year of the KIA Sephia. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 61
11.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 76
44% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
111.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
333.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
111.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
333.3%
150,000+ miles
111.1%
When owners complained
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.
May 1996peak 16Oct 2005
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 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.
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Altamonte Springs, FLCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
EVERY TIME TAKEN IN FOR REG.CHECKUP,HAD NEW BRAKES PUT ON,PUTTING 99 BRAKES ON 96 CAR.
NHTSA complaint #737541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitewrigh, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD DUE TO WIRING HARNESSES FAILURE. YH
NHTSA complaint #552709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL INJECTION WIRING CAUGHT ON FIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #863931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, CACrash4 injured1 killed
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
NHTSA complaint #722041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, CACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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 ANY SUCCESFUL RESULTS.CAR HAVE LOTS OF DEFERENT PROBLEMS AND FACTORY DEFECTS. IT IS A LEMON.
NHTSA complaint #721400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
White Wright, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
DUE TO WIRING PROBLEMS VEHICLE HAD STALLED, A FIRE STARTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. *AK
NHTSA complaint #856845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Miami, FL
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
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 DECEMBER 2003. CONSUMER HAD TRIED TO PUSH THE DASHBOARD DOWN WITH HER HANDS, BUT THE DASHBOARD WILL NOT MOVE. CONSUMER HAS NOT HAD A DEALER LOOK AT VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10139038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesJacksonville, FL
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10102903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, DC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
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.
NHTSA complaint #10099333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,000 milesWinston Salem, NC
STRUCTURE
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 DEALERSHIPS ALSO MENTIONED THAT THEY HAVE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ON THAT SAME ISSUE. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THERE MUST BE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10067593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesSAN Diego, CA
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10067482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesCusseta, GA
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
THE DASHBOARD IS RISING AND THE DEFROSTER DOESN'T WORK, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10053627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesCusseta, GA
STRUCTURE
THE DASHBOARD IS RISING AND THE DEFROSTER DOESN'T WORK, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY TO THE DRIVER. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10053627 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,864 milesMontville, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10038262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesSpanish Fork, UT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10026908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
STRUCTURE
CONSUMER STATES THAT DASHBOARD IS PEELING OFF FROM THE CAR'S FOUNDATION.
NHTSA complaint #10026909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lubbock, TX
STRUCTURE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10020431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3 milesSAN Jose, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
"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.
NHTSA complaint #10007909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesSAN Jose, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10005770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goose Creek, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 DOES NOT WORK WELL ANYMORE SINCE THE PEELING HAS OCCURRED. THE DASH IS ALSO LIFTING AWAY FROM THE FRAME JUST ABOVE AND TO THE RIGHT OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. MY CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH DUAL FRONT AIR BAGS AND I BELIEVE THAT THIS WARPING OF THE DASH MAY IN SOME WAY EITHER CAUSE A PREMATURE RELEASE OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OR PREVENT THE RELEASE OF THE BAG WHEN IT MAY BE NEEDED. I HAVE NOTED THIS SAME PHENOMENON ON OTHER KIA SEPHIAS IN THE CITY WHERE I LIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10004998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Daly City, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN THE WHOLE DASH BOARD CAME OFF. DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AT THE TIME OF THIS. TS
NHTSA complaint #10003960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tamarac, FL
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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
NHTSA complaint #10002254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warwick, RI
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
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
NHTSA complaint #10001566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake City, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK
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. SO TOMORROW I AM TAKING MORE TIME OFF FROM WORK SO THEY CAN INSTALL A THIRD WIRING HARNESS. I HAVE TAKEN OFF 2 DAYS 3 HOURS SO FAR. THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP IS ABOUT 45 MILES AWAY. I ONLY HAVE THAT ONE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOWED OVER THERE THE LAST TIME BECAUSE THE GEAR SHIFT WOULD NOT MOVE. WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE SEEN TONIGHT ON THIS WEB SITE YOU WOULD THINK THEY WOULD CALL A RECALL. I WILL NOT REST UNTIL SOMEONE TAKES RESPONSIBLITY FOR THE CAR THAT HAS BEEN IN AND OUT THE SHOP EVERY SINCE I HAD IT. DT
NHTSA complaint #769631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake City, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
THIS IS THE THIRD WIRING HARNESS THEY ARE ORDERING. DT
NHTSA complaint #769352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Okahoma City, OK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
SEAT BELTS ARE UNTREADING WITHOUT BEING USED EXCESSIVELY.
NHTSA complaint #8013813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Largo, FL
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
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 BUMPER.
NHTSA complaint #755347 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Radcliff, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #891330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Barbara, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
ONLY 9 MONTH OLD BREAK, ROTORS HAS BECOME TOO THIN, NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #743580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plano, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #742533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cheynne, WY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
WHILE DRIVING IN DARK IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE DUE TO HEADLIGHTS LAMPS, WHERE COVER IS TURNING YELLOW, AND ISN'T ILUMINATING LIKE BEFORE.
NHTSA complaint #881770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.