Owners have filed 461 complaints
about the 2000 KIA Sephia with NHTSA between 1999 and 2022.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 60
Against the median year of the KIA Sephia. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.2% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 72
42% 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
76.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
98.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1715.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2825.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2925.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
98.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
87.1%
150,000+ miles
54.5%
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.
Aug 1999peak 37Apr 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 2000 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.
EA04007Opened 27 Feb 2004Closed 26 Jul 2004SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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.
EA04004Opened 3 Feb 2004Closed 29 Jul 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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 FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR...
RQ03007Opened 14 Oct 2003Closed 27 Feb 2004SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
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 INDICATE A CONTINUING TREND OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOLLOWING A SERIES OF DESIGN MODIFICATIONS MADE BY KIA TO IMPROVE THE A97 LATCH ASSEMBLY.MY 2001 AND 2002 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH DIFFERENT DESIGN LATCH ASSEMBLIES (TYPE DB-6 OR AUTOLIV) AND EXHIBIT A MUCH LOWER COMPLAINT COUNT.THIS RQ HAS...
RQ03006Opened 15 Aug 2003Closed 3 Feb 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 ONBOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY (ORVR) VALVE COULD CAUSE FUEL SHUT OFF BEFORE THE TANK REACHED 95% OF NOMINAL CAPACITY DURING REFUELING.KIA STATED THAT IF THE CONSUMER THEN ATTEMPTED TO ADD MORE FUEL TO THE TANK, FUEL SPILLBACK OR SPITBACK FROM THE FUEL FILLER NECK COULD OCCUR.KIA REPLACED THE ORVR V...
EA02016Opened 6 Aug 2002Closed 7 Oct 2003ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
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 OF THE SUBJECT CABLE.CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA INDICATE THAT THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE HAS DECLINED SINCE A PEAK IN LATE 2001.THE MOST RECENT KNOWN EVENT OCCURRED IN NOVEMBER OF 2002. KIA WILL PERFORM A SERVICE CAMPAIGN BEGINNING IN LATE 2003 TO INSPECT SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO JANUARY 2000 FOR CAB...
PE02028Opened 6 Mar 2002Closed 6 Aug 2002ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BATTERY CABLE CHAFING
PE00026Opened 10 Jul 2000Closed 31 Jul 2000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INCORRECT BATTERY JUMP-START
ALLEGE BATTETY MAY EXPLODE IF OWNER'S ATTEMPT TO JUMP-STATE THE VEHICLE BY FOLLOWING THE OWNER'S MANUAL DIAGRAM
Recalls on the 2000 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20042949,601 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the front seat belt buckles may not latch properly, even though they emit a clicking sound during latching. Improperly latched buckles would not provide passenger restraint and could pull out at any time, especially during a collision. Correction: Dealers will replace the front seat belt buckles.
Recall 20000955,466 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles do not comply with Regulation 6 - Statement of Compliance. The outer circle of the National Safety Mark was omitted and the vehicle type was not stated in both official languages on the compliance label. Correction: A correct National Safety Mark will be affixed to affected vehicles. An adhesive label, which indicates the vehicle type in both French and English, will be affixed to the permanent compliance label.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 86,000 milesHouma, LACrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
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 SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, HEAD, AND NECK INJURIES. THE REAR SEAT PASSENGER SUFFERED A NECK INJURY. ALL THE OCCUPANTS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #10722692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesMountain City, TNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
NEARLY FATAL CAR ACCIDENT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THE BREAKS DID NOT LOCK UP.
NHTSA complaint #10643737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesMountain City, TNCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
NEARLY FATAL CAR ACCIDENT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THE BREAKS DID NOT LOCK UP.
NHTSA complaint #10643737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesAthens, ALCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 TOTALED AND THAT'S THE BEST ANSWER YOU CAN GIVE ME,OH YEAH HE SAID HE WAS SORRY.
NHTSA complaint #10260293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesIndependence, MOCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
HIT A LIGHT POLE/AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE.
NHTSA complaint #10239673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesSanta Anna, CACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT AND SUSTAINED BRUISES TO HER CHEST. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #10207015 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 130,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
POWER TRAIN
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 after being jumpstarted. The contact continued to drive; however, the failure recurred 5 times while driving and depressing the brake pedal or the accelerator pedal. After each failure, the vehicle was able to be restarted when jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys and diagnosed; however, no fault code was retrieved. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11459275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
ENGINE
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 after being jumpstarted. The contact continued to drive; however, the failure recurred 5 times while driving and depressing the brake pedal or the accelerator pedal. After each failure, the vehicle was able to be restarted when jumpstarted. The vehicle was taken to a local Pep Boys and diagnosed; however, no fault code was retrieved. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11459275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,678 milesFT. Lauderdale, FL
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11083709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,678 milesFT. Lauderdale, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11083709 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesFAT Lauderdale, FL
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11045411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesFAT Lauderdale, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11045411 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aberdeen, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11010393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesHouma, LACrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
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 SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER, HEAD, AND NECK INJURIES. THE REAR SEAT PASSENGER SUFFERED A NECK INJURY. ALL THE OCCUPANTS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
NHTSA complaint #10722692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesThorold, OH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10700871 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesMountain City, TNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
NEARLY FATAL CAR ACCIDENT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THE BREAKS DID NOT LOCK UP.
NHTSA complaint #10643737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesMountain City, TNCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
NEARLY FATAL CAR ACCIDENT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THE BREAKS DID NOT LOCK UP.
NHTSA complaint #10643737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesRaleigh, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10423924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesKewgardens, NY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2000 KIA SEPHIA DOOR LATCHES DO NOT WORK WHEN WEATHER IS FREEZING AND DASHBOARD CURLED UP NOT ALLOWING DEFROST OF FRONT WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #10380780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 162,000 milesPalmyra, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 DEALER CHANGED THE SENSORS FOR THE LIGHTS. HOWEVER, THE OVER DRIVE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS WERE CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 162,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 162,384. UPDATED 11/03/10.
NHTSA complaint #10332295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesElizibeth Town, KY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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, THE DOOR LOCKS DID NOT LATCH. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAS TO HOLD DOOR WHILE DRIVING. ALSO, THE DASH BOARD WAS FALLING APART. UPDATED 08/20/10.
NHTSA complaint #10300338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,000 milesElizibeth Town, KY
STRUCTURE
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, THE DOOR LOCKS DID NOT LATCH. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAS TO HOLD DOOR WHILE DRIVING. ALSO, THE DASH BOARD WAS FALLING APART. UPDATED 08/20/10.
NHTSA complaint #10300338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,525 milesWest Hartford, CT
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
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 EXITED QUICKLY.
NHTSA complaint #10260897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 113,000 milesAthens, ALCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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 TOTALED AND THAT'S THE BEST ANSWER YOU CAN GIVE ME,OH YEAH HE SAID HE WAS SORRY.
NHTSA complaint #10260293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 138,000 milesUpper Marboro, MD
VISIBILITY
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 CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #10252284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,890 milesCamden, DE
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.(,CHECKING)ALL THE SHOES APPEAR TO BE FAILING. .THE VEHICLE HAS FRONT DISC AND HAS 64000 MILES ON IT . THE BRAKE SHOES APPEAR TO BE FACTORY. THE DEFECTIVE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10243942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 148,000 milesIndependence, MOCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
HIT A LIGHT POLE/AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE.
NHTSA complaint #10239673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesSterling Heights, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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 CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP. UPDATED
NHTSA complaint #10214017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesAndrews, NC
STRUCTURE
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 SHOULD BE RECALLED. IT MAY CAUSE ME TO WRECK FROM NOT BEING ABLE TO CLEAR THE FOG OFF OF THE WINDOW. EVERY KIA SEPHIA THAT I HAVE SEEN HAS THIS PROBLEM NOW. WHICH IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH A CAR THAT IS NOT EVEN 10 YEARS OLD.
NHTSA complaint #10209279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Research Triangle Park, NC
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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 THE LOCK. THIS IS DANGEROUS-- MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON BULLETIN BOARDS ALL OVER THE NET. THERE IS A TSB (625894) THAT DEALS WITH LATCHES, BUT I HAVE NOT CHECKED IT YET WITH THE DEALER. I UNDERSTAND KIA HAS SOME COVER OR SOMETHING THAT SHIELDS THE LOCK. PERHAPS THE TSB IS FOR THE SHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #10208734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Research Triangle Park, NC
STRUCTURE
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 THE LOCK. THIS IS DANGEROUS-- MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON BULLETIN BOARDS ALL OVER THE NET. THERE IS A TSB (625894) THAT DEALS WITH LATCHES, BUT I HAVE NOT CHECKED IT YET WITH THE DEALER. I UNDERSTAND KIA HAS SOME COVER OR SOMETHING THAT SHIELDS THE LOCK. PERHAPS THE TSB IS FOR THE SHIELD.
NHTSA complaint #10208734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.