Carlexica

1994 Kia Sephia: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 16 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 1994

1
recalls
16
owner complaints
0
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest Sephia years (#8 of 8 by complaints, age-adjusted)No fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 16 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)3 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control (unintended acceleration, cruise control)3 complaints
Seat Belts3 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)3 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)1 complaint
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)1 complaint
The electronic speedometer sensor was replaced under the 1994 recall. Consumer says that the exact same part has gone bad again in early jan. 1999. Dealer has been contacted. 94v-134. *akOwner report · Power Train · Jan 1999
Driving at low speed, vehicle was impacted at 6:00 position, driver's seat track and anchors broke, causing the seat to fall backwards. *akOwner report · Seats · Apr 1997
The drivers side seatbelt gets stuck in the holder and will not release and the belt cannot be used. Please describe. TtOwner report · Seat Belts · Feb 1996
Show 3 more owner reports
The engine had to be replaced since a thermometer didn't tell the engine it was hot. Which blew the head gaskets, melted the spark plugs, took out the water pump, and so over heated the engine block. The front rotors went out twice. Sounds like a wind tunnel, since the seals aren't good. The car doesn't accelerate properly when the gas pedal is pressed. Never drive it during a 20 mph windy day. It get good gas mileage - still at 29 to 33 mpg. *akOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 1995
Engine: when driving and downshift to slow down the vehicle does not recognize the fact that one is trying to slow down, when downshifting the vehicle the engine just completely dies, this does not happen intermittently. *ak consumer stated seatbelts have been replaced, also the brakes were replaced.*jbOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 1994
Front seat belt will not retract when put on during a sudden stop, can go right in the windshield. Also the shift gear will not move when ready to shift the gear. *akOwner report · Seat Belts · Jun 1994

When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

POWER TRAIN94V134000 · Jul 1994

THE ELECTRONIC SPEEDOMETER SENSOR CAN SEIZE, CAUSING THE SPEEDOMETER AND CRUISE CONTROL (IF THE CAR IS EQUIPPED WITH CRUISE CONTROL) TO STOP FUNCTIONING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SPEEDOMETER DRIVE GEAR, ELECTRONIC SENSOR, AND FLEXIBLE SHAFT ASSEMBLY.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 1994 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Body stylesSedan/Saloon

How other years compare

Check your exact Sephia by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1994 Kia Sephia reliable?

NHTSA has 16 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1994 Kia Sephia. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.

Does the 1994 Kia Sephia have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.