1995 Kia Sephia: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 64 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (19% of complaints); the 1994 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2002
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2008
“Dashboard is rolling back from the windshield on both driver and passenger sid eof the car. Unable to secure the dashboard.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2004
“Technical defect in manufacturing. Mr the consumer stated ever since the vehicle was purchased the vehicle made all kinds of noises. *jb”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2002
“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. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Mar 2002
“Consumer noticed that the dashboard is falling apart, the glue, bolts and plastic cover are all coming apart. Nlm *yh”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2002
“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.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jan 2002
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2000
“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. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 1999
“The original clutch was replaced at 20000 miles, then the original transmission was replaced at 60000 miles. Now at 72500 miles both the clutch and transmission are being replaced again, after a total failure.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 1999
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 14 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
Remedy: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1995 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
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 decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1995 Kia Sephia reliable?
NHTSA has 64 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1995 Kia Sephia. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1995 Kia Sephia problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 86,740 miles or less.
Does the 1995 Kia Sephia have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:buckle assembly. 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.