1996 Kia Sephia: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 118 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (28% of complaints); the 1994 and 1995 model years look 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 118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2004
“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. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Dec 2003
“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.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“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. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2003
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2003
“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. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2002
“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”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2002
“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”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2002
“While driving in dark it is impossible to see due to headlights lamps, where cover is turning yellow, and isn't iluminating like before.*ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2001
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 17 - 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 1996 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 1996 Kia Sephia reliable?
NHTSA has 118 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1996 Kia Sephia. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Kia Sephia problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 56,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 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.