2001 Kia Sephia: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 107 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (16% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
107
owner complaints
2
fire reports
31,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaigns2 fire reportsProblems reported early (median 31,000 mi)
Common problems
Computed from 107 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)16% · 17 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)16% · 17 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)13% · 14 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)10% · 11 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)8% · 8 complaints
Seat Belts6% · 6 complaints
“Having trouble with drivers side window. It will work then the motor/regulator gets stuck and won't function. Then all of a sudden it will work then not work. I just want to find out what's causing problem. All wires to switch tested positive power is going to and from motor/regulator to all switches. My cell is [xxx] I just want a name and phone number of someone who can fix this in 07646 area code. I,e an expert on power window problems thank you. My name is [xxx] this is sort of a complaint because it's become a difficult diagnosis I need a kia specialists help. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2016
“I was on my way to college when I hit a patch of wet road, when I tried to correct the slide, the right side grabbed and put me into a spin over both lanes and I hit the left side guard rail head on at approx. 45mph. Air bags didn't deploy for either side. Car is almost worth fixing but I will never drive that metal deathtrap again. This is my first and absolutely the last kia I will ever buy. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2012
“Car gives off a very bad gas odor. Everytime I put gas in the car, the gas indicator on the dashboard goes down and car cuts off on me when im doing 20 mph. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Jul 2011
Show 7 more owner reports
“I am complaining because my gear shift won't shift. In the owner's manual, it says if this happens to remove the small cap on the gear shift box and put a screw driver in the hole to manually shift, which I have had to do for the past few months. If they knew it was going to happen and placed a back-up plan in the manual, why didn't they fix it to began with? It would cost a few hundred dollars to replace the gear shift cable. Why should I have to be the one to do this? I think it is kia's responsibility to replace my gear shift cable. Like I said, it is in the owner's manual to use a screw driver if the gear shift fails. Updated 04/21/11 *bf”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 kia sephia. The vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The starter and two relays were replaced; however, the failure immediately recurred. The contact has not had the vehicle diagnosed by an authorized dealer to determine the cause of the failure. She is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure and current mileages were 52,984. Updated 01/07/09. *lj updated 01/08/09. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2008
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 kia sephia. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited an unusually overpowering gasoline odor from the blower vents when first starting the vehicle. The failure would occur intermittently and became progressively worse over time. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered a leak in the fuel dampener at the connection with the fuel line. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 kia sephia. The contact stated that water was collecting inside the driver side tail light housing. The dealer stated that the warranty was not bumper-to-bumper and would not repair the vehicle under warranty. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 33,000 and failure mileage was 32,000.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Dec 2007
“When starting the car mostly in the morning, the brake failed. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor. The pedal was all the way to the floor (level with the clutch) before the car came to a complete stop. *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated without warning the radio stopped working and there was a burning odor. The contact removed the radio and found melted wires. The contact replaced the wires and the vehicle was not seen by a mechanic. *ak”Owner report · Equipment · Jun 2006
“Dt: dashboard separated from windshield without warning. Driver's side came loose, and now the other side was loose. Manufacturer was called, and they said they had a recall on that problem. Dealer has not been contacted yet.*ak”Owner report · Structure · May 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 20 of these complaints and injuries in 19 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2001 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 decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Kia Sephia reliable?
NHTSA has 107 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Kia Sephia. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (16% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Kia Sephia problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 31,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.