Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 1997 Kia Sephia, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Service brakes, hydraulic72
- Engine and engine cooling44
- Electrical system31
- Power train30
- Air bags30
- Unknown or other20
- Seat belts20
- Structure19
- Visibility14
- Fuel system, gasoline11
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 29 injuries and 2 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Recalls
02V216000 · Seat belts16 Aug 2002 · 189,706 vehicles
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kia told its dealers about the 1997 Kia Sephia: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 609808 | THIS TECHINICAL SERVICE BULLETIN OUTLINES THE NEW SEPHIA REMANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROGRAM. *TT |
| 608137 | RECALL CAMPAGIN ON EVAPORATIVE FUEL VAPOR HOSE REPLACEMENT FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.8 LITER BPD ENGINES. *TT |
| 607703 | REPLACEMENT REPAIRS OF ALL EVAPORATIVE FUEL VAPOR HOSES AND PIPES AT THE FUEL TANK. *TT |
| 52442 | SEPHIA FRONT BRAKE PADS - DESIGN CHANGE. *TW |
| 52287 | A/C SUCTION HOSE. *JD |
| 10201529 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL |
| 10133170 | PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine. |
| 10109812 | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only. |
| 10109777 | TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? |
| 10091489 | TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL, THEN REFERENCE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SYSTEM/ REPAIR PROCEDURES/ INSPECTION AND ADJUSTMENT SECTION FOR THE CORRECT ATF CHECK/FILL PROCEDURES. |
| 10026726 | KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE |
| 10000033 | THIS BULLETIN PROVIDED INFORMATION RELATED TO RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE THE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. *TT |
| 10000032 | RECALL CAMPAIGN 027 TO REPLACE FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLES. NOTIFICATION LETTER TO DEALERS. *TT |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
PE02051 · Seat belts:front:buckle assemblyopened 17 Jun 2002 · closed 20 Sept 2002
SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MALFUNCTION
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation