1997 KIA Sephia problems
Owners have filed 375 complaints about the 1997 KIA Sephia with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 22.9% of them — the clear leader, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 12.5%.
Complaints375
Crashes49
Fires5
Injuries40
Deaths4
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 22.9% · 86
Engine and engine cooling 12.5% · 47
Power train 9.6% · 36
Electrical system 9.1% · 34
Air bags 8.5% · 32
Structure 6.1% · 23
Unknown or other 6.1% · 23
Seat belts 5.6% · 21
Severity
Of those complaints, 49 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire, 40 report an injury and 4 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 7 model years of the KIA Sephia in this data, 1997 sits 4th by complaint volume. 1998 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 18 in the last three years against 41 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 63,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The last time my rotors warped for the fifth time, my dealer wasn't going to replaced them until I had a lengthy discussion with him and he called the manufacturer. He did not replace the brake pads this time because KIA would not authorize that expense. They are warping again for the sixth time. I have never had a car with as many problems as this car(some are not listed). I don't feel safe in it at all. Service brakes, hydraulic
I have only had this car for 1 month. It had been in the shop 3 times. It has never been fixed to my satisfaction. The battery died the day after I brought it home. The brakes had to be completely replaced. That cost ~$200. I have a small infant and bought this car for safety (dual airbags) the dealer won't buy the car back and the service department can't seem to fix the car. Help!!! Service brakes, hydraulic
3Rd time problem with rotors.Turned 1x,replaced 1x.Check engine light came on and they're claiming that the wiring is corroded all over the car.Admits KIA has problem with rotors,but won't fix it because I haven't used dealership for routine and maintenance (too expensive and bad hours...They charged $200 more than any other place for 30k service!Same work involved! Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other KIA Sephia years
1995 104 complaints · 16.3% power train 1996 203 complaints · 23.2% service brakes, hydraulic 1998 994 complaints · 30.9% service brakes, hydraulic 1999 749 complaints · 27.0% service brakes, hydraulic 2000 461 complaints · 19.7% service brakes, hydraulic 2001 158 complaints · 16.5% engine and engine cooling