2000 KIA Sephia problems
Owners have filed 461 complaints about the 2000 KIA Sephia with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 19.7% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 11.3%.
Complaints461
Crashes57
Fires3
Injuries45
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 19.7% · 91
Power train 11.3% · 52
Engine and engine cooling 11.1% · 51
Electrical system 11.1% · 51
Air bags 6.9% · 32
Structure 4.8% · 22
Visibility 4.8% · 22
Seat belts 3.7% · 17
Severity
Of those complaints, 57 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 45 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 7 model years of the KIA Sephia in this data, 2000 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 1998 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 7 in the last three years against 6 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 43,700 miles.
In owners' own words
Consumer was traveling at approximately 30 mph and approaching a stop light. When she attempted to apply brakes, brake pedal had no resistance behind it, and went directly to floor when pressed. Consumer took vehicle out of gear and coasted through light. After this incident, brakes worked properly. Dealership was in possession of vehicle, and was repairing an unknown component in vehicle. *Ak Service brakes, hydraulic
Vehicle experienced brake failure while driving in traffic.*Mr consumer just shifted into second gear when traffic started to stop. Brakes were applied but to no avail. Consume kept pumping the brakes but nothing. Two repairs shops stated brake failure. Consumer checked the internet and learned of a class action law suit for brake failure on 1998-2000 Sephia's/sportage's for brake failure. Service brakes, hydraulic
Vehicle experienced problems with the brakes grinding, dealer replaced the brake pads and rotors, consumer began hearing brakes grind again, this time metal to metal, dealer repaired brakes under goodwill, again brakes began making grinding noises, dealer stated that KIA had come out with some new brake pads in which they installed on vehicle, consumer feels this is a manufacturing problem. 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 1997 375 complaints · 22.9% service brakes, hydraulic 1998 994 complaints · 30.9% service brakes, hydraulic 1999 749 complaints · 27.0% service brakes, hydraulic 2001 158 complaints · 16.5% engine and engine cooling