2001 KIA Sephia problems
Owners have filed 158 complaints about the 2001 KIA Sephia with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 16.5% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of air bags at 13.3%.
Complaints158
Crashes31
Fires3
Injuries33
Deaths3
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 16.5% · 26
Air bags 13.3% · 21
Power train 12.0% · 19
Electrical system 11.4% · 18
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.6% · 12
Seat belts 6.3% · 10
Structure 5.7% · 9
Visibility 5.1% · 8
Severity
Of those complaints, 31 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire, 33 report an injury and 3 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 7 model years of the KIA Sephia in this data, 2001 draws comparatively few complaints; 1998 is the outlier year.
Filing volume has held steady, 7 in the last three years against 8 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 18,000 miles.
In owners' own words
My car is in the shop for the third major repair in less than 2 years. First, in jan. Of '04 there was a leak in the block. That required the entire engine to be replaced ($3,800). Then, 2 months ago, the entire electrical system had to be replaced ($1,567) and now it is in the shop to have the compressor and belts replaced($975). The dealership also does not offer a loaner car and I cannot afford to rent. Engine and engine cooling
When consumer starts up the vehicle and after the vehicle has warmed up, when he goes to shut the vehicle off and restart the vehicle - he has to turn the ignition four (4) times before the engine will turn over. The dealership has examined the vehicle three times and been unable to effectively correct the problem. The dealership to date has replaced air filters and the fuel pump. Engine and engine cooling
Vehicle repeatedly stalls. Taken to the dealtership several times ,and told that the problem did not occur when they had the vehicle; therefore, they are unable to fix. Dealership acted as if they never heard of this problem when I see now that this is a common problem. Vehicle is only used to drive in area - mostly taking 2 of my 3 young children to school. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 16,000 miles
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 2000 461 complaints · 19.7% service brakes, hydraulic