Model year record

1995 Kia Sephia

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 104 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V216000

Seat belts: front: buckle assembly

Component
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
Manufacturer
KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
Vehicles affected
189,706
Reported to NHTSA
2002-08-16
Owners notified
2002-12-20

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE MAY "FALSE LATCH" AND EXPOSE THE DRIVER TO UNRESTRAINED MOVEMENT DURING A CRASH.

Safety risk

IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT KIA AT 1-800-333-4542.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Unknown or other9
Power train: automatic transmission7
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline6
Structure548,000 mi
Air bags: frontal4
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly4
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components4
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor4
Electrical system: horn3
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch3
Seat belts: front: retractor3
Child seat2
Interior lighting2
Power train: axle assembly2
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint2
Power train: manual transmission2
Seat belts: front: anchorage2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads2
Steering2
Structure: body: door2
Suspension: front2
Vehicle speed control2
Visibility: windshield2
Air bags1
Electrical system: wiring1
Engine and engine cooling1125,479 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)1
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1
Fuel system, gasoline1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap1
Fuel system, other1
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical1
Power train1
Power train: clutch assembly1
Power train: manual transmission: floor shift assembly1
Power train: manual transmission: shift pattern indicator1
Seats1
Seats: front assembly: recliner1
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages1
Steering: hydraulic power assist system1
Structure: frame and members1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element1
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring1

The 1994 model has 4 times as many complaints as this one. The 1996 model has about half as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.