Model year record

1996 Kia Sephia

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 203 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 other1840,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline12
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip12
Air bags: frontal9
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components9
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly7
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads7
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor7
Structure720,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash6
Power train: automatic transmission6
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator5
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc5
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood4
Engine and engine cooling: engine472,864 mi
Seat belts: front: anchorage4
Interior lighting3
Power train: clutch assembly3
Power train: manual transmission3
Structure: body: door3
Structure: frame and members3
Suspension: front3
Vehicle speed control3
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system317,000 mi
Air bags2
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery2
Electrical system: ignition: switch2
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner2
Exterior lighting2
Seat belts: front2
Service brakes, hydraulic2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper2
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar2
Electrical system13 mi
Electrical system: ignition1
Electrical system: ignition: module1
Electrical system: wiring1
Electrical system: wiring: rear compartment/trunk1
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers1
Engine and engine cooling1
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1
Exterior lighting: headlights: high/low beam dimmer switch1
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch1
Fuel system, gasoline1
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: fuel rail1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap1
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch1
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch1
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical1
Parking brake: conventional: mechanical: linkage and cable1
Power train: axle assembly1
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint1
Power train: manual transmission: shift pattern indicator1
Seat belts1
Seat belts: rear/other1
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: shoes/linings1
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages1
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist1
Steering: hydraulic power assist system1
Structure: body: bumpers1
Suspension1
Tires1
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1
Vehicle speed control: linkages1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core1
Visibility: power window devices and controls1
Visibility: windshield1
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring1

The 1995 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. The 1997 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.